Washington Capitals Look Ahead To 2015 NHL Winter Classic

On Jan. 1, 2015, Washington, D.C., will become the eighth NHL city to host what has become arguably the most sought-after event in ice hockey ... aside from the Stanley Cup Finals, of course.

The Washington Capitals were chosen as the hosts for this season's beloved outdoor hockey game, and the team could not be more excited.

As nhl.com's Dan Rosen reports, Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis fell in love with the event when he watched the inaugural game against the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins in a blizzard at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, New Year's Day 2008.

"I said, 'This is the greatest thing I've ever seen and I want one of these for our fans,'" Leonsis told Rosen. "It just had this big-event, big-game vibe about it, and I loved every minute of it."

So Leonsis coordinated with National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman and Washington Nationals majority owner Ted Lerner to bring the event to Washington.

In January, they will see their years-long dream finally come to true when the Capitals take on the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationals Park.

"This is a special city that has a history and a lure and a persona that is reflective of being a nation's capital," Bettman told Rosen. "This is a city that knows how to do special things and put on big events, so we're just happy to be here and be part of that scene."

Leading up to game day, EPIX and the NHL will join forces to broadcast a behind-the-scenes look at both teams as they prepare for the game throughout December. The weekly episodes will air on EPIX in the United States and SportsNet in Canada, and they are Part 1 in a two-part series that will also feature the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks as they play their way toward the 2015 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series Feb. 21.