Regina’s outdoor game was indeed a classic

Fans packed Mosaic Stadium to see Jets beat Flames during ‘outstanding’ event

REGINA It’s hard to say whether the Saskatchewan capital’s first National Hockey League’s regular-season game will also be the last.

If that proves to be the case, Saturday’s Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames was one heck of a farewell party.

Not even the sudden arrival of winter could spoil the occasion as a loud and proud gathering of 33,518 fans watched the Jets rally for a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory at jam-packed Mosaic Stadium.

It was fitting that Regina’s adopted son — Calgary-born defenceman Josh Morrissey — sparked the comeback when he scored a power-play goal with 4:11 left in the third period. Bryan Little finished it off at 3:04 of sudden-death action, putting the final touch on a memorable experience for the “home” team.

“I thought it was amazing — the support right from the time we landed (on Friday),” said Morrissey.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many (people in) jerseys walking around downtown, outside the hotels and whatnot.

“Everyone coming to the game knew it was going to be cool and windy. As soon as we walked out of the tunnel, that crowd was electric. It was full. As a player it was just an awesome time. I think the city and the province really embraced it.” So did the teams.

Despite being on the losing side, Flames head coach Bill Peters sounded like a fan as he gushed about Saskatchewan hospitality and an “outstanding ” outdoor experience that was worth savouring.

“The hockey fans of the province of Saskatchewan came out in full force,” Peters said.

“(There was) lots of energy in

Mosaic Stadium. It was a beautiful setting with the light snow. The temperature wasn’t too bad. (These games) are fantastic. If you ever get a chance to be a part of one, do it.”

Not only was it Regina’s first regular-season game, it was also the first time the Heritage Classic had been staged in a neutral-site locale.

If you ask Peters, the NHL made a great choice in bringing it to the heartland.

“The province of Saskatchewan is a strong hockey province — a proud hockey province,” he said. “You look at the players they produce continually. When you look back at it and you say you played the first NHL game in the City of Regina in Mosaic Stadium, you’re going to have a lot of fond memories.”

That was especially true for Morrissey, who spent plenty of time in Regina as a youngster. His father was raised here and his grandparents lived in the city their entire lives before passing away.

They weren’t far from Morrissey’s thoughts during Saturday’s game.

“To get a win here in the fashion we did and to personally score a goal is something I’ll remember for a long time,” the 24-year-old said. “It’s like they were with me a little bit in that moment, so it was pretty special for me and my family.”

Meanwhile, the Jets had little time to savour their win, departing after Saturday’s contest in anticipation of a three-game road trip that begins Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Before heading out of town, Jets head coach Paul Maurice had the last word on the Heritage Classic when he expressed hope that the fans came away as winners, too.

“It was great for us,” he said. “It was a great event. I hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did.”