Looks like Jets have scored outdoor game

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This article was published 13/02/2016 (3511 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The wait for the Winnipeg Jets to host an NHL game outdoors appears to be over, Sportsnet reported Saturday night.

The Heritage Classic game is expected to feature the Jets and Edmonton Oilers, to be played at Investors Group Field at an October date to be announced.

The Jets were not confirming the Sportsnet report but it is believed the scheduling of the game at IGF will likely only require the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, owners and main tenants of the stadium, to be away for two weekends, or possibly one road game and a bye.

The idea of hosting an outdoor game in Winnipeg isn’t new. The NHL and Jets had been in talks with the Blue Bombers about plans to host the game during the 2015-16 season, but were stalled for a number of reasons, including the fact Winnipeg was hosting the Grey Cup.

Since the postponement became official in January, the Bombers had taken flak for not making the stadium available in December — a date judged to be too close to the 2015 Grey Cup game to be held at IGF on Nov. 29.

“It’s unfortunate the commissioner of the NHL may not have all the facts with regards to the Heritage Classic in Winnipeg,” Bombers president Wade Miller told reporters Jan. 24, 2015. “All three parties had agreed on the date in February. Within the last two weeks, we were told that didn’t work for the NHL.

“There was a date in January that didn’t work for True North and a date in December that didn’t work for the Bombers. We look forward to hosting the game next year or the year after.”

Jets governor Mark Chipman, meanwhile, was disappointed with the original postponement, but said the Jets completely understood the Bombers’ position on not wanting a Heritage Classic game in December and so close to the Grey Cup.

 

— staff