NHL

The NHL Winter Classic Heads to the Sunshine State as Florida Hosts its First-Ever Outdoor Game

The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic on Friday in Miami.
The NHL Winter Classic Heads to the Sunshine State as Florida Hosts its First-Ever Outdoor Game
Bo Horvat (14) of the New York Islanders checks Alexis Lafreniere (13) of the New York Rangers at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., on Dec. 27, 2025. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Ross Kelly
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The 2026 NHL Winter Classic has arrived, as the National Hockey League’s annual New Year’s outdoor game is back yet again.

This year’s event takes place on Jan. 2. On the surface, it presents as a bit oxymoronic this year. That’s because, for the first time in the 17-year history of the game, the NHL Winter Classic will take place in the Sunshine State. Not only that, but it will also be the southernmost regular-season game in NHL history, with Miami hosting the matchup between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers.

Ross Kelly
Ross Kelly
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Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.