With the tickets for the 2023 Heritage Classic going on sale today I thought I would take a look at the event that started it all. The original Heritage Classic, when the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens.
The 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton was a memorable event that brought together the best of hockey and outdoor sports. The game was played on November 22, 2003, at the Commonwealth Stadium, and it was the first of its kind in NHL history. The game was played between the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, and it was a game that will always be remembered for its unique setting and exciting play on the ice.
The game was played in front of 57,000 fans, which was a record attendance for an NHL game. The football stadium was transformed into a hockey arena, and the ice was specially made for the game.
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There were two games that day. The first game was a throwback game where Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens alumni played against each other. The like of Wayne Gretzky and Guy Lafleur lead their respective teams. This game was nothing serious, but the Edmonton Oilers did win 2-0.
The second part of the classic was the actual NHL regular season game. The game started off slow as there was no scoring in the first period. The Canadiens took an early lead in the second period with a goal from Richard Zednik. The Canadiens added one more goal before Eric Brewer got the Edmonton Oilers on the board making it 2-1 Candiens going into the third period.
In the third period, both teams scored two times a piece as the Montreal Canadiens ended up winning the game 4-3.
The game was a huge success and a great showcase for the NHL. It showed that outdoor hockey could be just as exciting as indoor hockey, and it was a great way to bring hockey fans together. The game was also a tribute to the heritage of hockey in Canada, and it brought back memories of the outdoor games that were played in the past.
The 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton was a great event that hockey fans will always remember. It was a game that showcased the best of hockey and outdoor sports, and it was a great way to bring fans together. The game was a tribute to the heritage of hockey in Canada, and it was a great way to celebrate the game that we all love.
The 2023 Heritage Classic will take place on October 29th. The Calgary Flames will come to Commonwealth Stadium, this will be the 20th anniversary of the original Heritage Classic.