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The NHL’s Heritage Classic is returning to Winnipeg next year and some local sports fans — including a former Jets goalie — say the outdoor hockey spectacle will draw a lot of positive attention to the city.
On Saturday, the league announced that Princess Auto Stadium will transform into an outdoor rink on Oct. 25, 2026, when the Winnipeg Jets take on the Montreal Canadiens in the next installment of the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.
Dan and Leanne Carlson said they attended the alumni game during the last hometown Heritage Classic back in 2016.
The Jets fell 3-0 to the Edmonton Oilers during that year’s Heritage Classic main event. However, the alumni game saw former Jets players clinch a 6-5 victory over Oilers alumni.
Leanne Carlson said the outdoor game had a “really great atmosphere.”
“I think it’s great for the city,” she said. “We’ve got great fans here and lots to do … I think it would be a good way to really showcase what we have to offer.”
Dan Carlson said they hope to attend the Heritage Classic at home again next year. And he expects many others will be tuning in from home too, as the Habs will “draw a lot of attention” to the Heritage Classic.
“I think that it will get a lot more eyes on the TV for sure,” he said.
When the Heritage Classic took over the city nearly a decade ago, it brought 11,000 visitors and about $11.2 million in direct tourism spending, according to a 2016 report from Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Richard Martin said the Heritage Classic returning to Winnipeg is “a big deal.”
“I think we get a bad rap for not being a place where people want to come and go to big events like this. I think we’ve proven them wrong with the recent Grey Cup and the playoff push last year with the Jets. It’s good for the city,” Martin said.
“It’s nice that the league is recognizing that Winnipeg is a place for an event like this,” he said.
Martin said he attended the Heritage Classic the last time it was in town. As a season ticket-holder with the Blue Bombers, he’s hoping there will be package deals for Winnipeg football fans.
Former Jets goalie Joe Daley said the outdoor game is “good for Winnipeg” and will bring hockey fans together to watch Winnipeg take on Montreal.
“If it’s the Habs that are coming in, there’s no doubt that the building will be rocking,” Daley said.
“I think it’s a great matchup,” he told CBC News on Saturday before the official announcement — but after the news leaked on social media on Thursday.
Daley said it’s always great to watch and play outdoor hockey because it brings a great atmosphere and a sense of nostalgia for people who grew up skating outside.
“It brings the ice hockey event to reality instead of these multi-gazillion dollar stadiums they play in now. Being outdoors is fantastic,” he said.
“That type of event is cherished by franchises, so I’m glad we’re getting it again and hopefully it’s a big benefit to our organization.”
