It looks like rumors of an NHL outdoor game may come to fruition for the city of Minnesota.

The often deniable-talking commissioner Gary Bettman made a unusual statement by pretty much guaranteeing the state of Minnesota, the Wild, and it’s fans would be getting either a Winter Classic or Stadium Series game. The time was not specified, but Bettman hinted that it would be in the near future.

According to sportsnet.ca, “…an outdoor game will be happening in the state of hockey.”

Bettman had this further to say:

“Obviously there may be no better place to play an outdoor game. The facilities are here, the last time I was here last winter, we took a look at a couple of venues(.)”

And why not?

The state is a hotbed of hockey influences. Minnesota is deserving of the honor. Starting from the top, there is the Wild. Though, not taking the Central Division by storm this year, they have proven to be a successful franchise in recent times. Zach Parise is a native of Minnesota, and whose dad was the captain of the old Minnesota North Stars. Other famous players to come from Minnesota are: Phil Kessel (TOR), Nick Leddy and Kyle Okposo (NYI), Thomas Vanek (MIN), Erik Johnson (COL), Blake Wheeler (WPG).

Speaking of the University of Minnesota, the Golden Gophers college hockey is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. That’s for both men’s and women’s.

Another influence may have come from a separate outdoor game. Earlier this year, the university hosted their own college hockey outdoor classic as both men’s and women’s hockey teams played rival teams in Minnesota State and Ohio State. The event attracted a large crowd and was a huge success.

In what is sure to be a successful venture, Bettman and the NHL are making the right move by giving the “state of hockey” something to look forward to: the hockey spotlight!