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MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens are looking at playing an outdoor game at Olympic Stadium as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations.
“It's a project we're considering,” team spokesman Donald Beauchamp said Thursday, adding the plan was at “the discussion stage” with the NHL and with the Olympic Installations Board.
He said reports that the game was planned for Dec. 4, 2009 — exactly 100 years from the team's founding — were incorrect and that no date had been fixed for the game.
“It will not be Dec. 4,” he said. “There's no specific date, but it's not that one.”
Edmonton Oilers forward Brad Isbister tries to take out Montreal Canadiens defenceman Craig Rivet during second period of their outdoor NHL hockey action at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Saturday Nov. 22, 2003. (The Canadian Press)
Outdoor games have been all the rage in the NHL since the Edmonton Oilers hosted the first one against Montreal at Commonwealth Stadium.
To play at the domed Olympic Stadium, the roof would have to be removed. An OIB spokesman said this week the game would have to be held during the period when the roof is to be redone. No dates have been set for the construction work.
