The announcement for the return of the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ was made on December 6, 2025. The event is set to take place on October 25, 2026, featuring a showdown between the Winnipeg Jets and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Venue: Princess Auto Stadium
Princess Auto Stadium, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, will host this outdoor game. This stadium is well-known as the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a team in the Canadian Football League. This will mark the second time the stadium has hosted the NHL Heritage Classic, after hosting a match between the Edmonton Oilers and Jets in 2016.
Historical Context of the NHL Heritage Classic
The 2026 edition will be the eighth installment of the NHL Heritage Classic. The previous games include:
- 2003 in Edmonton
- 2011 in Calgary
- 2014 in Vancouver
- 2016 in Winnipeg
- 2019 in Regina, Saskatchewan
- 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario
- 2023 in Edmonton
In 2016, the Jets lost to the Oilers in front of a crowd of 33,240 spectators.
Partnership with Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons will remain the title sponsor for the NHL Heritage Classic for the seventh consecutive time. A multiyear partnership extension with the NHL was also announced, ensuring Tim Hortons continues as the official provider of coffee, tea, and baked goods for the NHL in Canada. This collaboration began in 2010.
Team Performance and Records
The Winnipeg Jets have participated in outdoor regular-season games twice. Their record stands at 1-1-0, winning their last outdoor match against the Calgary Flames in 2019. The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, will participate in their fifth outdoor game, holding a historic record of 2-2-0. Their last outdoor appearance was in 2017.
| Team | Outdoor Game Record | Last Outdoor Game |
|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg Jets | 1-1-0 | 2019 (Win vs. Calgary Flames) |
| Montreal Canadiens | 2-2-0 | 2017 (Loss vs. Ottawa Senators) |
Upcoming Details
Further information regarding ticket sales, game timing, and broadcasting will be released closer to the date. Fans are encouraged to sign up for updates about the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™.
Princess Auto Stadium, opened in 2013, has a history of hosting significant events, including the CFL’s Grey Cup, affirming its status as a premier sports venue in Canada. The Winnipeg Jets are enjoying a strong performance period, having won the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2024-2025 season, highlighting their potential for the upcoming outdoor game.
