Sports

The NHL lockout has claimed one of the league's marquee events.

The Jan. 1 Winter Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium was called off by the league on Friday.

It follows the cancellation of all regular-season games through Nov. 30.

The NHL says the teams will instead play outdoors in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Jan. 1, 2014.

The Winter Classic has grown into a popular event since first being held in 2008 and the Maple Leafs-Red Wings matchup had been billed as the biggest yet.

By cancelling the game, the NHL forfeited a US$100,000 deposit already paid to the University of Michigan. It would have been on the hook for other expenses to the school if it was called off later on.

Photo: Contributed

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces the NHL Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)