Flames and Jets are ready to play in NHL Heritage Classic

Calgary Flames defenceman Travis Hamonic is no stranger to playing hockey in Regina.

Hamonic played his junior in Moose Jaw with the Warriors and played many a game against the Pats during his career. He is hoping for a warmer welcome when his team meets the Winnipeg Jets across the street from the Brandt Centre when Mosaic Stadium plays host to the Tim Hortons Heritage Classic on Saturday night.

“It has a different feel to it that’s for sure.” Hamonic said. “Hopefully the reception for me is a little better than it was when we’d beat up on the Pats. It’s a really neat atmosphere here and I’m looking forward to it.”

While the weather was 17 degrees in Regina on Friday, a massive cooldown is coming with a game-time temperature of just below freezing with the wind gusting to 60 from the northwest. Despite those conditions, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck isn’t expecting it to affect the game.

“You could see a slight speed boost I guess, but I’m not too worried about it.” Hellebuyck said.