Mirabito Outdoor Classic Today

The AHL's version of the winter classic will be played later this afternoon, at 1:00pm ET. This is significant for Jacket fans because the event is being hosted by their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. The Crunch will take on state rival the Binghamton Senators.

This is the AHL's first attempt at an outdoor game, and the excitement that is surrounding this game can be summed up by this quote from Senator Charles Shumer:

"This first ever outdoor AHL hockey game – which I hope will become an annual tradition – will bring the eyes of the sports world to Syracuse," said Senator Charles E. Schumer. "It has the potential to bring in serious tourism revenue for Syracuse and be a financial shot in the arms in difficult times. I look forward to seeing the puck being dropped and watching the Crunch and the Senators battle it out on our fairgrounds. This will be a boon to hockey fans from Syracuse to Binghamton and beyond!"

The game will be broadcast on The NHL Network. This will be a great opportunity for fans of the Blue Jackets to catch a glimpse of the players that are in the development system. There are without a doubt a handful of future Blue Jackets on the Crunch roster.

Go Crunch!