Blackhawks take part in Notre Dame tradition prior to Winter Classic

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --The Chicago Blackhawks made a grand entrance prior to playing in the
2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
.

The Blackhawks paid homage to the walk the Notre Dame football team makes prior to their home games by walking from the Hesburgh Library Mall into Notre Dame Stadium prior to playing the Boston Bruins on Tuesday (1 p.m. ET; NBC, TVAS, SN).
There were a few light flurries and temperatures were in the low 30s as several thousand fans gathered in front of "The Word of Life" mural, more commonly known as "Touchdown Jesus," for the Blackhawks procession. Fans cheered as the Blackhawks were led into the stadium by the Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department.

"It was our intention from the day we announced the game to bring the traditions of Notre Dame into our game presentation," NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer said. "Under the backdrop of one of the most legendary stadiums in the country, we're ready to entertain what will be the second largest crowd in the history of the NHL."
Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton did not go on the walk with the team but said he appreciates the history of Notre Dame and the honor of playing at the stadium.
"In Canada, NBC is the rights holder, so you see all the [Notre Dame] games are on," Colliton said Monday. "There's a good chance if you're going to watch college football on a Saturday, Notre Dame is one of the teams playing, so there is a connection there. I've got a little Irish heritage myself. I can't say I'm a huge fan or anything, but I'm definitely aware of the history and honored to be here and excited just to have this opportunity to be in this game."