It may have taken a bit of "harassing" from Mayor Jim Watson but it's finally happening!
If you need more proof that Ottawa is the place to be in 2017 you should've been at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier today as NHL alumni politicians and dignitaries gathered to announce that Scotiabank Heritage Classic will take place in the nation’s capital on December 16.
Standing next to the game's biggest prize, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman proudly confirmed the speculation to a rousing applause.
"We believe that at 100 years of age, our game has never been stronger, faster, more skilled or better," Bettman said adding how the first game in the history of the league took will have taken place 100 years to the date of the heritage game between the very same teams. ""We also believe that the first 100 years are only the beginning. So to launch our next 100 years, we believe it's only right to bring the Canadiens and Senators back together."
The 23rd outdoor game will see the Montreal Canadians take on the Ottawa Senators in a game that Senators owner Eugene Melnyk hopes will be '20 below with a clear blue sky'.
The announcement, that included Hall of Fame members like Guy LaFleur and Mike Bossy, was also an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the NHL. In accordance with that Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change made the official designation that the Stanley Cup as a National Historic Event.
"Sometimes you forget about how much fun it is to play hockey, and I think that this type of event really pulls it all together," said Senators captain, Erik Karlsson.
This outdoor game joins other events such as The Juno Awards and 105th Grey Cup that will be included in the celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.