Today's the day. It's been a poorly kept secret, but it's going to be good to hear it come from an NHL official that the Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbour, Michigan next season for the Winter Classic. I'm gonna spend a lot of money, I think.

Here's a story about how it finally came to be from Jeff Arnold at Puck Daddy:

Andrea Miller, the public information officer for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, said non-profit organizations have 12 one-day licenses per year to use. But in order to receive them, organizations must complete a lengthy application, outlining the requirements for alcohol to be sold at events.

Well. I'm sure that's an important point for hockey fans, and definitely to organizers.

More, after the jump.

Leafs Links:

Eastern Conference Bubble Update: February 8th
Things look good for the Leafs, aside from their road-tied Fenwick numbers. From Cam Charron at The Leafs Nation.

A Great Trade: Lupul, Gardiner and Beauchemin One Year On
Happy Gardupulversary!

Wednesday Morning Hockey-Sense
This is a cool idea for a series from Danny Gray, even if this one's a little easy. From The Leafs Nation.

Ray Ferraro, Damien Cox, Pierre McGuire
Michael Langlois at VLM has his say.

Phil Kessel: Chasing the Rocket
Blue Kool-Aid: downed. From Darren K at Blue Chip Prospects.

Why Jake Gardiner Should Receive Calder Consideration
Lukas Hardonk has his say at The Hockey Writers.

Marlies Win In Front of 8000 Screaming Kids
Aw, that's nice. From Jeffler at MarliesHQ.

Other Hockey Links:

Backhand Shelf Podcast
I always throw this on as I put together the FTB. It's good to have on in the background.

The Whiteboard: Killing off a 5-on-3
More good tactical stuff from Justin Bourne at Backhand Shelf.

DGB turns four
Go say 'Happy Birthday'!

From The Branches