While the offseason is in full swing, it does not hurt to look ahead to the 2026-27 seson. The schedule is not out yet, but there is a date that is special to the Winnipeg Jets: Winnipeg will be hosting the 2026 Tim Horton's NHL Heritage Classic this season against the Montreal Canadiens. However, the day before is something that may get as much, if not more, attention.
2026 Heritage Classic weekend
As mentioned, Winnipeg will take part in the 2026 Tim Horton's NHL Heritage Classic against Montreal. This will take place on October 25, 2026, at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. While the Jets only have played two outdoor games, this one is sure to be a good battle between two good Canadian teams.
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Winnipeg legends will take part in the 2026 Tim Horton's Heritage Classic alumni game. This game will take place indoors at the Canada Lite Centre before Sunday's game. This game may be a tough ticket as the only way to get a ticket for the alumni game is to purchase a 2026-2027 season ticket package. This is a great way to see former Jets players skate one more time and relive the memories they brought while wearing a Winnipeg sweater. This will be the third game for the Jets as they face the Canadians alumni.
Alumni roster for the Jets
For the game, there will be some run-of-the-mill favorites playing as well as some players who had a short stay with the club. Here is the roster for the game along with their games played and point production for Winnipeg.
Forwards include Nik Antropov (109 games-53 points), Cody Eakins (8-5), Eric Fehr (35-3), Sam Gagner (48-14), Tanner Glass (78-16), Anthony Peluso (142-14), Jim Slater (213-38), Drew Stafford (144-70), Tim Stapleton (63-27), Mathieu Perreault (455-230), Paul Stastny (146-87), Blake Wheeler (897-812), ANdrew Ladd (429-305), and Bryan Little (458-372).
Defensemen are Grant Clitsome (112-35), Tobias Enstrom (401-128), Ron Hainsey (346-107), Derek Meech (18-1), and Mark Staurt (287-38).
Goaltender is Michael Hutchinson (102 games 43-39-11, .910 save percentage, 2.65 goals against average). Signed as a free agent, he allowed one goal in a loss to the Minnesota Wild in his NHL debut. He was consistent for a goalie who flew under the radar and never fully got his due. He would leave the Jets as a free agent after five season.
The head coach for the Jets alumni team is Claude Noel, who posted a record of 80-79-18. Noel was the first coach the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 and had a solid coaching record for a team that did not make the playoffs. His coaching knowledge and coaching history made up for a lack of talent in those times. he did get the best out of the team that he had, forcing them to work harder and skate harder than the opposition.
Most of these players did not play that long or have outstanding success with the team. However, this is a chance for them to give back a little from the warmth they received from the Jets faithful. Te time for hockey is right around the corner and this is a great game to look forward to.
Add us as a preferred source on Google