High winds cause fake snow ‘blizzard’ at NHL Stadium Series (Video)

DENVER – There wasn’t any snow in the forecast for Denver as the NHL held its Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. In fact, it was a balmy 65 degrees at faceoff.

In order to create the winter wonderland that we’ve come to expect from outdoor games, the NHL laid down its traditional faux snow around the rink at Coors Field.

As the night went on, the temperatures dropped. The Denver winds picked up. And soon, the fake snow was being whipped into the stands like an artificial blizzard.

The lower bowl near the third base side got the first blast. Then other parts of the field began flying into the air, as the cotton-like “snow” floated as high as the upper deck.

The game wasn’t delayed, but NHL workers frantically collected the loose “snow” before more of it caught the wind.

Hey, that’s why we love these outdoor games: The unpredictability of playing in the elements. Even when those elements involve real wind causing a fake blizzard.

Only fitting when one of the teams is the Avalanche, we suppose.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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