Hockey fans, mark your calendars for a major event on the Canadian sports calendar. The National Hockey League has announced that the Montreal Canadiens will take on the Winnipeg Jets in the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic.
Date and Venue Set for Historic Matchup
The iconic outdoor game is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026. The battleground will be Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, the home field of the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This venue can accommodate up to 32,343 spectators for what promises to be a memorable spectacle. Specific details regarding the game time and ticket sale information will be released by the organizers at a future date.
Canadiens: Pioneers of the Outdoor Tradition
This event holds special significance for the Montreal Canadiens franchise, as they were instrumental in launching the NHL's modern outdoor game era. The very first Heritage Classic was held in 2003 in Edmonton, featuring the Canadiens against the Oilers at Commonwealth Stadium. That game is famously remembered for goalie José Théodore wearing a now-iconic Canadiens toque in the frigid conditions.
Since that groundbreaking game, the Canadiens have continued their outdoor legacy. They have played under the open sky against the Calgary Flames in 2011, the Boston Bruins in 2016, and the Ottawa Senators in 2017. The 2026 game in Winnipeg will add another chapter to this storied history.
What the 2026 Heritage Classic Means for Fans
The announcement sets the stage for a unique celebration of hockey culture in the heart of Canada. An outdoor game in late October in Winnipeg embraces the classic elements of Canadian winter sport, promising an authentic and thrilling experience for players and fans alike. The matchup between the historic Canadiens and the passionate Jets fanbase in Manitoba is sure to generate tremendous excitement across the country as the date approaches.
