I’m tied up with a heavy workload and a prenatal appointment today, so I can’t be all over the Winter Classic announcement like I’d like to be. Fortunately, George is at the headline link.

I did catch the announcement through the stream and it’s pretty exciting to finally have it officially official. With the Griffins being involved and our connection to Griffins season tickets likely still open next year, we may get to make it to the Marlies/Griffins game. Which would be sweet. Even if we don’t, it’s going to be an awesome series of events. Can’t wait.

Chuck Pleiness also has sources confirming the story to him. Though I think calling it “official” isn’t quite accurate, if the official announcement still hasn’t gone out. But as Joe Yerdon suggested, the NHL might as well spit the confirmation out at this point.

Also, Helene St. James had confirmation on her end earlier today, but I’ve decided to try to avoid linking to the Freep while they insist on having those autoplay videos on their site.

So reports Ansar Khan via “a source.” If true, UM AD Dave Brandon’s concerns about the “complications” have been addressed.

And, Khan’s reporting says, Comerica Park won’t be left out, which confirms Scott Burnside’s report and should do something to placate the Ilitch family.

Oh, and the opponent’s the Leafs, according to Khan’s source.

The next step is the NHL’s confirmation, which could come as early as next month.

Scott Burnside has it from a source that the NHL is looking to host Winter Classic events in the City of Detroit after all, in the form of a second rink that could be placed in Comerica Park.

It’s a great thought and definitely something that should be pursued, but it’s going to be hard to make up to Detroit for the fact that the main event would be in Ann Arbor.

Maybe the alumni game is played at the Detroit rink? Burnside says the GLI’s an event under consideration, which would be similarly cool.

The 2013 Winter Classic could be a real extravaganza, for sure.