The Montreal Canadiens are making their long-awaited return to the Heritage Classic. They’ll participate in the event for the first time since 2011, taking on the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg at Princess Auto Stadium.
When they take the ice, they'll have to bring their A-game, and maybe a player or two will have to step up. On the bright side, Connor Hellebuyck is not an issue.
However, regardless of what they have to determine and plan for, none of it involves extreme cold.
It’s far from their first outdoor game. They were in the first two Heritage Classic games, but this one will stand out in a different way. It’ll be relatively warmer, by a lot.
The key word there is relatively because it’s still set to be just above freezing at puck drop, around 3 degrees Celsius (low 30s in Fahrenheit). It wouldn’t just be their first above-freezing Heritage Classic. It would be the first time it’s above zero in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
When the 2003 Heritage Classic was played, the temperature was -30 Celsius and -22 Fahrenheit. These two temperatures weren’t that far off from the intersection point (-40). For the 2011 Heritage Classic, it wasn’t as cold. Don’t worry, it was only -25 Celsius, which was still -13 Fahrenheit.
For fans who have been waiting for 15 years to have their team play in this specific event, they’ll likely welcome a game that’s above freezing with open arms. Heat can be uncomfortable. Cold can hurt.
Why the temperature matters for the Heritage Classic
For the record, a warmer Heritage Classic game in October isn’t unique to this game. This is an issue that has been addressed before, but it’s a new experience for the Canadiens.
They have only known the bitter cold of the earliest games, and they’ll finally get the benefits that come with an October bout.
According to the University of Maryland, lower temperatures can worsen injuries. It stiffens muscles and joints, there’s reduced blood and there is increased sensitivity. All of these influence the amount of pain felt and how an athlete can recover.
Now, imagine that a player takes a hit into the boards at full speed. The NHL is probably dodging a bullet going into Winnipeg later in the calendar year for a game.
Don't worry, the experience will still be there
At least in this weather, fans and players get the experience of being outside in a coat and hat, but it’s at least manageable.
By Manitoba standards, it’s still warm, but it’s colder than if the outdoor game were played in Montreal. It’s expected to be nine degrees Celsius at the time of puck drop. That’s not weather that can even accommodate snow. The high temperature on the day is close to what the Winter Classic had down in Florida (16 Celsius).
So, those who are going to the game won’t be entirely robbed of the experience. It’s just a more pleasant version of it.
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