NHL Winter Classic: When pregame warmups really involve warming up

CHICAGO -- Lots of pregame activity on the field before today's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

A group of Blackhawks came out to play a mini-soccer game, the type many teams play in the hallway outside their locker rooms. This one was played in full view of the fans -- and in the 23-degree temperature that reigned an hour before game time.

The group included Andrew Ladd, Cam Barker and Troy Brouwer, and not all of the players had dressed in long pants. A few wore loose, long-john type pants that were cut off at the knee, a brave choice in the chill. Most of the participants wore woolly caps like the ones that were flying off the shelves of souvenir stores outside the stadium.

Several members of the Detroit Red Wings also ventured out to take a look at the scene and warm up their muscles with some stretching, and their heads were covered.  They seemed to enjoy taking everything in, occasionally looking over toward the stands and to the bleachers, where fans were filing in.

Skies were gray, which the players had hoped would be the case after being bothered by the glare of the sun hitting the ice during Wednesday's practices. The flags above the stadium were whipping in a wind that was measured at 16 mph, though the wind didn't appear to be a factor down on the field.

Stadium gates opened at 10 a.m. local time, and fans filed in with obvious enthusiasm. The red throughout the stands gave the place a vibrant look -- red being a dominant color in both teams' uniforms -- and made for a cheery atmosphere.

Another nice touch: a small rink set up in short center field, where a bunch of very young players played an informal game and seemed to be enjoying every moment of it.

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: The rink is ready, the game is about to begin. Credit: Tannen Maury / EPA