We already knew the Winnipeg Jets would be hosting an outdoor game at Princess Auto Stadium, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in early 2026. But until Thursday afternoon, the opponent and exact details were still a mystery. Now it’s official: the Jets will host the 2026 Heritage Classic on October 25 against the Montreal Canadiens.

This will mark over a decade since Winnipeg last hosted the event. The previous time was the 2016 Heritage Classic, also held at Princess Auto Stadium (known then as IG Field), on October 23 against the Edmonton Oilers. That afternoon didn’t go Winnipeg’s way. The Jets were shut out 3-0, with Edmonton scoring all three goals in the second period. Mark Letestu opened the scoring shorthanded, Darnell Nurse doubled the lead, and Zack Kassian made it 3-0. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 29 shots in the loss, while Cam Talbot recorded a 31-save shutout.

Fun fact: the original 2:00 p.m. CT puck drop was delayed two hours because players were concerned about glare from the sunlight.

The weekend also featured the Heritage Classic Alumni Game on October 22, where former Jets and Oilers stars took the ice. Winnipeg won a 6-5 thriller, capped by Teemu Selanne scoring the game-winner, his second of the afternoon, on a penalty shot with just four seconds remaining, beating Curtis Joseph.

The Jets’ most recent appearance in a Heritage Classic came in 2019 at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium, where Bryan Little scored the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.

No matter the matchup, the Heritage Classic has a way of bringing together longtime fans, new fans, and even casual viewers for a uniquely Canadian hockey experience. And with Montreal coming to town in 2026, Winnipeg is set for another great weekend outdoors.