Another NHL Winter Classic, another letdown for the Colorado Avalanche
Photo credit: CNN Sports
It seems that the NHL seems to always get these wrong this time around. How can you have an NHL Winter Classic played in a city that never snows?
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic will be played on January 2nd from LoanDepot Park in Miami between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers.
Another NHL Winter Classic, another letdown for the Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have taken part in three outdoor games; one in 2016, one in 2019, and most recently in Lake Tahoe in 2021.
There are 10 teams that have yet to play in a Winter Classic game. Here's the list of the team's awaiting their debut in the league's outdoor showcase: the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth.
When asked about the decision to have an outdoor Winter Classic game in a hot and sunny vacation destination, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed genuine enthusiasm for the event and firmly reiterated that the league stands by its decision, despite pushback or differing opinions from the broader hockey community.
Fans took to social media to voice their discuss with the NHL's decision to hold a Winter Classic game in Miami, Florida...
That's neither winter or a classic. Come to Folsom field in Colorado. Put the Avalanche with arguably the 3 best players in the game against the backdrop of the snowy Flatirons in the background. It screams WINTER! No palm trees. Stop this mess.
Lmao... like, sorry but if I'm hosting a "winter classic" I'm doing it in a Canadian city or at least American state that has an actual winter. That's a big portion of the appeal here and they've decided to host the 2026 game... Miami.
Yeah okay Gary nice work here.
Yeah okay Gary nice work here.
It seems like every year, the NHL can't seem to draw enough viewership with these types of games. My guess, have the games played in an actual city that is cold and has snow, and include teams that attract fans.
I'm sure hockey fans would kill to see players like Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon and Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid face off on a cold and snowy outdoor stage. Maybe one day, the NHL will learn their lesson and give the fans want they want.
Tickets for next year's Winter Classic between New York and Florida go on sale June 4.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 28 ANSWERS Another NHL Winter Classic, another letdown for the Colorado Avalanche Are you excited for next year's NHL Winter Classic between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers? | ||
| yes | 5 | 17.9 % |
| no | 23 | 82.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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