Friedman: NHL, city of Winnipeg working on 2017 outdoor game

Outdoor hockey in Winnipeg is reportedly in the works.

During Hockey Night In Canada’s Headlines segment on Saturday, Elliotte Friedman reported the league is working to fulfil its vow of having Winnipeg host an outdoor game next season.

“It is believed the league and the city are working on one next year before Christmas,” Friedman said. “Before Jan. 1, 2017, which would be different. Not the way they’ve done it before.”

During the 2016 edition of the Winter Classic in Boston, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told Sportsnet’s Scott Oake the league still owes Winnipeg an outdoor game after plans to host last year’s Heritage Classic at Investors Group Field — home of the CFL Blue Bombers — fell through. The Jets and Bombers couldn’t agree on a date to hold the game.

“We haven’t settled on a date that we’re ready to announce,” Bettman said. “We do owe Winnipeg a game, and we would’ve been there last year but the Grey Cup and some complications.”

There was also belief the league would consider an outdoor doubleheader next season, but Friedman said that is unlikely.

The Jets would have to compete with Toronto among other cities vying to host the Winter Classic. The Leafs have been rumoured to host an outdoor game in 2017 to celebrate its 100th-season.

“Obviously Toronto is interested, but we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Bettman added. “There’s a lot of work and planning that goes into committing to one of these events, and we have a long way to go before we’re ready to make an announcement.”