Expanding Winter Classic to neutral ice

Tom DiPerna, Denver

If the NHL really wants to expand the Winter Classic, why not start having it in neutral locations?

I can only imagine the pride fans in Winnipeg would feel watching Shane Doan and the Coyotes hit the ice again in the classic Jets jerseys that Manitobans know and love. This would also solve the inevitable problem the NHL will face of including small market or warm market teams and teams with little or no history.

Watching the Flames and Thrashers at Mosaic Stadium in Saskatoon or Wild and Stars at Lambeau Field in Green Bay would both attract new fans in those markets and remind the older fans of the great history of the game.