The NHL announced Saturday that the Winnipeg Jets and the Montreal Canadiens will meet in the 2025 edition of the Heritage Classic, one of the league’s signature outdoor events. The game is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2025, at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This matchup will mark a return to the Heritage Classic for both Canadian franchises. It will be the Jets’ second appearance in the outdoor series, with the team previously hosting the Edmonton Oilers in October 2016 at Investors Group Field. For the Canadiens, this will be their third time taking part in the event, having previously played in the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton and the 2016 game in Winnipeg.
Princess Auto Stadium, also known as IG Field, primarily serves as the home venue for the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The stadium’s open-air setting and capacity to host large crowds make it an ideal location for staging a high-profile NHL outdoor contest. The Heritage Classic is part of the league’s broader NHL Outdoors series, which showcases marquee matchups in unique environments beyond traditional ice hockey arenas.
The event is expected to celebrate both teams’ deep histories and connect fans with the traditional roots of the game. The Canadiens, one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, bring a legacy of 24 Stanley Cup championships. The Jets, while a relatively newer iteration of Winnipeg’s hockey history, have developed into a competitive presence in the Western Conference in recent seasons.
The 2025 Heritage Classic will continue the NHL’s efforts to bring outdoor hockey to Canadian markets. Previous Heritage Classics have been held in cities such as Edmonton, Calgary, and Regina, attracting national attention and strong fan engagement. Details about ticket availability and associated fan events are expected to be announced by the league in the coming months.
Both teams’ regular-season schedules and preparation for the outdoor setting will play a role in shaping the atmosphere leading into the game. The early-season timing of the contest could offer favorable conditions for ice quality and fan comfort. As preparations continue, the league, teams, and host city will coordinate logistics to ensure a successful staging of this special game.
