What do you think Shea Theodore is telling William Karlsson in this picture?
"Roberto's has $1.59 tacos on Wednesdays and they slap hard."
"I bet Connor McDavid mixes raw eggs with his black licorice. Dude gives me serial killer vibes."
"You know what would be a good idea? An international outdoor game for the NHL."
Considering the Vegas Golden Knights were in the Winter Classic last season, it sounds like a great idea. 47,113 hockey fans gathered at T-Mobile Park not to see the Mariners lose a baseball game. Instead, it was to watch a hockey game between the Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken, where the home team won, 3-0.
It proved to be an amazing spectacle with Seattle's own Sir Mix-A-Lot involved, where seafood workers tossed salmon across from each other as the players entered the ice. Out spewed fire near the entryway, making the entrance more appealing. Overall, the event was a success despite the unsuccessful result,
So what does that have to do with the NHL going overseas for a Winter Classic, let alone an outdoor game? For one, there are many names that came from Europe, specifically Sweden. That includes Nicklas Lidstrom, Peter Forsberg, and the Sedin twins (Henrik and Daniel). The game would be a massive hit for hockey fans in the Nordic country, where the temperatures would drastically drop for winter.
But there's one specific location that would be ideal for such a game. It would make fans feel like they're at home near the California/Nevada border, specifically for an outdoor game (i.e. 2021). If you're wondering where this is, it's the Siljan Lake and here's what makes it special.
Why Siljan Lake in Sweden would be perfect for a Winter Classic game with the Vegas Golden Knights involved
Let's start with why this is perfect for the Vegas Golden Knights. They have plenty of Swedish-native players on their team, including William Karlsson and Alexander Holtz. They could play another team with some prominent Swedes, such as the Vancouver Canucks and Elias Pettersson. It would be a love letter for a nation obsessed with hockey.
But what about Siljan Lake in Sweden? What makes this location so special? Well, look at none other than the scenic views of the area.
Its scenic beauty alone should remind Golden Knights fans of Lake Tahoe, where their team played an outdoor game against the Colorado Avalanche. But the Nordic country's pristine lake also honors its contributions to hockey. It could be a faceoff between Karlsson and Elias Petterson where Nicklas Lidstrom drops the puck. There could be cosplaying Vikings entering the arena and introducing the starting lineups for each team. That last part might be a little silly and pretentious. But it's not like they're competing on Eurovision.
The NHL needs to look into an international outdoor game, starting in Sweden. The game has a stranglehold on the nation and continues to grow in popularity. With the Golden Knights having numerous names tied to the country, why not add them to the mix and have them play in an outdoor game? It might seem like a crazy idea. But it's crazy enough to work.