Washington D.C. is set to host the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic for the first time in its history. The Washington Capitals will face the Chicago Blackhawks New Year’s Day at Nationals Park. This is the second Winter Classic appearance for both teams.

The Winter Classic is a regular-season game that is played outdoors through any weather conditions including rain and snow. It began in 2008 with the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in New York.

“I am really excited that D.C. is hosting it because it is a very rare opportunity to host something as big as the Winter Classic and it’s great for the exposure of the sport,” junior Priyanshu Uprety said. “Plus, the Caps are my favorite hockey team so that makes it even more exciting.”

The National Hockey League did not choose one of the Capital’s major rivals such as the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers as opponents. The Blackhawks are a strong team as they won the Stanley Cup in 2013, the second time in three years. However, fans expect a thrilling game due to their history.

“I think it will be fun to watch the Caps play against the Blackhawks because most of the time when we play them, it is a high scoring affair,” Uprety said. “I would have liked it better if we played one of our rivals though, someone like the Flyers or the Rangers.”

Throwback-style uniforms are typically designed for each participating team in the event. This year, however, the Capitals jersey caused mixed emotions. The jersey is red with white stripes on the shoulders and bottom, and the Capitals name is printed in white over a blue “W.”

“The jerseys are very cool and unique,” senior Austin Jobson said. “The Caps jerseys are better than the Blackhawks because of the use of the red, white and blue.”

This season, the Capitals have earned a 1-0-0 record against the Blackhawks after a 3-2 win in Chicago on Nov. 7.

“The Caps should put up a good fight but I would not be surprised if they lose to the Blackhawks,” senior Karl Howely said. “I cannot wait to see Ovi and Jonathan Toews go at it.”