NHL Outdoor Games Could Feature Three Canadian Teams In '13-14

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, when asked about outdoor games for the '13-14 season, said, "We are focused on a Winter Classic and another Heritage Game in Canada." As the Heritage Classic "has always involved two Canadian squads," it is "quite apparent that at least three Canadian teams will be heading out to compete in the elements next season." The Maple Leafs are scheduled to play the Red Wings in the Winter Classic (QMI AGENCY, 3/14).

Jets Chair Mark Chipman is "involved in discussions with the NHL to secure an outdoor game, possibly as early as 2016, to be played before an expected 40,000 fans at Investors Group Field" in Winnipeg. Chipman said, "The league has seen the reaction from this marketplace. ... I don't see anything getting in the way" (WINNIPEG SUN, 3/15).