The next phase of the NHL Winter ClassicTM 2009 ticket allocation establishes an online contest for an opportunity to purchase tickets open to residents of Canada, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Chicago Blackhawks jointly announced today. The contest will determine which Canadian residents will have an opportunity to purchase some of the limited number of public tickets for the January 1 game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field.

Registration will be conducted through the Chicago Blackhawks’ official website beginning at Noon ET/11 a.m. CT, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, through 11:59 a.m. ET/10:59 a.m. CT, Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. Registrations received after the deadline will not be accepted. There is no fee to register. ... Chances of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Contest closes on Nov. 24, 2008, at 11:59 a.m. ET/10:59 a.m. CT.

>> team release

Given the size of the building here, this is going to be one of the most sought-after tickets to an NHL regular-season game ever. The anticipation for this one, even here in Toronto, is incredible.

There was a bit of controversy over Canadians being unable to get tickets via the earlier drawing process.