Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Gillette Stadium will host Bruins-Habs alumni game ahead of Winter Classic

2016 Winter Classic Logo

Retired greats from two of the most storied franchises in NHL history will renew their rivalry on Dec. 31 in an outdoor game at Gillette Stadium, the league announced today.

At this time it’s not known who will be included in the contest, but Hall of Famer Ray Bourque is looking forward to the event.

Boston and Montreal have faced off in more than 900 games, including their meetings over 34 postseason series. They’ve also battled against each other in more Game 7s (nine) than any other combination of teams in the NHL, MLB, and NBA.

Boston will become the first franchise to host the Winter Classic twice after playing against the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park in 2010. It is also the first time the Montreal Canadiens will be featured in a Winter Classic game and the third time the event will pit two Original Six squads against each other.

Gillette Stadium is home to the New England Patriots and seats 68,756.

“It is a true honor and privilege to host the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said, during what has proved to be a busy day for him. “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.”

The Winter Classic is set for Jan. 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET and will air on NBC.

We’re headed #BackOutdoors with a new look. #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/X5xylKytHv

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 29, 2015


Bergy amidst the backdrop of @GilletteStadium. #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/WySpVZj2u1

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 29, 2015

So, who’s ready for the #WinterClassic? pic.twitter.com/NFVIJ0LTpW

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 29, 2015

Follow @RyanDadoun