Two of Warwick’s local youth hockey teams will attend the much anticipated “winter classic” on Jan. 1, to watch the Boston Bruins skate against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Squirt B and Squirt C teams were 1 of 20 teams selected by online voters to attend the game based on an essay of 250 words or less that explains their efforts to emulate the Bruins (i.e. hardworking, giving back to the community, etc.). The Bruins players then chose an additional five local teams to attend the game.

Drew Plowman, the coach of the Warwick Squirt C team, said they lobbied their friends and family to vote, which paid off in spades.

“We talked to many of our friends an family and they kept voting every day, and we ended up in first place,” said Plowman.

The Squirt C team was first out of 373 teams who entered the contest, and the B team was fourth – a tremendous showing for the Warwick Youth Hockey teams.

The winter classic could easily be one of the biggest sports attractions in New England next year. This year marks the third year the NHL has held “the winter classic” and the first time in Boston. It could be a long time until it’s held there again, and tickets are selling well over $100 each.

Plowman said the kids on his team, made up of eight and nine-year-olds, couldn’t be happier – despite what should be a frigid afternoon of hockey.

“That’s what the winter classic is all about,” said Plowman.

“It’s going back to the grass roots of hockey.”

Ryan Hardy, who coaches the Warwick Squirt B team, agreed.

“Everybody’s excited,” said Hardy.

“It’s definitely going to be cold, but we’re ready for it. The kids are all stocking up on their hats and gloves.”

On Saturday evening, a few representatives from each team attended a private celebration for representatives from each of the 25 “Team Challenge” winners including a ticket presentation with Bruins former great and current Vice President Cam Neely and a special skate on the ice of the outdoor rink at Fenway Park.