The National Hockey League plans to hold an outdoor game in Calgary next season, marking the first one in Canada since the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens on a chilly afternoon in 2003.
The Pittsburgh Penguins also plan to hold an outdoor game next season, commissioner Gary Bettman announced on Friday.
The Calgary Flames are expected to play the Canadiens while the Penguins will host the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
The Flames' game will be held February 20 at McMahon Stadium home of the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.
The Canadiens played the Oilers in Edmonton in the first outdoor regular season game, billed as the Heritage Classic seven years ago.
Two seasons ago, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field. And last season, the Boston Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at American baseball's Fenway Park.
Over half of the players competing in this year's Stanley Cup finals are from Canada. The series between the Blackhawks and the Flyers begins Saturday in Chicago.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
