2026 NHL Winter Classic
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic was an outdoor regular-season National Hockey League game played on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic took place on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami — the first outdoor NHL game in Florida. The New York Rangers beat the Florida Panthers 5–1, with Mika Zibanejad scoring the first hat trick in Winter Classic history.
What it is
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic was the 17th edition of the league's annual outdoor regular-season game. Held on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, it marked the first NHL outdoor game in Florida and the southernmost in league history.
Game and result
The New York Rangers faced the Florida Panthers in front of a stadium crowd. New York won 5–1, and Mika Zibanejad scored three goals—the first hat trick in Winter Classic history. The game was broadcast on NHL television partners, including Canadian networks.
Venue significance
loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, was converted for hockey. The choice made the 2026 Winter Classic the southernmost outdoor NHL game ever, extending the league's tradition of unique venues.
In short
- First outdoor NHL game in Florida
- Rangers beat Panthers 5–1
- Mika Zibanejad scored first hat trick in Winter Classic history
- Held at loanDepot park in Miami
The Winter Classic is part of the NHL calendar followed closely by Canadian hockey audiences, and the game was broadcast on Canadian NHL television partners.
Quick questions
Who played in the 2026 Winter Classic?
Who won?
What was notable about the game?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NHL_Winter_ClassicSupports: Game date, venue, teams, result, and Mika Zibanejad's hat trick.
- NHL — https://www.nhl.com/events/nhl-winter-classic/2025-26/Supports: Official event listing for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, teams, venue, date, and final score.
- NHL — https://www.nhl.com/panthers/info/winterclassicSupports: Official Panthers page describing the 2026 Winter Classic and its Florida venue significance.
- NHL — https://www.nhl.com/news/2026-nhl-winter-classic-tickets-on-sale-june-4-2025Supports: Announcement that the 2026 edition was the 17th Winter Classic and details on the event's timing.
- NHL — https://www.nhl.com/events/nhl-winter-classic/2025-26/fan-guideSupports: Fan guide confirming the venue, date, and scheduled start time.
- NHL — https://www.nhl.com/video/2026-winter-classic-rink-build-timelapse-6386653185112Supports: Rink build footage and confirmation of the Miami location and game pairing.