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Jets chairman Mark Chipman believes Winnipeg can host 2016 Heritage Classic

Carey Price, David Moss

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price, left, watches as Calgary Flames David Moss celebrates a Flames goal during the second period of the NHL Heritage Classic hockey game in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011. Calgary beat Montreal 4-0. (AP Photo/Andre Ringuette, Pool)

AP

Winnipeg Jets chairman Mark Chipman confidently told Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press that the Jets are likely to host the 2016 edition of the NHL’s periodic Heritage Classic.

Chipman told Lawless that it’s “pretty much a done deal.”

“I don’t see anything getting in the way,” Chipman said.

While the Winter Classic is an outdoor game that tends to happen each year (barring a lockout), Canada’s answer has been more sporadic. The most recent version happened when the Flames beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 in 2011.

With the Jets executive discussing an event that could happen all the way in 2016, it’s not surprising that details are scarce. Chances are, it will take some time for the league to acknowledge these rumblings (and eventually find an opponent to visit the Jets).

One thing that seems nearly certain? It will probably be really, really cold.

(Cross your fingers that Ilya Bryzgalov ends up being involved ...)