The NHL has announced its full slate of outdoor games for the 2016-17 season and there are four in total. The Heritage Classic, the Winter Classic the Centennial Classic and the Stadium Series. As the league celebrates its 100th anniversary, this set of outdoor games – as well as the Kings hosting the All-Star Game – are part of celebration and anniversary-themed initiatives. Here is the full schedule of events:
2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic: Oilers at Jets
Where: Investors Group Field in Winnipeg
When: Sunday, October 23 2016.
As announced last week, the NHL goes outdoors in Manitoba, something commissioner Gary Bettman said he owed to the city of Winnipeg. The game will be held at Investors Group Field, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and will be the first outdoor game the Jets play in. This will be the second outdoor game the Oilers have participated in, last appearing in the 2003 Heritage Classic, which they lost 4-3 to Montreal.
NHL Centennial Classic: Red Wings at Maple Leafs
Where: BMO Field in Toronto
When: Sunday, January 1, 2017
The Maple Leafs and Red Wings, Original Six rivals, face off in the first NHL Centennial Classic in celebration of the league’s 100th year of existence. And what better city to host it? The Leafs will also be celebrating their 100th year as a franchise. This will be the second time these two teams face off outdoors, as the Leafs beat the Wings 3-2 in a shootout in the 2014 Winter Classic in front of 105,491 people at The Big House in Michigan.
2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic: Blackhawks at Blues
Where: Busch Stadium in St. Louis
When: Monday, January 2, 2017
The Blues are also celebrating a franchise milestone next season as they mark their 50th year in the NHL. One of the original expansion teams, the Blues will host their first outdoor game, while the Hawks will appear in their fifth game outside.
2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series: Flyers at Penguins
Where: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh
When: Saturday, February 25, 2017
Two more teams that originally entered the league in the 1967 expansion process, the in-state rivals make a natural fit for outdoor action.