MINNEAPOLIS – Jim Spadafore, 61, of Rosemount, MN did not plan on attending Saturday’s Winter Classic 2022 hockey game at Target Field in Minneapolis.

That was until Christmas morning, when he opened what Jim called one of the better gifts he has received in years. A ticket to attend the game from his son Jack who is 27 years old

Watching the game from along the rail on the second level down the third base line in right field foul territory, father and son had a great end to end view of the rink.

“You can’t beat outdoor hockey,” said Jack.

Jim and Jack both grew up playing pond hockey during the cold Minnesota winters. Neither of their pond careers materialized to any organizational levels, but their passion for the sport has kept them fans of the game.

Jim was a Northstar fan until the team moved to Dallas in 1993.  Gump Worsley was his favorite player.

Jack has always been a Wild fan. Cal Clutterbuck was his favorite player growing up.

Though both Spadafore’s were not happy with the outcome of the game. Both said that they would never trade this father and son memory for anything.