Winter Classic “will go on as planned” despite forecast for extreme weather

Saturday's 2022 Winter Classic at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota "will go on as planned" according to NHL officials despite a weather forecast that calls for "extreme temperatures."

The Minnesota Wild will host rival St. Louis Blues at the home of the MLB's Minnesota Twins on Saturday in -15F (-26C) extreme cold. 

"As with any outdoor game, weather is a factor," NHL executive Steve Mayer said. "We clearly recognize that when we go to any venue. And as with any game, we're monitoring the weather, and we'll make decisions that are in the interest of our players and our fans, period.

"We're getting expert opinions, but the weather is always changing too. It keeps moving. We're not going to make an educated guess. We're going to make a decision based on facts.

"As of right now, we are confident the game will go on as planned."

The coldest outdoor game in NHL history was, ironically, the first one ever played. The 2003 Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens was played at 0F (-17C) in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.

Bundle up Minnesotans... but then again... this is nothing new for you, right? ;)