Bettman: NHL would like to schedule a Canadian outdoor game, too

NHL considering Canadian outdoor game

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — The NHL is considering adding a Winter Classic outdoor game for Canadian teams.

So far the league’s annual outdoor game on New Year’s Day has matched up teams from American cities with strong hockey followings. Adding Canadian teams was considered for 2010, but it didn’t happen.

“It’s something we’re going to look at for next season,” commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday. “We’ll see if we can make that happen.”

The Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers are scheduled to play at Fenway Park on Jan. 1. Last year, Detroit and Chicago played at Wrigley Field after the first Classic matched up Buffalo and Pittsburgh on a snowy day in western New York.

Bettman said all six Canadian teams have expressed interest in hosting or playing in the game.