A Blast from the Past: Jim Montgomery and the NHL Winter Classic
The NHL Winter Classic is a highly anticipated event for hockey enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the sport’s history. Every New year’s Day, the league transforms an outdoor venue into a spectacle, transporting fans back to hockey’s roots. While numerous outdoor games are scheduled throughout the season, the Winter Classic consistently garners the most attention.
This year, the St. louis Blues will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. For Blues coach Jim montgomery, this game represents a childhood dream realized for the third time. As he shared in an interview with Jean-François Chaumont, montgomery vividly recalls watching his childhood heroes play at Wrigley Field.”It’s like being nine years old again,” Montgomery exclaimed. “standing on the hallowed ground of Wrigley Field, I can almost see Tim Raines, Gary Carter, and the Expos battling the Cubs. I even remember footage of Andre Dawson in a Cubs uniform after his time with the Expos. To be coaching an NHL game here is an incredible honor.”
Montgomery’s previous Winter Classic experience coaching the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park further emphasizes his recognition for these historic venues. Growing up, he was a devoted baseball fan, often accompanying his father to Expos games at Olympic Stadium. He even played baseball himself, excelling as a shortstop and second baseman until the age of fourteen.
Montgomery acknowledges that the atmosphere of an away game, especially the Winter Classic, is uniquely electrifying. The massive crowds and the grandeur of the stadium create an unforgettable experience.
“The cold doesn’t bother me behind the bench,” he remarked, referencing a particularly frigid Winter Classic in Minneapolis. “I love the energy of an away game. The stadium’s size adds another dimension, and the sounds of the crowd, the bands, and the players on the ice create an incredible ambiance.”
After being dismissed by the Boston Bruins in November, Montgomery quickly found a new opportunity with the St. Louis Blues. Currently holding a 17-17-4 record and sitting in sixth place in the Central division, the Blues are looking to make a statement in this year’s Winter Classic.
Mark your calendars for December 31st at 5:00 p.m.to witness this historic matchup between the Blues and the Blackhawks at the legendary Wrigley Field.
”It’s Like Being Nine Again”: A Winter Classic Conversation with Jim Montgomery
The holiday season is upon us, and for hockey fans, that means one thing: the NHL Winter Classic. This year, we’re headed to the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, where the St. Louis Blues and chicago Blackhawks will clash in what promises to be a memorable outdoor spectacle. Joining us to discuss this special event and reflect on his own unique connection to the Winter Classic is the Blues head coach, Jim Montgomery.
Welcome, Coach Montgomery! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
Jim Montgomery: My pleasure. It’s always great to talk hockey, especially when it involves a game as special as the Winter Classic.
Let’s dive right in. This isn’t your first rodeo when it comes to the Winter Classic – you coached the Bruins at Fenway Park a few years back. What makes these outdoor games so unique and captivating for you?
JM: It’s truly a blast from the past,you know? Growing up as a kid,you dream of playing in these big stadiums,feeling that history all around you. Standing on the ice at Fenway, looking up at those towering Green Monster seats – it was surreal.
And now Wrigley Field.It’s going to be another electric atmosphere.
Absolutely. You’ve mentioned your childhood memories of watching baseball at Wrigley Field. How does it feel to now be coaching a hockey game on that very same field?
JM: Honestly, it’s like being nine years old again. To think that I used to watch guys like Tim Raines and Gary Carter play here, and now I’m going to be behind the bench coaching an NHL game? It’s an incredible honor.It makes you appreciate the rich history of both baseball and hockey in this country.
I understand you were a big baseball fan growing up?
JM: Huge fan! My dad and I used to go to Expos games at Olympic Stadium. I even played baseball myself until I was fourteen. I was a pretty decent shortstop and second baseman, if I do say so myself!
That’s amazing. So,you’ve experienced the thrill of major league baseball firsthand.How does that translate to your approach as a hockey coach, especially in an surroundings like the Winter Classic?
JM: It gives you an understanding of the pressure, the excitement, the sheer magnitude of these events. You need to be able to keep your team focused amidst all the distraction. But also, you need to embrace the moment. You want your players to soak it all in, to enjoy the unique experience of playing in front of a massive crowd under the open sky.
The article mentions that you love the energy of away games. What is it about the atmosphere of an away game, especially a Winter Classic, that excites you?
JM: The energy is just palpable.The sheer size of the stadium adds another dimension to the game. You have the roar of the crowd, the bands playing, the sounds of the ice skates – it all creates this incredible ambiance.
And as an away team, you’re feeding off that energy. It’s truly electrifying.
Well, the Blues will be the visiting team at Wrigley Field. They’ve had a bit of a roller coaster season so far, sitting around .500.Do you see the Winter Classic as an prospect for the team to make a statement?
JM: Absolutely. The Winter Classic is a big stage. It’s a chance for our team to show the league what we’re capable of. We’re going to embrace the challenge and leave it all on the ice.
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Now, let’s turn things over to our readers. What are your thoughts on this year’s Winter Classic? Do you have any special memories of past Winter Classics? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below.
let’s keep the conversation going!
