Fans of Bruins, Penguins enjoy atmosphere at 2023 Winter Classic Plaza

BOSTON– Among all the food and activity tents open to fans Friday at the 2023 Winter Classic Plaza in front of Boston City Hall, one in particular stood out.

Fans got a chance to test their accuracy by shooting pucks into a washing machine, just like the Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sydney Crosby grew up in Nova Scotia as a child.

Pittsburgh native Carly Heller appreciated the Penguins’ connections at an event hosted by the Boston Bruins.

“When you think of Sidney Crosby like the things he does with so much superstition and all, that washing machine is forever ingrained,” Heller said. “It’s really cool how they brought something like that because he’s one of the greatest players of all time.”

Heller and boyfriend Billy Cook were two Penguins fans in a sea of ​​Bruins supporters who took the seat while preparing for the outdoor showdown between teams at the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Monday (2:00 p.m PM ET; TNT , SN, TVAS).

“It’s a two-team game,” said Cook, authentically Yevgeny Malkin 2011 Winter Classic Jersey. “I think it really shows [they’re] trying to include both cities here.”

[RELATED: 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic coverage]

The dining tent also paid homage to the participating cities, with fans choosing from Pittsburgh pierogi, clam chowder and lobster rolls. For a round at Fenway Park, there were Fenway Franks and sausages, as well as popcorn and Cracker Jack.

A tent sponsored by Upper Deck allowed fans to take photos that were converted into personalized trading cards, and a Hockey Fights Cancer tent featured a photo op with pictures of the Crosby and Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron behind an NHL bench.

Other games that could be played included an oversized 12 x 24 foot air hockey table and a Puck Plinko game to win prizes.

The games, prizes and music created a family-friendly atmosphere that was appreciated by local Bruins fans James and Melissa Welsh with their children Jane and Jack.

“That’s what prompted us to come up with this,” said James Welsh. “I was 40 [when the Bruins hosted the Winter Classic at Fenway Park in 2010]. Melissa and I weren’t coming [to this type of event], but with the children? Yes, it was a great time.”

Jane had her jersey signed by former Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask and Jack got an autograph to meet the Boston forward Trento Frederic.

Rask, Frederic, Bruins forward Charlie Coyle and Ray Bourque, Defenseman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, were available at various locations in autograph tents throughout the afternoon.

“It was fun,” said Frederic. “It was a really good turnout and everyone was nice.”

With a temperature of over 60 degrees, the weather was unusually warm to make the afternoon even more comfortable for those in attendance. But those feelings of relaxation will turn to tension next Monday.

“Let’s face it, once the puck drops at 2 p.m. Monday, there will be no relaxation,” Cook said. “Everyone will be on the edge of their seat. Everyone will be so excited to see another hockey game at Fenway Park.”