Winnipeg will be at the centre of the hockey universe on Sunday when the puck drops at the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic. The marquee outdoor matchup at Princess Auto Stadium between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens headlines the weekend, but there’s a slew of events happening throughout the city. The fan experience kicks off Saturday with a schedule rife with nostalgia. The sold-out Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest is taking place on Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre. Fans will have an opportunity to rub elbows with Jets alumni during autograph signings and panel discussions during the ticketed event. There are also interactive games and live cultural performances on tap. The Alumni Game follows Saturday evening at Canada Life Centre with a roster of Jets fan favourites of yesteryear taking on a group of former Habs. Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little headline the list of players slated to throw on a Jets jersey once again, while former coach Claude Noel will be back behind the bench. Other Jets alumni expected to suit up include Manitoba-born players Eric Fehr, Cody Eakin, and Derek Meech, along with the GST Line of Tanner Glass, Jim Slater, and Chris Thorburn. The Habs will counter with the likes of Mike Keane, Mathieu Dandenault, Mike Cammalleri, Dale Weise and Andrei Markov. Canadian rock band The Trews are playing at the arena before the game and during intermissions. Puck drop for the Alumni Game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The festivities continue Sunday afternoon at the University of Manitoba in the hours leading up to the outdoor game. Scotiabank NHL PreGame activities begin at noon for Heritage Classic ticketholders in the university’s U Lot off Chancellor Matheson Road. Fans can get their photos taken with the Stanley Cup, test their hockey skills in a series of challenges, and even try to score a goal on an NHL mascot. Princess Auto Stadium’s tailgate plaza opens to ticketholders at 3 p.m. before stadium gates open at 4:30 p.m. The NHL has converted the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium into a “larger than life” visit to cottage country for the outdoor game. Earlier this week, the league said fans can expect a mix of vintage hockey memorabilia and rustic cabin elements surrounding the ice surface. Puck drop for the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
