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It was probably the worst kept secret of the year, but the news is finally official. Gary Bettman made the announcement today, during his All-Star Weekend press conference. The best rivalry in sports is heading outdoors, as the Montreal Canadiens will face the Boston Bruins next year at the 2016 Winter Classic.
La LNH confirme la présentation d'une Coupe du monde en 2016 à Toronto. Et la classique hivernale du 1er janvier entre le CH et les Bruins.
— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontJDM) January 24, 2015
The game will take place on January 1st in Boston, at Gillette Stadium. The stadium holds up to 68,756 fans, which promises to deliver a fantastic atmosphere during the event. The game is roughly five hours away from Montreal by car, so expect a large contingency of Habs fans to make the trip.
This will be the second time a Canadian team will play in the Winter Classic, and the first time a good Canadian team will participate, although it's not Montreal's first outdoor game. They participated in the inaugural Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers back in 2003, and were also called to action during the second Heritage Classic, which took place in 2011 against the Calgary Flames.
Looks like 2016 Winter Classic set for Boston vs. Canadiens. pic.twitter.com/i7EGhOkmwQ
— Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) January 24, 2015