Outdoor games are becoming more and more prevelant in today’s NHL, and the league announced today the schedule for the first of such games in the 2016-17 season. The Heritage Classic will be held in Winnipeg this season, and will see the Jets face off against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers – who were part of the very first Heritage Classic – on October 23rd, just a few weeks into the season.
Two legends teams will play on the Saturday (Oct 22), with Kevin Lowe and Dale Hawerchuk (both of whom will play in the game) announcing the rosters today. The spectacular Oilers legends squad will feature:
Dave Semenko
Wayne Gretzky (Captain)*
Mark Messier*
Glenn Anderson*
Paul Coffey*
Grant Fuhr*
Jari Kurri*
Kelly Buchberger
Randy Gregg
Charlie Huddy
Ken Linseman
B.J. MacDonald
Craig MacTavish
Marty McSorley
Bill Ranford
Dwayne Roloson
Craig Simpson
Ryan Smyth
Esa Tikkanen
For the Jets, along with Hawerchuk* the legends roster includes:
Thomas Steen
Dave Babych
Laurie Boschman
Mike Eagles
Dave Ellett
Bob Essensa
Mike Ford
Kris King
Jim Kyte
Morris Lukowich
Moe Mantha
Mario Marois
Andrew McBain
Brian Mullen
Teppo Numminen
Teemu Selanne
Darrin Shannon
Doug Smail
Tim Watters
Ron Wilson
* denotes Hall of Fame member
Hawerchuk announced that they will probably have a few additions in the future, but for now both rosters represent a who’s-who of the NHL and WHA. These teams played in the final WHA game, when the Jets defeated the Gretzky-led Oilers for the 1979 championship.
Is there a link to the intense debate?