As originally reported by the Chicago Sun-Times back near the end of May, it appears that an official announcement is only a formality: the Red Wings will face the host Chicago Blackhawks in Wrigley Field in January as part of the NHL's Heritage Classic outdoor game. The announcement is expected to come next week before the Blackhawks Convention at the Chicago Hilton.

The latest report, from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports that the game was finally approved last week when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman met with the Hawks, Cubs and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.

The Red Wings may not be completely happy with the pending announcement, as the club has pushed hard to host their own event at likely hosting spots such as Michigan Stadium, Comerica Park or even Ford Field (though that location couldn't be considered outdoors). With Detroit's participation in next season's event it likely rules out the Red Wings hosting their own game for several years.

The game also throws a wrench in the Red Wings' traditional New Year's Eve game, as the club will likely spend time in Chicago leading up to the game to get accustomed to the outdoor setting.