The NHL announced on Wednesday that the Colorado Avalanche will compete in the 2027 Winter Classic against the Utah Mammoth at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. For Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood, this marks a significant milestone, as he prepares for his first participation in one of the league’s iconic outdoor games.
Wedgewood expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the opportunity to showcase his creativity through his goaltending equipment. “What is my gear going to be like?” he remarked. “It’s really cool. I’ve missed them on a couple of different teams, either showed up a year early or a year late. So with the (contract) extension, obviously I’m pumped to be part of it.”
A Unique Outdoor Experience
This event will be the Avalanche’s fourth outdoor game, although it will be their first time participating in the Winter Classic. Previously, they played at Coors Field, Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy, and near the shores of Lake Tahoe. The attendance record at Coors Field was 50,095, and Rice-Eccles Stadium has a slightly larger capacity. The Winter Classic usually garners more attention as it typically takes place on January 1 or 2, making it a marquee event in the NHL calendar.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who is also looking forward to the game. “I’ve never played in a Winter Classic. We’ve had some outdoor games… I think it will be a great atmosphere there. They picked a great venue. It’s a good rivalry. Should be fun.”
Wedgewood has already sported various sets of equipment this season. He began with white pads, switched to a dark blue setup for division rival games, and also has brown pads for the Nordiques Heritage Nights. Recently, he introduced a burgundy setup and multiple masks to match different occasions. Each NHL goaltender typically designs a new mask for outdoor games, and Wedgewood is eager to take advantage of this creative opportunity.
“It’s hard now because I did the retro with the Nordiques (uniforms),” he noted. “Once I figure out what they do for the jerseys, it will obviously tie in. This maroon set is quickly becoming my favorite, but I always try to come up with something different with masks and things like that.”
The Rivalry and Team Dynamics
The announcement of the Winter Classic also highlights the growing rivalry between Colorado and Utah, given their geographic proximity. While the Avalanche have a longstanding rivalry with the Dallas Stars, the potential for a meaningful rivalry with the Mammoth is evident. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar remarked on the excitement this event brings, stating, “It’s a long season. It seems like your preparation for games is a lot of the same. It kind of breaks the monotony. It’s an exciting game to play in.”
Bednar emphasized that this matchup would be a thrilling experience for both players and fans, complementing the vibrant atmosphere of Salt Lake City. “We’re playing a great opponent in a great city. It is something you can circle on your calendar and get up for and be excited about,” he added.
In terms of team injuries, the Avalanche are currently managing several key players. Forwards Gabe Landeskog and Joel Kiviranta, defenseman Devon Toews, and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood are all listed as week-to-week. Bednar provided an update on their conditions but did not specify exact return dates.
As anticipation builds for the 2027 Winter Classic, Wedgewood and the Avalanche are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable experience in a historic setting. With the combination of a storied franchise, passionate fanbases, and the unique challenge of outdoor hockey, this event stands poised to be a highlight of the NHL season.
