On Saturday afternoon, the 2012 Winter Classic Alumni Game had an attendance of over 45,000 people.  And that is proof alone that Philadelphia is the best sports city in the world.  OKAY that is only my opinion so please don’t start hurling tomatoes at me.

Growing up a Philadelphia sports fan, I truly believe that we are one of the most passionate group when it comes to our sports.  Through ups and downs, the die hard love and support is something that was instilled inside of me as early as I can remember.

And I was also predisposed to loathe all New York teams.  And I won’t apologize for that.

80's Smurfs Toys - squidoo.com

When I was a kid in the 80′s (yes again showing my age) the New York Rangers were nicknamed the Smurfs (not by themselves of course).  And before the 2011 action-animated Smurf’s reboot, the Smurfs were an 80′s cartoon that launched Smurfs mania.

I used to have these little rubber Smurfs that you could buy and when the Flyers played the Rangers, I used to hang those Smurfs from our fireplace mantle.  With little nooses tied around their necks, they were my version of hockey voodoo.  And though they are no longer called the Smurfs, for those who were around in the 80′s will know what I am talking about.

If you look at the photo on the left…doesn’t Gargamel resemble Rangers coach John Tortorella (sans mustache)???

Anyway, today at Citizens Bank Park the 2012 Winter Classic Game will be played at 3:00 pm EDT on NBC.  The time was pushed because of what else…the weather.  At least the temps are hockey friendly.

Enjoy the game...GO FLYERS!

Check out Aerys Sports Philadelphia Flyers site Its Always Icy for the 2012 Winter Classic coverage!

Image courtesy of Squidoo.com