Over the weekend, the NHL held the inaugural NHL Outdoors event at Lake Tahoe. The league invited the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Colorado Avalanche to play a game against their division counterpart in light of the NHL’s premier outdoor events, the Winter Classic and Stadium Series, being canceled for this season.

While the event doesn’t compare to the thrill of playing in a sold-out football stadium, it was still a remarkable job by the NHL. The backdrop of the game was perfect with the lake, mountains, and pine trees all in the background as the game took place. Even with ice conditions looming large in the first game, it received positive reviews from hockey fans, and some hope the NHL makes it a consistent tradition. It provided a unique changeup to outdoor games compared to the stadium backdrop, and it truly provided the feeling of hockey going back to its roots.

However, if the NHL does decide to do the NHL Outdoors game again, the question is now where can the league go? It is obviously more challenging to find places for rinks in the elements, but there several contenders for the event. We surveyed followers on our Instagram, @Drive4Five, to see where they want to see these outdoor games.

Lake Placid, New York

If there’s any place that holds its place in USA hockey lure, it’s Lake Placid. Home of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, this is the place that saw the improbable run of the 1980 United States hockey team that upset the Soviet Union and won the gold medal. Since the game, it is a hotspot for skiing and hockey tournaments, and there are several skating rinks, both natural and man-made, in the area. Add the scenic view of the Adirondack Mountains, and the city can play host to a great game of NHL hockey. Although far from Buffalo, it is possible the Sabres could play host to the game, and an Atlantic Division matchup could make for a memorable way to honor the city, the gold medal-winning team, and the game of hockey in the United States.

Central Park, New York

While the NHL may want to consider non-stadium venues, that doesn’t mean they can exclude urban areas. With this scenario, the NHL goes to the bright lights of New York City and Central Park. Although the scenery won’t be the same as the snow-capped mountains, the skyline of the city that never sleeps will also make for a very entertaining venue. Not to mention, three teams play very close to New York City, meaning any combination of the Islanders, Rangers, or Devils playing in a game will make for a great rivalry matchup. Although there are two rinks in Central Park, the Lasker and Wollman rinks, it is likely the league will need to make modifications as both rinks aren’t NHL dimensions. Either way, it will require extensive planning, but bringing the NHL Outdoors to The Big Apple can be great for the game.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Lake Louise is highly regarded as a popular location for skiing during the winter months, and for good reason. The views of the Rocky Mountain range and pine trees are breathtaking, especially when snowcapped in the winter months. Considering the area it is in, the NHL should very much consider bringing an outdoor game to this location not only for the views but the storied rivalries that have taken place in the region. The battle of Alberta needs no introduction, as Calgary and Edmonton have been tearing each other apart for decades. Also, just one province west of Alberta, Vancouver also has a history with those two cities, so the Canucks can also be in the running to partake in the event. As a result, the NHL can get a tremendous event if they choose to visit Lake Louise with some storied rivalries and an amazing setting to make for a tremendous day for hockey.

As a result of the NHL Outdoors games, it is very possible the league does more of these in the future. Considering the wide variety of climates in North America, there are several possibilities for the NHL to play outdoor games in the elements. Whether they do this event again is to be determined, but these are several fine possibilities for if hockey returns to this setting.

Matthew Page

I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.