NHL, WINNIPEG JETS AND EDMONTON OILERS ANNOUNCE DETAILS FOR 2016 TIM HORTONS NHL HERITAGE CLASSIC™
Teams Unveil Jerseys, Announce Alumni Game Rosters and Ticket Information
The Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ returns to the regular-season NHL® schedule when the Winnipeg Jets play host to the Edmonton Oilers at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg on Sunday, Oct. 23. The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada and on NHL Network™ in the U.S.
The jerseys for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ were unveiled today as part of a press announcement that included various other event details. The specially designed jerseys pay homage to the history of both teams by revisiting their World Hockey Association (WHA) days. The Oilers and Jets played their first head-tohead game on Oct. 15, 1972, and also met in the final game of the WHA on May 20, 1979.
The Jets’ uniform draws inspiration from the championship era of the late 1970s and features a crossover V-neck color and vintage-inspired mesh striping. The crest employs traditional chain stitching to lend a distinct authenticity to the throwback uniform. A pant logo highlights the historical Jets ID set, complete with an era-accurate name and number set.
The Oilers will wear their current alternate jersey, inspired by their 1972-73 inaugural season uniform in the WHA, when they were known as the Alberta Oilers. The striking bold color and authentic details, such as a fold-over V-neck collar and numbers on the shoulder yoke, serve as a contemporary homage to the rich history of the franchise and rivalry.
The Jets NHL Heritage Classic™ jerseys are available for pre-order starting today at Jets Gear store locations.
Additionally, the rosters for the outdoor alumni game taking place on Saturday, Oct. 22, were revealed today. Legendary players taking part in this special contest for the Jets include Teemu Selanne, Dale Hawerchuk, Thomas Steen, Kris King and Dave Babych. The Oilers will counter with alumni greats such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Dave Semenko and Craig MacTavish, among others. Jets and Oilers alumni will wear the jerseys the teams originally wore in the 1980s.
A limited number of tickets to the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ will go on sale to the public in early fall, with further details to be announced in the upcoming weeks. The NHL and its corporate partners will extend the celebration with the 2016 NHL Heritage Classic™ Spectator Plaza, a two-day fan festival that will be free and open to the public. Additional details, including dates and hours of operation as well as location, will be announced at a later time.
“Hockey fans welcome every opportunity to see their favorite NHL teams face off outdoors,” said Brian Jennings, NHL CMO and Executive Vice President. “This year’s Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ will offer Jets, Oilers and all hockey fans a great mix of nostalgia with the alumni game and an amazing showcase of today’s top talent in the NHL Heritage Classic™.”
This much anticipated event will mark the Jets’ first appearance in an outdoor game and the Oilers’ first appearance since hosting the first-ever NHL regular-season game played outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium in 2003.
“The rivalry between the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers represents a significant part of our team’s rich hockey history,” said Mark Chipman, Chairman of True North Sports + Entertainment. “Unveiling the NHL Heritage Classic™ jersey and announcing the alumni rosters for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ today is the first step in what will no doubt be an exciting journey for hockey fans of all ages.”
“Winnipeg is a phenomenal hockey town and the city has really embraced the return of the Jets,” added Kevin Lowe, Oilers Vice Chairman. “As a player, it was always exciting to play in Winnipeg and no doubt the 2016 NHL Heritage Classic™ will bring back some great memories for all of us playing in the ‘Peg.”
The Jets, who will become the 22nd NHL franchise to play in a regular-season outdoor game, boast the likes of four-time All-Star Dustin Byfuglien and forwards Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. The Oilers counter with young marquee players such as Connor McDavid, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“The players from both the Oilers and the Jets are extremely excited about hitting the ice here at Investors Group Field on Oct. 23,” said Chris Campoli, NHLPA Divisional Player Rep. “The passionate fans from both teams will undoubtedly make this an event that players will remember for years to come.”
NHL Network™ and NHL.com will provide extensive coverage leading up to and
after the game. NHL Social™ will have coverage on all social platforms via the official hashtag NHL #HeritageClassic.
Official fan travel and hospitality packages for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ and all NHL signature events will be made available soon by PrimeSport, the Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Package Partner of the NHL.
* Information provided via NHL Press Release
National Hockey League Press Release. Information provided from the NHL that describes various news releases that describe current events in the league.