Preparations underway for 2022 Winter Classic at Target Field

Ben Henry

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The world’s largest mobile refrigeration unit is now at Target Field.

Friday, National Hockey League (NHL) crews started unpacking the unit as they get ready for the 2022 Discover NHL Winter Classic game with the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.

Over the next couple of weeks, they’ll erect and maintain a hockey rink on the baseball field.

“It’s a 53-foot mobile refrigeration unit,” Mike Craig, senior manager for the NHL’s facilities operations and hockey operations, said.

“Basically, everything that you would find within an NHL facility is crammed and packed within a 53-foot trailer,” Craig added about the unit.

[KSTP-TV]

Puck drop for the sold-out outdoor game is set for 6 p.m., on New Year’s Day.

The rink will sit between first base and third base, the outfield will have rinks that will look like and embrace the pond hockey culture, and a performance stage will be on home plate — country music star Thomas Rhett will be performing during an intermission.

The NHL has put on more than 30 outdoor games — Minnesota Wild forward Nick Bjugstad has been a part of one as a professional and a handful more during his high school and college careers.

Bjugstad said playing pond hockey is a great way for young players to hone their skills.

“Kids, if you’re listening, play outdoor hockey and get outside,” Bjugstad said with a smile at Target Field.

Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon was alongside Bjugstad. Growing up in Canada, Spurgeon has plenty of experience on outdoor rinks. Spurgeon said because the crews do such a good job with the rink, he’s not worried about the winter conditions.

When asked if he’d like it to snow, Spurgeon laughed and said maybe towards the end of the game.

The NHL also said that Minnesota Twins legend, and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Rod Carew will be part of the pregame festivities. Carew tweeted this week that he will lead the crowd in the "Let’s Play Hockey" chant.