NHL Cancels Winter Classic

A source told ESPN's Pierre LeBrun that the NHL Winter Classic that was going to be played on January 1 between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at the University of Michigan's football stadium has been canceled.

The NHL is expected to announce the cancelation of the game this afternoon.

It is a shame for the NHL to lose this game because it attracts fans, allows players to play outside, and is a huge money maker for the league.

The lockout is six weeks in, and caused hundreds of NHL games to be canceled, revenue lost, and damage to the league's reputation.

The NFL and NBA had lockouts the past two years, but were able to work out games. No games were missed in the NFL, and the NBA season was postponed to December.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said an 82 game season is unlikely, but if the two sides can agree on a deal, a shortened season is still possible.