Canadiens gear up for great outdoors at Heritage Classic: 'Can't wait'
The Montreal Canadiens are preparing for the NHL Heritage Classic, an outdoor hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets. Players expressed excitement about the unique atmosphere, which serves as a nostalgic return to their roots in outdoor play.
Why it matters
The Heritage Classic is a major commercial and cultural event for the NHL, highlighting the sport's heritage and fan engagement.
WINNIPEG — Outdoor hockey in Winnipeg, mercifully in October rather than December or January.
“I’m thankful for that,” said Montreal Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who recalls days from his youth that proved too cold for lake hockey behind his house in Edmonton.
Sunday’s Heritage Classic against the Winnipeg Jets (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT) will be Guhle’s first NHL open-air experience, and despite the uniqueness of playing under the bright lights, and in front of more than 30,000 fans expected at Princess Auto Stadium, it’ll be a callback to when he first fell in love with the game, to when it was about nothing more than fun with friends.
Only this time, no extra layers will be required, with the forecast calling for clear skies and a temperature of 3 C at puck drop.
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