The NHL has officially announced that the New York Rangers will play two games at Yankee Stadium next year, one against the in-state rival Islanders, and another against the New Jersey Devils.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement that read, "The innovative nature of the Stadium Series affords the opportunity to have all three NHL teams in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area play, outdoors, at one of the most-recognized stadiums in the world. We'll be able to create a multi-faceted, multi-day experience for our fans, and we thank the teams, Coors Light, the New York Yankees and Yankee Stadium for their support of this memorable NHL event."
Lonn Trost, the COO of Yankee Stadium also released a statement praising the decision to host several hockey games in one of the most famous stadiums in the world.
"We have long thought that Yankee Stadium would be a great venue for outdoor hockey. In addition to being a first-class baseball facility, Yankee Stadium was designed to house unique and memorable events, such as the NHL Stadium Series. Hosting two of the NHL's classic rivalries at Yankee Stadium will be a great kickoff for the worldwide sporting events in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area scheduled in early 2014."
The Rangers are the only New York/New Jersey hockey team to have played an outdoor game; they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia in 2012.
Garth Snow, Islanders general manager released a statement regarding the upcoming games at Yankee Stadium as well. "The New York Islanders are honored to take part in the National Hockey League's outdoor Stadium Series," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. "Our fan base is one of the most passionate in the NHL. The support we consistently receive from our fans was on display during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs and I expect it to be on an even greater scale when we take on the Rangers."
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