“I’ve got lots of family coming in. I’m looking forward to the family skate before. Those are memories that I’ll have for a lifetime, and I’m just excited for the whole weekend,” said Connor McDavid

Montréal, AB – It’s difficult to believe that more than 56,000 people would be crammed into Commonwealth Stadium in minus twenty degrees, let alone that the Heritage Classic will be returning to its original location in October of this year, 20 years later. The background of Wednesday’s media availability with NHL EVP & Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer and Connor McDavid was very clear. It showed how huge an impact the 2003 Heritage Classic had on the development of outdoor NHL hockey and gave a sneak peek at how incredible the 20th-anniversary version is expected to be, especially considering that it will be the first Battle of Alberta outside and the first regular-season meeting between the rival provinces in 306 days.“What gets us hockey guys excited is picturing this place packed with Edmonton and Calgary fans going crazy,” McDavid stated. “I have a large family visiting me. The family skate before is something I’m excited about. I’ll always cherish those memories, and I’m looking forward to the entire weekend. The fun will ensue. I’m thrilled to be a part of the 20th anniversary of the original outdoor game at Commonwealth in Edmonton. The rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary is unique, and it will be exciting to play on this field and rink in this large arena. Fortunately, I hope it will be a little warmer when I play in October. The first Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens took place on November 22, 2003, when the captain of the Oilers was only about seven years old. He doesn’t recall much about the game other than the weather and goalie Jose Theodore’s toque worn atop his mask during the eventual 4-3 Habs victory. The 2016 Heritage Classic in Winnipeg, which McDavid remembers with fondness, was his first outdoor NHL game. He recorded an assist and a late penalty, and the Oilers won 3-0 after Cam Talbot won the shutout with 31 saves while wearing the infamous toque. Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell will have to carry on that pattern this season.