The 2016-2017 NHL schedule has been released, with some notable dates, including the opening of Rogers Place on Oct. 12 and the first-ever NHL Centennial Classic on Jan. 1, 2017.
The new home of the Edmonton Oilers will welcome fans for the first time on Wednesday, Oct. 12, in a four-game league slate to launch the season.
Outdoor games on the docket include the aforementioned NHL Centennial Classic on Jan. 1, 2017, where the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Detroit Red Wings at the renovated BMO Field, home to Toronto’s MLS and CFL teams. The NHL will mark its 100th-anniversary year in 2017, and this game is the beginning of the festivities. Other outdoor games include the 2016 Heritage Classic, to be held at Winnipeg’s Investors Group Field as the Jets will host the Edmonton Oilers.
And the season will end with a little nostalgia: this is the last season the Detroit Red Wings are playing at Joe Louis Arena. While fans probably won’t miss the cramped concourses and limited offerings, the team generated plenty of memories there — memories team management hope will extend into the arena.
