Heritage Classic highlighted hockey’s roots once again

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 Sunday at the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Jets.

While the game itself wasn’t the most exciting, the atmosphere and scenery gave fans inside Princess Auto Stadium a sight to behold, and those watching at home a memorable viewing experience.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the game itself and the meaning behind one of the NHL’s signature events.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The NHL usually does a really good job with outdoor games, but I thought the imagery and everything that went into it; the alumni game with Dustin Byfuglien making his return to Winnipeg, everything was great.

Carter Hutton: I was watching this game last night and I texted our group chat saying we had to pull up an aerial view of this stadium, because I thought the visual was so cool. The cabin cottage vibe, the fireplace, I thought they did a very good job.

I got a chance to play in an outdoor game, and you see the value of what goes into it for the players, for their kids, for the family, it’s almost more than hockey. I thought the broadcast did a good job last night.

Even Jets’ defenseman Dylan DeMelo said in the intermission, “yeah we’re down two goals but I’m having so much fun here, this is so cool and it brings me back to my roots.”

I just think it brings us back to our roots of hockey and they did a really, really good job last night.

Tyler Yaremchuk: It brings out the kid in the players. You see them come in with their getup and their bomber jackets on … it’s just funny how these guys are usually business-driven, don’t be the center of attention, right? Don’t have fun.

But you put them in the outdoor environment, and all of a sudden, it’s out the window.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…