NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the league normally announce a small number of outdoor games each year, whether it be the winter classic or the league's Heritage classic. The NHL chooses a few fortunate franchises.
The most recent league announcement will excite two fan groups, but other NHL clubs could still be interested in going to the game or watching it from home.
The NHL recently announced that the Battle of Alberta would be played during the 2023 Heritage Classic.
By scheduling one of the most watched rivalries in sports, the NHL made a sensible choice. The league will benefit greatly from this match between two clubs who are deserving of playing abroad.
The 2023 Heritage Classic will mark the third time the Oilers will participate in an outdoor game � the club having played in that inaugural Heritage Classic and the 2016 game in Winnipeg � and also the third for the Flames, who similarly hosted a Heritage Classic, in 2011, and took on Winnipeg in 2019.