No. 1: Lake Louise, Alberta
The NHL tried something different by playing a game in Lake Tahoe last year, but that was a disaster. Based on weather, the ice conditions were brutal and the game was delayed all afternoon.
However, one lake where that should be an issue is Lake Louise, Alberta. In fact, the NHL has thought of this idea already, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston:
"“One thing that comes into my mind watching all this is that this game originally was supposed to be in Lake Louise. That was the NHL’s original hope for this outdoor game. I still think there is interest in the future, potentially, in going back to Lake Louise. One thing that kept that from happening originally was there wasn’t an ability to market on the ice — there was restrictions from the government about ads and things like that. But don’t be surprised if we see them revisit that come the future.”"
After reading that quote, it feels like this game is going to happen sooner than later, as it should. If you’ve ever been to Lake Louise or visited any of the mountains in Alberta, it’s spectacular. The views will blow you away and the ice is crisp.
This would be an amazing event and a tourist attraction for any hockey fan.