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.

(The Canadian Press)