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Bruins, Canadiens Set To Bring Historic Rivalry To Gillette Stadium

FOXBORO (AP/CBS) — The Winter Classic is coming to the home of the New England Patriots.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined officials from the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday to say the Original Six rivals would meet at Gillette Stadium on New Year's Day.

"After more than nine decades and more than 900 regular-season or playoff games between these great rivals, the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will add to the legend of their competition in a unique way," said Bettman. "We couldn't be happier that our third Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic between 'Original Six' teams will take place at Gillette Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots."

The Bruins will be the first team to host the event twice, also hosting the outdoor game in 2010 at Fenway Park.

"The Boston Bruins are honored to once again host the Winter Classic," Boston Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs said. "Gillette Stadium is a magnificent setting for this storied rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, and the NHL could not have delivered a better matchup for our fans. We look forward to a great game."

"It is a true honor and privilege to host the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said, shortly after his impassioned "Deflategate" defense Wednesday morning. "Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, we have been fortunate to host many special and memorable events. We are thrilled that the NHL and the Bruins wanted to bring a Bruins-Canadiens NHL Winter Classic to our stadium."

Both teams will wear throwback jerseys for the game. Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron is looking forward to adding another outdoor game to his resume, this time against the team's biggest rivals.

"Obviously we all know about the Patriots and how successful they are. Being here and being able to play on their field in an outdoor game, which brings back a lot memories of your childhood, it's something special," he said. "In front of our fans here at Gillette Stadium, it's going to be pretty special and I don't think we could have picked a better opponent for the game."

It was also announced that legendary players from both the Bruins and Canadiens will participate in a special alumni game at Gillette on Thursday, December 31. One of the many skaters for that game will be Bruins great Ray Bourque, who is looking forward to seeing a matchup between the historic rivals in front of the Gillette crowd.

"It's a phenomenal event and I just can't imagine playing in front of 70,000 people in this setting. We've seen many games on January 1st and every one has been fantastic," said Bourque. "There is no bigger rivalry in sports, and it's among the best in all of sports... It's only fitting they meet in an event like this."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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