NHL Reveals Cabin Themed Design for 2026 Heritage Classic

The National Hockey League will turn Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, into a large-scale Canadian cabin retreat for the 2026 Heritage Classic, bringing the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens together for an outdoor game on Sunday, October 25. The event will feature a specially designed rink, ceremonial appearances by former Jets players, live entertainment, and a fan festival ahead of the 7 p.m. ET puck drop.

According to the NHL's design announcement published October 19, the ice will occupy the center of the stadium, surrounded by oversized rustic timber logs arranged to resemble cabin walls. Team crests, pennants, framed jerseys, vintage-style memorabilia, decorative plaques, and wooden hockey sticks topped with antlers will reinforce the theme.

A large stone fireplace with a glowing fire will dominate the front of the field, flanked by oversized decorative skates representing both teams. Four stages along the rink's front edge will accommodate musical performances, with the participating acts still to be announced.

The opening ceremony will feature Canadian bilingual singer-songwriter SoulBear performing the national anthem. Jordan Sangalang will perform the anthem in American Sign Language as part of the NHL's partnership with P-X-P. Members of 17 Wing, 38 Canadian Brigade Group, and His Majesty's Canadian Ship Chippawa will unfurl the Canadian flag, while members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group will present the colors, according to the league.

Former Jets stars Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, and Blake Wheeler will conduct the ceremonial puck drop. They will return during the second intermission alongside Grant Clitsome, Cody Eakin, Toby Enstrom, Eric Fehr, Ron Hainsey, Michael Hutchinson, Jason Kasdorf, Bryan Little, Derek Meech, Adam Pardy, Anthony Peluso, Mathieu Perreault, Tim Stapleton, Paul Stastny, and Mark Stuart.

The gathering of 18 former players will recognize the Winnipeg Jets' last 15 years, according to the NHL. A smaller rink on the field will also accommodate young participants from the Timbits Under-7 Hockey program throughout the game.

Beyond the stadium, the official fan festival will run from noon to 5:30 p.m. Central time on October 25 at the University of Manitoba's U Lot. Sportsnet reported that the Scotiabank FanFest will include interactive activities, special appearances, photo opportunities, giveaways, and a performance by Winnipeg-based band Flatland Famous. The Hockey News also reported that attendees will have opportunities to take photos with the Stanley Cup.

More than 20 NHL partners are scheduled to participate in the festival, according to The Hockey News. Former Jets player Andrew Ladd will appear for an autograph session, while former player Dave Ellett will also make an appearance.

The game will mark the first NHL outdoor contest held in Winnipeg. The Jets previously played in two Heritage Classics, losing 3-0 to the Edmonton Oilers in 2016 and defeating the Calgary Flames 2-1 in 2019. The 2016 game took place at the same stadium, then known as Investors Group Field, while the 2019 matchup was held in Regina.

Montreal will make its third Heritage Classic appearance, having played in the 2003 inaugural outdoor regular-season game in Edmonton and the 2011 edition in Calgary. The Canadiens have also participated in the 2016 Winter Classic at Foxborough and the 2017 NHL 100 Classic in Ottawa.

The NHL previously announced that both teams had unveiled their Heritage Classic jerseys earlier in October. Montreal's design features the first appearance of the words "Les Habitants" on a Canadiens sweater. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central time, with coverage on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada and TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in the United States.