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Blues have all the fun in convincing victory over the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic

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Blues have all the fun in convincing victory over the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic
News

News

Blues have all the fun in convincing victory over the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic

2025-01-01 11:30 Last Updated At:11:42

CHICAGO (AP) — St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery walked around before Tuesday night's Winter Classic. He looked at the growing crowd soaking in the festive atmosphere. He thought about all the famous ballplayers who played at Wrigley Field.

“And here we are getting to play an NHL hockey game,” Montgomery said. “It's just really cool.”

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Fans watch pregame entertainment in the rain before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch pregame entertainment in the rain before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway (81) warms up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway (81) warms up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues warm up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues warm up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fireworks explode during the Star-Spangled Banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fireworks explode during the Star-Spangled Banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A St. Louis Blues fan watches the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A St. Louis Blues fan watches the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Smashing Pumpkins perform before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Smashing Pumpkins perform before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison sings the Star-Spangled banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison sings the Star-Spangled banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) takes the ice for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) takes the ice for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The zamboni clears the ice before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The zamboni clears the ice before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues face off at center ice during the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues face off at center ice during the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans sit underneath the scoreboard before NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans sit underneath the scoreboard before NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard reacts as the St. Louis Blues score during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard reacts as the St. Louis Blues score during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks fans boo St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) as Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (not shown) during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks fans boo St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) as Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (not shown) during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Officials break up a fight between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Officials break up a fight between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues fans celebrate after the team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues fans celebrate after the team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, left, celebrates with fans after his team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, left, celebrates with fans after his team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues from the bleachers at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues from the bleachers at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans celebrate after a goal by the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans celebrate after a goal by the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Murphy's Bleachers before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Murphy's Bleachers before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Wrigley Field before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Wrigley Field before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks Danny Wirtz arrives for the the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks Danny Wirtz arrives for the the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks arrive for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks arrive for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Winter Classic returned to Wrigley on the final day of 2024, and the Chicago Blackhawks threw quite a party. Fireworks streaked through the night sky at the home of baseball's Chicago Cubs. The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper performed, and actors Bill Murray and Jon Hamm got a big ovation when they were shown on a videoboard during the third period.

It was a very Chicago party, and St. Louis had all the fun. The Blues rolled to a 6-2 victory over the Blackhawks in front of a crowd of 40,933, improving to 3-0 in the Winter Classic.

“This was an amazing experience for the fans and just for us, too," St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn said. “Having family and friends here to experience something like that at Wrigley Field, an amazing thing, and then winning on top of it.”

Just a couple weeks after he was acquired by St. Louis in a trade with Anaheim, Cam Fowler celebrated his 1,000th NHL game with two goals. The 33-year-old defenseman became the first player in NHL history to skate outdoors for his 1,000th game.

The night — the confluence of events that put Fowler in that moment after spending his entire career with the Ducks — was “pretty surreal,” he said.

“Going through a lot of emotions the last few weeks getting adjusted to a new team,” he said. “But couldn't have asked for anything more for this experience, getting to share it with my family. ... It was an awesome night for all of us.”

Not so much for the lowly Blackhawks. It was a much different scene in the home clubhouse, where Chicago was searching for answers after its fifth consecutive loss.

Backed by the majority of a raucous crowd, the Blackhawks got off to a slow start and the Blues pulled away with three goals in the second period. There were loud chants of “Let's go Blues!” in the final seconds of the game.

“You know, those tickets aren’t cheap for them to come and support us,” Chicago forward Connor Bedard said. “We, obviously, in our room are disappointed with ourselves. But I feel bad for our fan base coming out to this and we kind of lay an egg.”

The day began with Bedard and the Blackhawks — carrying their sticks and skates and dressed in custom “Team Chicago” gear — using one of the city's famed elevated trains to travel to Wrigley.

The team's pregame apparel was designed to highlight the connection between the franchise and the city. The clothes had patches paying tribute to Chicago’s first responders, and each player picked a charitable or community-based organization for their hat.

“It’s a neat thing to bring our community together, right?” captain Nick Foligno said. “And one of the big things we talked about was our first responders, too, and what they mean to our community and what they do for us. And we wanted to kind of highlight that and also highlight what means a lot to us.”

St. Louis dressed in gray sweatshirts and hats for its bus trip to the ballpark. The hats had 99 on the front and the shirts had a round emblem with 99 and GRETZKY'S BASEMENT — a nod to the hockey school connected to Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.

