The Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens will be the matchup when the 2026 Tim Horton's Heritage Classic rolls around. The game will take place at Princess Auto Stadium on October 25, 2026 in a battle of two canadian teams with high hopes going into next season.
Past results for both teams
Winnipeg has played two games during the Heritage Classic, one regular-season game and a game with just alumni. They lost 3-0 to the Edmonton Oilers in the first game and the Jets alumni grabbed a 6-5 victory over the Montreal alumni. Montreal will be playing their fifth Heritage Classic and first in nine years and are 2-2 in those contest. They were shut out in both losses but outscored their opponents 9-4 in both wins.
Interesting notes about the game
Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg is the home of the Canadian Football League's (CFL) Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has a seating capacity of 32, 343. Opening in 2013, it is home to soccer, football, concerts, and other events. 80% of the seating capacity is covered bu two enormous canopies.
The game between the Canadiens and Jets will be the first Heritage Classic since 2013. This will be the eighth Heritage Classic and will be he second time Winnipeg has hosted such a game.
The first NHL Heritage Classic was held on November 22, 2003, and featured the Edmonton Oilers against the Montreal Canadiens. This would be the first-ever outdoor NHL game and set a record attendance with 57, 167 witnessing a 4-3 Montreal win. The game was held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The sold-out crowd stayed through the frigid temperatures which reached -18 degrees.
While this does not have the flair of opening night or the Stanley Cup playoffs, this is a nice way to see the game from a different perspective. The vibe is different and so are the crowds and atmosphere. Every outdoor game brings excitement and energy that some arenas don't bring.Montreal and Winnipeg are sure to bring in the canadian fanbase to this game and have a good reaction from those fans. These teams will likely be chasing a playoff spot and this game could swing the energy one way or another.