The 2012 NHL Winter Classic is quickly approaching, and the outside venue isn't the only aspect of the game that sets it apart from the average regular season affair.
The Winter Classic, which will take place at Citizen's Bank Park on Jan. 2 between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, features an alumni game between stars from both franchises that will kick off the festivities on Dec. 31.
Participating in the alumni game for the Flyers will be Jeremy Roenick, Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mark Howe, among others, and the crew will be coached by Pat Quinn. The Rangers will be coached by Mike Keenan, who led the organization to its first championship in more than 54 years in 1993-94. Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney and Mike Gartner are all expected to skate in the game.
The alumni game should foreshadow the actual game, which features two of the Eastern Conference's top three teams (as of Thursday afternoon).
Game Date/Time: Monday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Citizen's Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa.
TV: NBC (National), CBC (Canada)
For continued updates and analysis of both these teams, visit the Flyers blog Broad Street Hockey and the Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.