The 2016 Heritage Classic has been announced, and it will be hosted by the Winnipeg Jets, who will take on the visiting Edmonton Oilers. They will face off on Oct. 23 at Investors Group Field, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' home field in the CFL. Edmonton will be playing their second outdoor game after hosting the first Heritage Classic in 2003. Lots of eyes will be on the alumni game, though, as numerous legends from Oiler and Jet history will skate up, including Wayne Gretzky, who will captain the Oilers. Dale Hawerchuk will be the Jets' captain.
Gretzky has confirmed that Marc Messier and Paul Coffey, among others, will be joining him on the legends team. On the Jets side, Hawerchuk has confirmed that Teemu Selanne will be suiting up for the contest.
"We're thrilled that the Jets, their fans, and the city of Winnipeg will launch the 2016-17 NHL outdoor season with the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Investors Group Field," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Alumni games also create a unique brand of excitement, and so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to seeing the returning Jets and Edmonton Oilers getting together to rekindle special memories."
Winnipeg management is very enthusiastic to see the franchise play its first outdoor game.
"The Winnipeg Jets are very excited that the NHL has chosen to select Winnipeg as the host city for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage ClassicTM," Winnipeg Jets Executive Chairman and Governor Mark Chipman said. "As an organization, we are looking forward to hosting this momentous event in our city and showcase the passion the people of Manitoba have for the game of hockey. We would like to thank the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for helping organize this historic event for our city."
"We are very excited to have another opportunity to play in an outdoor game," Oilers Entertainment Group Vice-Chairman Kevin Lowe said. "The inaugural Heritage Classic, held in Edmonton, was a huge success and something people will always remember. Although most people talk about the Battle of Alberta throughout the 80's, games against the Jets during that era were just as fierce and competitive."
The Heritage Classic game itself will also be competitive, as both the Jets and Oilers bring high levels of individual talent to the game, each providing four players to Hockey World Cup rosters.
Ticket information will be available in the upcoming weeks and months.
