The Hub December 2013/January 2014 | Page 11

Story by Evan Mathias W ith the Winter Classic approaching, the rivalry between Leafs fans and Wings fans will surely heat up in Windsor. The two teams will play close to home at legendary Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on New Year’s Day in the NHL’s annual outdoor game. The rivalry betweenLeafs and Wings fans is well-known in these parts, and pretty common according to Robb Serviss, professor of Hockey, Culture and Society at St. Clair College. He said that the rivalry exists because both teams were part of the original six era. “I think the rivalry will always be there because it is even a little bit Canada against America and because of that rich history between the two teams,” said Serviss. Aside from the Winter Classic, this season is the first time Toronto and Detroit will meet in the same conference since 1989 when Toronto moved to the Eastern Conference. Serviss thinks that being in the same conference will reignite the ancient rivalry. December 2013/January 2014 - The HUB 11