The 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic takes the Montreal Canadiens to Winnipeg for an outdoor showdown with the Jets on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Puck drop at Princess Auto Stadium is set for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT), with the game on TNT in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada. Below is everything you need to watch, the start time in every zone, and a free printable watch card.
2026 Heritage Classic: Quick Facts
| Matchup | Montreal Canadiens at Winnipeg Jets |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Puck drop | 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT |
| US TV | TNT (truTV and HBO Max simulcast) |
| Canada TV | Sportsnet (TVA Sports in French) |
| Alumni game | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
How to Watch the Heritage Classic (US and Canada)
In the United States, the Heritage Classic airs on TNT, with simulcasts on truTV and streaming on HBO Max. It is part of the NHL’s national TV package, so no regional blackout should apply. You can see the full slate on our 2026-27 NHL national TV schedule.
In Canada, the game is carried nationally on Sportsnet (English) and TVA Sports (French), with streaming on Sportsnet+. As an outdoor marquee event, it is a true national broadcast rather than a regional-only window.
If you want the surrounding schedule for both clubs, we keep updated how-to-watch guides for the Winnipeg Jets and the Montreal Canadiens, including TV channels, streaming and the next game.
Heritage Classic Start Time by Zone
| Eastern (ET) | 7:00 PM |
| Central / Winnipeg local (CT) | 6:00 PM |
| Mountain (MT) | 5:00 PM |
| Pacific (PT) | 4:00 PM |
Why the Heritage Classic Matters
This is the eighth Heritage Classic in NHL history and the first was back in 2003. For 2026 the league is dressing Princess Auto Stadium, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, as a giant Manitoba cabin for the occasion. It is Winnipeg’s second time hosting a Heritage Classic, after the 2016 game against Edmonton, and the third Heritage Classic appearance for both the Jets and the Canadiens.
The weekend is more than one game. An alumni game is set for Saturday, October 24, and the Scotiabank NHL PreGame fan festival runs on game day. For the rest of the league’s outdoor slate, including the Winter Classic and Stadium Series, see our 2026-27 NHL outdoor games guide.
The Matchup: Canadiens at Jets
It is a rare cross-conference regular-season meeting: the Canadiens come out of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, while the Jets anchor the Western Conference’s Central Division, so these two do not cross paths often. Add the outdoor elements, a raucous Winnipeg crowd and the throwback sweaters, and the Heritage Classic becomes one of the signature dates on the early-season calendar. Weather and ice conditions can flatten scoring and reward the team that adjusts first, which is part of what makes outdoor games unpredictable.
Printable Heritage Classic Watch Card
Grab the one-page watch card with the matchup, start time in every zone, TV channels and quick facts, ready to print or save.
Download the printable 2026 Heritage Classic watch card (PDF)
Related guides
- 2026-27 NHL Outdoor Games: Winter Classic, Stadium Series and Heritage Classic
- How to Watch the Winnipeg Jets in 2026-27
- How to Watch the Montreal Canadiens in 2026-27
- 2026-27 NHL Schedule: Free Printable PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the 2026 Heritage Classic?
Puck drop is 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT on Sunday, October 25, 2026. That is 5:00 PM MT and 4:00 PM PT.
What channel is the Heritage Classic on?
TNT in the United States, with truTV and HBO Max simulcasts. In Canada it airs on Sportsnet (TVA Sports in French).
Where is the 2026 Heritage Classic played?
Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the outdoor home of the CFL’s Blue Bombers.
Who is playing?
The Montreal Canadiens visit the Winnipeg Jets. Winnipeg is the home team.
Is there an alumni game?
Yes. The Heritage Classic alumni game is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, the day before the main event.
