From Sportsnet John Shannon The Winnipeg Jets are the Front Runners to host the Heritage Classic, AKA Canada’s outdoor game, during the 2016-17 season.
The team to be playing against the Jets outdoors? The Edmonton Oilers!
According to Shannon, the NHL planned to have the outdoor game this season but ran into some complications due to Winnipeg hosting the Grey Cup this season.
Investors Group Field, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers is one of the newest stadiums in the Canadian Football League replacing the decrepit Canad Inns Stadium. From all accounts, it’s a very nice, state of the art stadium.
What does it mean?
It’s interesting to note that Shannon stated the date of the game would take place in October, far sooner than previous outdoor games. It makes sense of course to move the game to October considering the location: Winnipeg is an awfully cold place in the winter.
Why Edmonton: I think it’s pretty simple. I believe it’s the Connor McDavid factor. What better way to promote the next great young star and probably the next face of the NHL by getting him some exposure in outdoor, marquee event games?
I have no doubt that the game would sell out in minute as the Jets are a pretty die hard fan base and they would sell the game out regardless of opponent, but having McDavid being the biggest name playing will certainly help in the ratings department.
I for one, love outdoor games. I love the environment. It reminds me of when we were kids playing on a frozen sheet of ice with a garbage can of the net. Sure, there are people who think it’s overplayed and it’s been done (especially because the same teams are constantly in rotation, here’s looking at you Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington, Boston), but it’s like the All Star game. There’s something pure about playing outdoors and I adore the idea of having multiple outdoor games.
Winnipeg has not played in an outdoor game and Edmonton was the original trend setter by hosting the Heritage Classic way back in November 2003, where they faced the Montreal Canadiens. However, before the game, there was a gathering of retired players on both sides. To date, that was the last “game” Gretzky participated in.
If it does happen, I will definitely be watching. It’ll be exciting, with a great atmosphere and of course, number 97 leading the way.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
