Great Outdoors: Blackhawks vs. Bruins in 2019 Winter Classic

Maybe the luck of the Irish is just what the doctor ordered for the Blackhawks when it comes to their success in outdoor games.

They'll get a chance to find out when they face the Boston Bruins at Notre Dame Stadium in the NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2019.

"Notre Dame Stadium - with its capacity approaching 80,000 - will provide an ideal setting for this groundbreaking event and will host the largest live audience ever to witness a game by either of these teams," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement.

This will be the Hawks' fourth Winter Classic. They lost to the Red Wings at Wrigley Field in 2009, to the Capitals at Nationals Park in 2015 and to the Blues at Busch Stadium in 2017. The Hawks' record in outdoor games is 1-4, with their lone victory coming over Pittsburgh in a Stadium Series game at Soldier Field in 2014.

"The Chicago Blackhawks are honored to be participating in this marquee event at an iconic venue like Notre Dame Stadium," said John McDonough, President & CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks. "The University of Notre Dame has strong alumni roots in both Chicago and Boston, and, with an established rivalry between the Blackhawks and Bruins, fans will be treated to an exciting game in a unique atmosphere."

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman graduated from Notre Dame in 1995. The Hawks have held portions of their training camp at the Compton Family Ice Arena four times over the past five years. Meanwhile, former Bruins forward Dave Poulin played at Notre Dame from 1978-82 and was the school's head coach for 10 years.

"I believe it's only fitting that two of the NHL's legendary Original Six teams will take the ice for the first hockey game in one of America's most iconic athletic facilities," said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame's Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Hosting two franchises with so many connections to Notre Dame also provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our hockey legacy."