Report: Winter Classic Canceled by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

by John Beattie on Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 12:05PM

One of the best and youngest traditions in pro sports will be taking a year off.

According to TheStar.com's Damien Cox, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will announce the cancellation of this year's Winter Classic on Friday afternoon. The Associated Press reported that "a person familiar with the situation" is confirming that the Winter Classic will be canceled, as well.

"There were reports today that the NHL was considering waiting for another two weeks to cancel the game," Cox writes. "But league sources say that the logistics of the event, all the tickets and hotels and part-time workers required to hold events in two different locations, all conspired to make holding the event with less than 60 days to pull it off became impractical."

Nick Kypreos of Canada's Sportsnet is reporting that sponsors have been notified that the game will be canceled.

Sources saying sponsors r being notified the #NHL Winter classic gm' will be cancelled. An official announcement coming as early as 2pm est

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) November 2, 2012