Mark Gallant The Hockey Writers
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Bruins to Host 2016 Winter Classic
While New England sports fans all watched the Patriots trounce the Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday in the AFC Championship game, they should get used to the idea of watching another sport in Foxborough. And no, I’m not talking about soccer.
According to WEEI, the Boston Bruins will be hosting the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016 Winter Classic. The Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, winning the game 2-1 in overtime. Earlier this month, the Washington Capitals joined the Bruins as the only two home teams to win their Winter Classic, as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2.
The Canadiens have not taken part in any of the seven Winter Classics that have taken place so far, but have played in two Heritage Classics, most recently in 2011.
The official announcement of the game will take place over All-Star Weekend. Patrice Bergeron will represent the Bruins, while Carey Price will represent the Habs.
Only three current Bruins were on the ice in Fenway back in 2010, which may come as a surprise. Bergeron, David Krejci, and Zdeno Chara played in that game. Daniel Paille also has outdoor NHL experience, as he logged an assist back in the first Winter Classic back in 2008 as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.
Fenway Park was a surreal experience considering the age of the ballpark and the history that went along with it, but the experience at Gillette could be a better one for fans. With practically twice the seating capacity at nearly 70,000, more fans will have the chance at witnessing history. Also, people won’t have to worry about any bizarre angles or obstructed views that came at Fenway.