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Remembering the First Heritage Classic. Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens

Remembering the First Heritage Classic

As hockey season rolls around once again, we all are reminded of two things: the approaching Heritage Classic game in February, and the cold. For no one is this more poignant than defenseman Steve Staios, who played in the very first regular season outdoor NHL game back in 2003 – which has now become an annual event in the United States as the Winter Classic, and is set to take place in Calgary as the Heritage Classic this coming winter.

Of course, back then Steve played for the Oilers, who played against Montreal. This year the Flames will get a chance to take on the Canadiens on February 20th. Expected to draw a crowd of 40,000 spectators, the Heritage Classic is a hockey game like none other.

If you saw the first game between Edmonton and Montreal, you’ll likely remember the toque that Jose Theodore wore over his goalie mask, and the plumes of exhalation coming from the player’s mouths as they played in -18°C weather (-30°C with the wind chill). It was so cold that the players had to change clothes between periods, and they wore balaclavas under their helmets to stay warm.

Hopefully this year’s Heritage Classic will be a bit milder, perhaps a cozy -10°C? Regardless of the weather, it is certain that many die-hard hockey fans will come out to see their favourite sport played outside, where it began.

Steve Staios will once again be facing the Canadiens, albeit this time as a Calgary Flame. Incidentally, in that first game Steve had one goal and an assist on a Jarret Stoll goal. In the end Montreal won 4-3. Hopefully this year’s Heritage Classic will end more in the home team’s favour.

The Heritage Classic is scheduled for Sunday, February 20th at McMahon Stadium. Tickets are not yet available, but fans can sign up for updates at http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=62666. Remember to dress warm!

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