Here at Fansided, we have been doing themed weeks all summer, this week is stadiums and to kick-off this theme week here at Oil on Whyte, we are talking about a special piece of history that the Edmonton Oilers were a part of.
The National Hockey League (NHL) has attempted to play many outdoor games over the course of the league's over 100 year history. There was plenty of exhibition games played and attempted, one of which in 1954 was held at a prison. Today, they have become almost overdone according to many fans.
The first ever regular season game held outdoors was between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers. This game was held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, home of the Canadian Football League (CFL) team, the Edmonton Elks. There was a record 57,167 fans in attendance, all packed into the seats at their freezing cold outdoor venue in central Alberta in the midst of a cold-snap that saw temperatures lower to -25 celsius.
Before the 2003-04 Oilers and Canadiens battled it out, there was an alumni game held between former greats for either team. It boasted hall of famers such as; Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, and more.
2003 Heritage Classic
During the actual regular season matchup, it was a showdown between the pipes with a close score of 4-3. The Habs were backstopped by 2002 Vezina and Hart Memorial trophy winner, Jose Theodore. The Oilers by rookie netminder Ty Conklin.
The scorers for Montreal were forwards Yanic Perreault and Richard Zednik potting two apiece. The Oilers got goals from Jarrett Stoll and two from defenseman Steve Staois, the latter having been recently named to the quarter century team here at Oil on Whyte.
Although the Oilers lost, it is a nice piece of history for the club to be a part of and since then they have played two more heritage classic games, tying their provincial rivals the Calgary Flames for the most to be a part of.
2016 Heritage Classic
On October 23rd, 2016, the Oilers were part of another heritage classic. This time, the game was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Investors Group Field, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The game was between the Oilers and the Winnipeg Jets. This time around the Oilers had a much better game, winning 3-0. The goaltenders were Cam Talbot for the Oilers, shutting out the Jets who had sophomore Connor Hellebuyck manning the crease.
This game had a much smaller crowd of 33,240 fans. The goal scorers for the Oilers were Zack Kassian, Mark Letestu, and Darnell Nurse with of course none from the opposing side.
2023 Heritage Classic; 20 year anniversary
Finally, the Oilers played in their third and the most recent Heritage Classic game on October 29th, 2023. This was the 20th anniversary game held again at Commonwealth Stadium. This game was between the Oilers and Battle of Alberta and arch rivals, the Flames.
This was the second-highest attended game with 55,411 fans in attendance. Thankfully it was in Edmonton since the Oilers beat the Flames handily, 5-2. This time the Oilers had the controversial Stuart Skinner in net against the Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom.
The scorers for the Oilers were; defensemen Brett Kulak, Vincent Desharnais, and Evan Bouchard with forwards Zach Hyman and Evander Kane scoring as well. The Flames saw contributions from A.J. Greer and Nazem Kadri.
This was the last Heritage Classic and at this time there does not appear to be plans for another in the future, yet.