Tag: Outdoors

When Fowler was traded from the Ducks to the Blues on Dec. 14, he had played 991 games with Anaheim. And St. Louis’ ninth game after Fowler’s arrival? Well, that was Tuesday’s Winter Classic at Wrigley Field against the Blackhawks.

Fowler said his wife, Jasmine, told him either the day of the trade or the day after that if he played in Dallas on Dec. 14 that his 1,000th game would be the Winter Classic.

“It’s going to be crazy,” Fowler said after Monday’s practice. “I think the whole day is going to be pretty surreal, so I’ll try to soak it in the best I can. Obviously, thrilled to have my family and friends here to experience it all with me. The game itself is going to be an incredible experience, and then you mix in the personal accomplishment to tie it all in together, it’s going to be a special day.”

It indeed started “crazy” for Fowler as he scored the Blues’ first goal on the power play less than two minutes into the game.

Fowler has quickly found a home with the Blues on the top pairing with Colton Parayko and had five points in eight games entering Tuesday’s game. He’s averaged 22:20 of ice time per game and mans the top power-play unit.

Fowler spent the first 14-plus seasons of his career with the Ducks, leaving the franchise as the organization’s all-time leader among defensemen in games played (991), goals (96), assists (361), points (457) and game-winning goals (18).

“I didn’t even really put it together for a long time that I even had the opportunity to play 1,000 games,” Fowler said. “It was never something that I thought was possible. I dreamed of getting to the NHL, and I’ve been fortunate to have a long career. I honestly don’t think I’ve processed it all yet, and I probably won’t for a little while.”

The Blues acquired Fowler and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for ECHL defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a 2027 second-round pick. The Ducks also agreed to retain $2.5 million of his $6.5 million cap hit.

Fowler’s family was able to join him on the ice for the family skate after Blues practice on Monday, including his 2½-year old son Charlie, who was on the ice for the second time in his life.

“He likes to only skate with his heels, so his whole skate is up in the air, which makes my job a little harder,” Fowler said with a smile. “He enjoys doing it, so I’m happy to see that at least.”

For Fowler, Tuesday’s venue marked the second time he’s played a major game in a meaningful venue. His first NHL game — back on Oct. 8, 2010 — was in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena, about 20 minutes from where Fowler grew up.

“It’s funny how some of these things have fallen into place,” Fowler said.

Blues forward Brandon Saad will play in his sixth outdoor game on Tuesday afternoon. Only one player has played in more outdoor games in NHL history (James van Riemsdyk has played in seven, with his eighth to come later this season with Columbus).

Saad played in the 2014 Stadium Series (with Chicago at Soldier Field), 2015 Winter Classic (with Chicago at Nationals Park), 2019 Winter Classic (with Chicago at Notre Dame Stadium), 2021 game at Lake Tahoe (with Colorado) and the 2022 Winter Classic (with St. Louis at Target Field).

“It’s pretty wild,” Saad said. “They’re all special. You play in your first one, you don’t think you’re ever going to get another one. I feel like in Chicago, we were playing in them every year. Played in some with a few different teams. It’s been pretty special. It evolves over the years.”

Saad is now tied with Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Evgeni Malkin, Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews with six outdoor games.

The passage of time can be measured in the involvement at the family skate for Saad. Ten years ago, it was his girlfriend Alyssa on the ice with him. Now, Saad has married Alyssa, and they were joined by their three kids on the Wrigley Field ice.

Blues defenseman Colton Parayko is the only player in franchise history to play in all three outdoor games, as he also played in the 2017 Winter Classic at Busch Stadium and the 2022 Winter Classic at Target Field.

“These are definitely special events,” Parayko said. “To do it with the same team is obviously special in itself. I’m just grateful for this opportunity and to be the third one here with St. Louis. It’s special to pull the Note on every night, and things like this just make it that much better. Just looking forward to going to battle with the guys.”

Parayko, 31, is the longest-tenured Blue on the current roster and was in his second season when St. Louis hosted the Blackhawks on Jan. 2, 2017.