Parks and Recreation officials in St. Clair Shores are looking forward to the heightened profile hockey will receive when the Detroit Red Wings take the ice on Jan. 1, 2013, for the NHL's Winter Classic.

The sport is extremely popular in the city with hundreds of children participating in the St. Clair Shores Hockey Association, adult leagues at Civic Arena and when the weather allows, pickup games on local canals.

Interest in hockey and figure skating programs increase in Olympic years and when there are local big events such as the Winter Classic, officials said.

"We didn't generate a whole lot of interest from the Winter Classic when it was in Chicago," said Gina Rheaume, recreation sports manager for the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department. "With the Winter Classic coming to Comerica Park and Michigan Stadium, it will increase interest."

She added that the Winter Classic will also help increase interest in the 2013 Pond Hockey Winter Classic on Lake St. Clair. This year's tournament was canceled due to a lack of ice, but organizers are enthusiastic about holding it in the coming year.

"Every time we play outdoor games ... it's old time hockey," Rheaume said. "All the games lead up to our pond hockey event."