WINNIPEG — Jake Evans has played enough hockey to know an outdoor rink changes the feel of a game before the puck even drops. On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens forward will get that NHL chance when the Canadiens meet the Winnipeg Jets in the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium.
The outdoor matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on SN, TVAS, TNT, truTV and HBO MAX. Evans expects a full building, a louder-than-usual backdrop and a game that carries more emotional weight than an ordinary two-point night.
From pond ice to the Heritage Classic
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Evans grew up primarily playing indoor hockey, but said outdoor ice was part of the unstructured side of the sport. Whenever there was free or inexpensive ice available, he and others would look for a place to skate outside. He also recalled family outings on outdoor rinks.
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His lone previous outdoor game came during his Junior A days in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. It was played in Buffalo at a minor-league stadium, though Evans does not remember the specific venue. What has stayed with him is that it was an enjoyable experience.
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Like many players of his generation, Evans watched NHL outdoor events while growing up. The Stadium Series and Winter Classic were regular viewing, and the Pittsburgh-Buffalo Winter Classic stands out most in his memory, particularly Sidney Crosby’s goal.
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Now Evans will step into a much larger setting in Winnipeg. He has heard from people familiar with Princess Auto Stadium that the building can be loud and entertaining, and he expects the crowd to be roughly twice the size Montreal normally sees in a regular NHL arena.
A different kind of two-point game
Evans said players hope to see at least one outdoor date on the schedule during their careers. The novelty of playing in a stadium, the size of the crowd and the rare chance to play an NHL game under the open sky all make it a different assignment.
“The whole thing is new and exciting,” Evans said. “There are so many fans, and you get to play in buildings you otherwise might never see from the ice.”
He expects both sides to add to the noise. Jets fans have a reputation for making themselves heard, while Canadiens supporters routinely travel well. With those groups sharing a stadium setting, Evans anticipates a charged atmosphere.
There will be one more practical piece before Sunday’s game: Montreal will have a short skate the day before the matchup to get a feel for the outdoor setup. The NHL can prepare the ice, Evans noted, but weather and the elements remain part of the equation.
That could mean a slightly different puck and surface than players encounter indoors. Evans said the Canadiens will need to adapt fast, particularly in the opening stages, and likely keep their puck decisions simple.
“You have to enjoy being out there because it is something most of us have not done,” he said. “But once the game begins, you block that out and play. You still want the two points.”
Canadiens looking to put it together
Evans acknowledged that Montreal’s season, both collectively and for him personally, has had uneven stretches. He believes the Canadiens are comfortable with the way they can play, but said the next step is executing consistently and putting complete games together.
The Heritage Classic remains worth the same two points in the standings, but Evans sees it as a game players especially want to leave with good memories from. Winning would sharpen the experience for the club and give the Canadiens a boost as they spend time on the road focused on hockey.
“It is still two points, but it is a game you really want,” Evans said. “You want to come away from it feeling good.”
