NHL Outdoor Game Announcement
This week, an interesting event in the NHL timeline was unveiled with the Winnipeg Jets set to clash against the Montreal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium on October 25, 2026. The announcement initially appeared on the Jets’ website but was quickly removed, indicating the league was not yet prepared to share this information with the public.
Canadiens’ Outdoor Hockey History
Regardless, it signals an exciting return to outdoor hockey for the Canadiens, who haven’t played in such a setting since the NHL 100 Classic in 2017, where they faced off against the Ottawa Senators. That cold encounter at Lansdowne Park ended in a 3-0 defeat for Montreal, despite a commendable performance from goalie Carey Price, who was on a significant streak with ten consecutive games.
The Canadiens’ history with outdoor games is a mixed bag; they previously enjoyed success at the 2016 Winter Classic in Foxboro, where they triumphed over the Boston Bruins with a decisive score of 5-1. That day, Brendan Gallagher shone brightly, contributing a goal and an assist as he returned from injury. The game was particularly notable because the team was without their standout goalie Price, who had to sit out while Mike Condon stepped into the crease, showcasing Montreal’s resilience under challenging circumstances.
Gallagher’s Excitement for the Heritage Classic
As the Canadiens prepared for this upcoming Heritage Classic, Gallagher couldn’t hide his excitement. During a recent practice interview, he expressed enthusiasm for the historic matchup, reminiscing about the joy of outdoor hockey reminiscent of childhood memories. Gallagher shared a personal anecdote about missing out on the first Heritage Classic in Edmonton back in 2003 due to a team commitment, laughing about how his father prioritized their game over watching what would become a memorable event in NHL history.
“That iconic game brought together 57,167 fans, where the Habs edged out the Oilers 4-3 in a thrilling contest marked by extreme cold conditions.”
Looking Ahead
The Canadiens have a varied record in outdoor matches, currently sitting at 2 wins and 2 losses, and they will be seeking to improve that number in Winnipeg. Fans and analysts alike are left pondering whether the NHL will ever grant the Canadiens a chance to host an outdoor game on their home turf. For the latest developments on the Canadiens and more updates on the 2026 Heritage Classic, interested parties are encouraged to stay connected through various platforms and community discussions.
