As soon as the Winter Classic in Wrigley Field this past January was deemed a success, discussions began about making the event better and finding a way to get more use out of the portable rink purchased by the National Hockey League. When rumors started circulating about the 2010 game being at Fenway Park, there was some speculation about a doubleheader featuring Boston College and the defending National Champions from Boston University.

Joe Haggerty of WEEI broke the story last month when the NHL revealed the plans for the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park. John Connolly of the Boston Herald reports that a women's game will precede the Hockey East clash:

“Boston College and Boston University will play their own Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Friday, Jan. 8. The official announcement will be made next week.

Sources confirmed the game will take place at 8 p.m. It will be preceded by a women’s game between the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University.”

In the week between games, the rink will likely host public skating sessions as the NHL will look to get as much usage out of their portable ice surface as possible.

The college Classic would be the second of three meetings between BC and BU with the Eagles deemed the home side for the game at Fenway. Boston College coach Jerry York said he envisioned a crowd of 25,000 inside the legendary baseball stadium. I think he’s shooting too low and we’ll see the college hockey faithful, as well as passionate puck heads who may not even be fans of the college game, giving Fenway Park a near-sellout one week after the NHL packs them in.

This would be the third outdoor hockey game in NCAA history. In 2001, at Spartan Stadium, 74,544 witnessed “The Cold War” between Michigan and Michigan State. Five years later, Wisconsin hosted 40,890 fans at Lambeau Field against Ohio State in 2006. This coming February, Wisconsin will host Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium, hoping to sell out their 80,321 seat stadium.

Let the speculation begin about whether or not the teams will feature vintage jersey's or  redesign special looks for this game.