You don't have to be a hockey fan to appreciate the NHL's annual Winter Classic. The premise itself is cool enough: Two teams from the world's top hockey league facing off outdoors in an iconic sports stadium.
For many NHL players, it harkens back to the days when they first learned to play hockey on frozen-over ponds. For fans, it's a fun way to experience the game they love in a setting both novel and traditional. And for many photographers, the entire situation is a dream come true. This year's first Winter Classic took place on Jan. 1.
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The University of Michigan's legendary "Big House" football stadium played host to the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. A reported crowd of more than 105,000 fans — the largest to ever watch a live hockey game, pending official verification — braved sub-freezing temperatures as Toronto eked out a shootout win. Snow fell, fans screamed and we were once again reminded of the magic sports can conjure.
Above are 12 of our favorite shots from the match. But if they only whet your appetite for more stunning sports photography, see below.
Image: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images