The Winnipeg Jets announced Sunday they'll host the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016 Heritage Classic at Investors Group Field on Oct. 23.
It'll be the fourth edition of the Heritage Classic, and the first since the Ottawa Senators defeated the Vancouver Canucks at BC Place in 2014.
The Jets will play in an outdoor game for the first time in franchise history, while the Oilers will participate in their second after hosting the first-ever Heritage Classic at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium in 2003.
The festivities will also include an alumni game between former Jets and Oilers on Oct. 22. Wayne Gretzky will captain the Edmonton legends and Dale Hawerchuk will lead Winnipeg's former stars.
Gretzky says Messier, Coffey, Kurri & Semenko have all confirmed for the #Oilers legends team. #HeritageClassic pic.twitter.com/osCFE30PUB
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 6, 2016
Hawerchuk confirmed that Teemu Selanne will play for the Jets' alumni.
Teemu Selanne has agreed to come back and play for #NHLJets legends game. Hawerchuk said Dave Ellett, Dave Babych, too.
— Ed Tait (@WFPEdTait) March 6, 2016
"We're thrilled that the Jets, their fans, and the city of Winnipeg will launch the 2016-17 NHL outdoor season with the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Investors Group Field," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
"Alumni games also create a unique brand of excitement, and so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to seeing the returning Jets and Edmonton Oilers getting together to rekindle special memories."
The Oilers and the original Jets entered the league together as part of the four-team WHA-NHL merger in 1979.
