Montreal needs to get outdoor games in the near future – Hockey Writer – Montreal Canadian
It’s no secret that Montreal has been overdue for another outdoor game. The Montreal Canadiens competed in Edmonton’s 2003 Heritage Classic, Calgary’s 2011 Heritage Classic and Ottawa’s 2017 Outdoors, but the city itself hasn’t held. This absence is always strange for a market for life and breathing hockey.
The NHL has been rewarding the market that combines passion and wonder, and Montreal complies with the bill. Aside from hockey, it’s a city that knows how to host world-class events, from Formula One to International Festivals, and the Prime Minister’s Showcase where the league holds the league, which feels like a natural extension of this tradition.
Hair clips
What makes the rumor so attractive is the venue itself. The tour’s Gilles-Vilneuve’s hairpin, known as one of Formula One’s most dramatic corners, offers a breathtaking backdrop, unlike anything the NHL tries. Fans will be seen as an open-air layout, not as we usually see, but as we usually see, the rink is the core of a track that is a legendary racing driver from Gilles Villeneuve to Lewis Hamilton.
Hockey rink in the middle of Formula One landmark? That’s a bold vision that will bring headlines beyond the sport.
Potential opponent
Of course, the game is as important as the venue. For Montreal, some opponents stand out:
The most obvious option is that the Canadians and Montreal outdoor Toronto Maple Leafs will attract huge crowds and national TV numbers. It will respond to the fierce competition that has been in Canada for more than a century of definition of hockey.
Another original six competitor, like the Boston Brown Bear, will travel well and add wonder. On such a dramatic venue, the Boston-Montreal game feels like a playoff series.
A provincial battle may not have a national fight in Toronto or Boston, but it could offer a new perspective, especially if the NHL wants to focus on young Canadian franchises. Ottawa Senators and Canadians followed a similar path.
Why does the timing feel right
There is also a feeling that the opportunity finally makes sense. Canadians are rebuilding through new cores: Nick Suzuki, Kohl Kafield, Jurai Slavkovsky and young people like Ivan Dimitov and Ryan Hutson. By the time the Winter Classics can be played in the car park, Montreal’s roster may be competitive and full of star power.
This season won’t happen this season. With the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place and the plans needed to make it work properly, it seems that it won’t be seen in 2026. This event may happen in the near future.
Why does it work
Ultimately, the idea of hosting a Winter Classic at the track Gilles-Vilneuve captured the essence of what these games were: unforgettable. The roots of hockey are outdoors, but its future depends on creative displays that attract fans around the world. This can be done by combining the NHL with the iconic Canadian stage of Formula 1.
For Canadians, it will be an opportunity to put the young roster in the spotlight. For the NHL, it will be an opportunity to expand the winter classic brand beyond traditional stadiums. For Montrealians, this will be another reminder that their city remains one of the greatest sports capitals in the world.
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The idea of a hairpin winter classic may still be in the rumor phase, but this rumor feels too good to ignore. The ice rink lined by Montreal’s skyline and surrounded by temporary stands at one of the most famous corners of Formula One dance, it would be a wonder that stands out.
Canadians have been waiting long enough to bring outdoor hockey home. If the NHL wants to make history while commemorating traditions, the Giles-Wilnef Tour hairpins are ideal.