“We just thought it would be a great opportunity to honor Wayne and everything he’s done for the game," Blues defenseman Justin Faulk said. "He’s obviously an integral part in St. Louis, too. He’s done a lot for the community there and still does, and he’s great to everyone in the organization and the guys and we thought there’s no better way to show our appreciation than to do this today for him.”

The Blues occupied the visitor's clubhouse at Wrigley, which meant they had to navigate a long stairway on their way to and from the ice. Like they usually do when they play outdoors, they made the most of the situation.

“Just had to take your time,” goaltender Jordan Binnington said with a grin. “It kind of helped me focus for the game. Just one step at a time. We talk about that a lot and I was really taking it one step at a time because I did not want to go down.”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Fans watch pregame entertainment in the rain before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch pregame entertainment in the rain before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway (81) warms up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway (81) warms up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues warm up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues warm up before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fireworks explode during the Star-Spangled Banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fireworks explode during the Star-Spangled Banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A St. Louis Blues fan watches the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A St. Louis Blues fan watches the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Smashing Pumpkins perform before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Smashing Pumpkins perform before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison sings the Star-Spangled banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison sings the Star-Spangled banner before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) takes the ice for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) takes the ice for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The zamboni clears the ice before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The zamboni clears the ice before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues face off at center ice during the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues face off at center ice during the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans sit underneath the scoreboard before NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans sit underneath the scoreboard before NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard reacts as the St. Louis Blues score during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard reacts as the St. Louis Blues score during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks fans boo St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) as Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (not shown) during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks fans boo St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) as Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (not shown) during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn leaves the ice after getting a five-minute major for fighting with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Officials break up a fight between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Officials break up a fight between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues fans celebrate after the team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues fans celebrate after the team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, left, celebrates with fans after his team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, left, celebrates with fans after his team's win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues from the bleachers at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans watch the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues from the bleachers at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans celebrate after a goal by the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans celebrate after a goal by the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Murphy's Bleachers before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Murphy's Bleachers before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Wrigley Field before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Fans hang outside of Wrigley Field before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks Danny Wirtz arrives for the the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks Danny Wirtz arrives for the the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks arrive for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Chicago Blackhawks arrive for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar arrives for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Lukas Reichel, left, and left wing Patrick Maroon arrive with the team for the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

President Donald Trump President Donald Trump wraps up a Mideast tour in the United Arab Emirates with a breakfast for business leaders and a visit to an interfaith place of worship named for the Abraham Accords he negotiated.

As part of the accords, the UAE and some other countries in the Middle East recognized Israel. Trump departs Abu Dhabi after his visit to the Abrahamic Family House .

During his visit to the region, violence flared in the West Bank, and Gaza. Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people Friday, adding to the more than 120 people who died in recent days.

Here's the latest:

At least 48 bodies were brought to the Indonesian hospital and another 16 bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital, health officials in Gaza said, as strikes overnight into Friday morning hit the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis.

The strikes came as U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his Middle East visit that skipped Israel and offered no prospect for a ceasefire in the war-battered territory.

There had been widespread hope that Trump’s regional trip could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

The interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi features a mosque, church and synagogue — houses of worship for the three Abrahamic faiths.

It was built after the United Arab Emirates signed onto the Abraham Accords in 2020, during President Donald Trump’s first term. The agreement –- which Trump has encouraged other Middle Eastern and North African countries to join –- saw the UAE recognize Israel.

The visit to the white-marble place of worship on the shores of the Persian Gulf is set to conclude Trump’s first major foreign trip of his second term.

“I think it’s time for us to just do it,” Trump told reporters in Abu Dhabi.

Trump reiterated that he wasn’t surprised that Putin skipped a U.S. orchestrated meeting in Turkey between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Putin didn’t want to go because he’s not there, Trump said.

Trump added that a meeting with Putin would happen “as soon as we can set it up.”

“ I would actually leave here and go,” said Trump, who noted his daughter Tiffany just gave birth to her first child. “I do want to see my beautiful grandson.”

Trump says he’s had an “incredible” trip to the Middle East but that “now it’s time to go back home.” He added: “My daughter had a baby and I’m going to go home and see that baby.”

Tiffany Trump gave birth to a boy.

“She’s doing great and the baby’s great.”

