Representatives gathered Wednesday at Gillette Stadium to detail plans for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on New Year’s Day.
In January, the NHL announced that the outdoor game will be played in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The event will be televised live on NBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports at 1 p.m.
When these longtime rivals meet, Boston will become the first team to host the Winter Classic for a second time, after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in overtime of the 2010 event at Fenway Park. It will mark the first time the Canadiens will play in the Winter Classic, and just the second time a Canadian-based NHL team will play in the game, following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ appearance in 2014.
“After more than nine decades and more than 900 regular-season or playoff games between these great rivals, the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will add to the legend of their competition in a unique way,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We couldn’t be happier that our third Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic between ‘Original Six’ teams will take place at Gillette Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.”
Additionally it was announced Wednesday that legendary players from both the Bruins and Canadiens will participate in a special alumni game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 31, a day prior to the Winter Classic.
“The Boston Bruins are honored to once again host the Winter Classic,” Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs said. “Gillette Stadium is a magnificent setting for this storied rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, and the NHL could not have delivered a better matchup for our fans. We look forward to a great game.”
Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said, “The Boston Bruins are one of our oldest rivals and the history between our two clubs is unparalleled. They were our logical opponent for our Centennial game in December 2009, and to make history together once more by returning to hockey’s roots in an outdoor setting is something everyone throughout our organization is greatly anticipating. That the setting for the game will be Gillette Stadium, home to an iconic franchise like the New England Patriots, only adds to what we’re certain will be an incredible and memorable atmosphere for players and fans alike.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said, “It is a true honor and privilege to host the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, we have been fortunate to host many special and memorable events. We are thrilled that the NHL and the Bruins wanted to bring a Bruins-Canadiens NHL Winter Classic to our stadium.”