On a freezing New Years Eve, Chicago’s Wrigley Field became a hockey haven for the NHL’s Winter Classic. The historic stadium, more used to catching a ball than firing a puck, was packed with fans wearing layers of team gear and braving the cold to watch the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. The atmosphere was electric—a mix of icy wind, a little bit of rain, roaring chants, and the occasional snow flurry that made outdoor hockey feel unreal.

Even with all the excitement, the game itself didn’t go the Blackhawks’ way—which isn’t exactly shocking as of late. The Blues dominated right from the start, skating circles around the Hawks and scoring goal after goal. There was a heated fight between the team captains that got the crowd fired up again for a bit, bringing some old-school hockey vibes and adding tension to the game. But overall, the Blackhawks’ performance was rough, and the loss felt all too familiar.

Getting to the game was an adventure on its own. Fans crammed into CTA trains, turning them into rolling seas of red and blue jerseys. The streets around Wrigleyville were humming with pre-game energy, and live performances in the stadium from bands like Chance the Rapper amped up the crowd even more. Inside the stadium, the excitement was real, but getting around was a bit of a nightmare. The lines for concessions and bathrooms were ridiculously long. Unlike baseball games, where there are tons of breaks to grab a hot dog or hit the restroom, hockey’s two intermissions didn’t leave much time. Still, the sense of community and being part of the experience made up for the hassle.

I had a great time despite the freezing weather. Bundled up in layers and clutching a steaming cup of hot cocoa, listening to the unique chants fans brought with them to the game, soaked in the unique vibe of outdoor hockey was spectacular. Yes, my fingers went numb, and I missed half the second period waiting in line for food, but being part of something so Chicago made it all worth it.