An Israeli official said Cabinet members are meeting Friday to assess the negotiations in Qatar and to decide on next steps. The official was not authorized to brief media on the meeting and so spoke on condition of anonymity.

At an event to highlight business partnerships between the UAE and US companies, Trump gave himself a big pat on the back.

“I’m just thinking we have a president of the United States doing the selling,” Trump said to business leaders as they walked him through a presentation on investments that are benefitting the American economy. “You think Biden would be doing it? I don’t think so. But I think its so important. I have to be a cheerleader for our country.”

President Donald Trump has arrived at a business forum being held at Qasr al-Watan, a ceremonial palace in Abu Dhabi.

Trump entered and listened to a presentation from Sultan al-Jaber, the head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., as well as officials from Exxon Mobil Corp. and Occidental, two oil firms.

Al-Jaber then presented Trump a memento that included a drop of oil in it.

“This is the highest quality oil there is on the planet,” Trump told those watching.

He then drew laughter when he said: “And they only gave me a drop -- so I’m not thrilled.”

Hostage families called on their government Friday to work with President Trump to release those still held in Gaza.

A statement from the hostages forum, which supports the families said people woke up with “heavy hearts” amid reports of increased attacks across Gaza at the end of Trump’s visit to the Middle East. There were widespread attacks in northern Gaza Friday as Trump was finishing his visit to Gulf States but not Israel.

Israel says about 23 of the hostages are said to be alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to push ahead with a promised escalation of force in Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip to pursue his aim of destroying the Hamas militant group, which governs Gaza.

The hostage families called on Netanyahu to “join hands” with Trump’s efforts to release the hostages.

“Missing this historic opportunity for a deal to bring the hostages home would be a resounding failure that will be remembered in infamy forever.

Trump is wrapping up his four-day visit to the Middle East, but he’s keeping a close eye on what’s going on back in Washington.

Before heading out Friday morning to the Qasr Al Watan presidential for the final engagements of his trip, the president took to his Truth Social platform to hammer “Radical Left Sleazebags” after Supreme Court justices on Thursday heard more than two hours of arguments debating how the lower courts should handle Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.

“I hope the Supreme Court doesn’t fall for the games they play,” Trump added. “The people are with us in bigger numbers than ever before.”

President Donald Trump is kicking off the final day of his Middle East trip with a meeting of U.S. and UAE business executives alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Energy, health care, aviation, entertainment and other business leaders will be in attendance to highlight ties between the two countries -- a central focus of Trump’s trip to the region. Trump will then tour the Abrahamic Family House, a complex that houses a church, mosque and synagogue and is a symbol of interfaith tolerance. Trump has encouraged other countries in the region to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel, as the UAE did in 2020. The president will then depart back to Washington.

Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Gaza on Friday morning, as U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his Middle East visit.

An Associated Press journalist counted the bodies at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, where they were brought. Survivors said many people were still under the rubble.

The widespread attacks across northern Gaza come as Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states but not Israel.

There had been widespread hope that Trump’s regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes.

President Donald Trump will make several stops before taking off on Air Force One to end his Mideast trip on Friday.

He’ll attend a business summit in the morning in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Trump later will visit the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. It is home to a mosque, a church and a synagogue. The UAE built it after diplomatically recognizing Israel in an agreement known as the Abraham Accords, as Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all known as the Abrahamic faiths.

Etihad Airways announced Friday it would purchase 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft during a visit by President Donald Trump to the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad is the government-owned airline of Abu Dhabi that also flies East-West routes like Emirates, the long-haul carrier in neighboring Dubai.

Etihad said in a statement that the sale included “a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE engines and supported by a services package.”

Boeing did not immediately acknowledge the deal.

Trump was due to address a business conference in Abu Dhabi on Friday, the last day of his Mideast trip that’s also taken him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which booked a major Boeing order for its long-haul carrier, Qatar Airways.

Tia Goldenberg contributed from Tel Aviv

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump attends a business meeting and roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Friday, May 16, 2025. At right is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

President Donald Trump attends a business meeting and roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Friday, May 16, 2025. At right is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

President Donald Trump tours the St. Francis Church at the Abrahamic Family House, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump tours the St. Francis Church at the Abrahamic Family House, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan talk at Qasr Al Watan, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan talk at Qasr Al Watan, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrive at Qasr Al Watan, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrive at Qasr Al Watan, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Sheikh Khaled Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, right, tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Sheikh Khaled Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, right, tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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