CHICAGO — Jim Montgomery, the coach of the St. Louis Blues, took a moment to appreciate the scene around him before the Winter Classic game on Tuesday night. He observed the ever-expanding crowd embracing the celebratory vibe that filled Wrigley Field, a venue steeped in the history of legendary baseball players. “It’s really incredible that we are here playing an NHL hockey game,” Montgomery reflected, clearly in awe of the special occasion.
The Winter Classic returned to Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting a festive environment that included stunning fireworks lighting up the night sky. Attendees enjoyed performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper, while beloved actors Bill Murray and Jon Hamm received loud cheers when they appeared on the big screen during the third period.
In a commanding display of skill, the St. Louis Blues defeated the Blackhawks 6-2 before a crowd of 40,933, marking their third consecutive victory in the Winter Classic. “This experience has been extraordinary for both the fans and us,” stated Brayden Schenn, captain of the Blues. He expressed gratitude for having family and friends there to witness such a momentous event at Wrigley Field, especially given the added joy of coming out on top.
Recent addition to the Blues, Cam Fowler, made his presence known by celebrating his 1,000th NHL game with a two-goal performance, making him the first player in league history to accomplish this feat outdoors. The 33-year-old defenseman described the experience as “pretty surreal” after spending his entire career with the Anaheim Ducks. “I’ve gone through a lot of emotions in the past few weeks adjusting to a new team,” Fowler said. “Sharing this moment with my family has made the night extraordinary for all of us.”
In stark contrast, the Blackhawks found themselves grappling with disappointment as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss. The team struggled to find their rhythm in front of a loud and passionate home crowd, falling behind after the Blues netted three goals in the second period. The final moments of the game saw raucous chants of “Let’s go Blues!” reverberating through the stadium. “It’s tough for our fans who paid good money to support us; we understand that,” said Connor Bedard, a forward for the Blackhawks. “We are disheartened for letting them down.”
As the day began, Bedard and his teammates made their way to Wrigley, showcasing custom “Team Chicago” gear while riding one of the city’s famous elevated trains. Their pregame attire celebrated the franchise’s ties to the city, featuring patches to honor Chicago’s first responders, along with each player selecting a charitable organization for the hats they wore. “Bringing our community together is really special,” shared captain Nick Foligno. “Highlighting our first responders is something we wanted to do; they play a vital role in our community.”
On the other hand, the Blues arrived at the stadium dressed in gray sweatshirts and hats, bearing the number 99 and the label “GRETZKY’S BASEMENT,” a tribute to the hockey school associated with the Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky. “We wanted to take this chance to honor Wayne and his contributions to the game,” said Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. “His influence in St. Louis has been immense, and we felt this was an appropriate way to show our gratitude.”
The Blues were assigned to the visitor’s clubhouse at Wrigley, which involved navigating a lengthy staircase to access the ice. Embracing the challenge, they approached it with a sense of humor. “Taking it slow really focused my mind for the game,” remarked goaltender Jordan Binnington lightheartedly. “Just one step at a time — we talk about that approach often, and it really helped me tonight.”
