Gretzky and Selanne headline Heritage outdoor alumni game
Wayne Gretzky and Teemu Selanne will headline the alumni game between former Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets players at the Heritage Classic in October.
The NHL announced the rosters Friday, along with the jerseys the current teams will wear in their regular season game in the outdoor event at Investors Group Field, home of the CFL’s Blue Bombers
Joining Gretzky on the Oilers team will be Mark Messier, Dave Semenko and Craig MacTavish, among others. Selanne will lead a roster of former Jets including Dale Hawerchuk, Thomas Steen, Kris King and Dave Babych.
“The rivalry between the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers represents a significant part of our team’s rich hockey history,” said Mark Chipman, chair of True North Sports Entertainment, which owns the Jets. “Unveiling the NHL Heritage Classic jersey and announcing the alumni rosters for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic today is the first step in what will no doubt be an exciting journey for hockey fans of all ages.”
Both Edmonton and Winnipeg originally had teams in the World Hockey Association before that league merged with the NHL in 1979.
This will be the Jets’ first appearance in an outdoor game and the Oilers’ first appearance since hosting the first-ever NHL regular-season game played outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium in 2003.
The Jets, who will become the 22nd NHL franchise to play in a regular-season outdoor game, boast the likes of four-time all-star Dustin Byfuglien and forwards Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. The Oilers counter with young marquee players such as Connor McDavid, Jordan Eberle and Ryan NugentHopkins.