A general view outside Fenway Park. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins to host Penguins in 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/13/22

After over a decade, the NHL outdoor experience is returning to Boston — and the Bruins will face off against one of their biggest Eastern Conference rivals.

ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported early Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Penguins have been tapped to faceoff against the B's on January 2 as the yearly outdoor festivities move to Fenway Park.

**Breaking News**

I’m told it’s the @penguins that will be the @NHLBruins opponent for the upcoming 2023 @NHL Winter Classic to be played on Jan 2nd at @fenwaypark the home of the @NHLBruins . @espn @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/pQYsHLoJnH
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 13, 2022

Despite not being the site for an outdoor game in over 10 years, Fenway will become the first venue to host the yearly NHL event for the second time.

"It's been 12 years since we went to Fenway," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in February, via ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "A lot of money has been put into the building. It's not quite the same ballpark. Boston is obviously a great hockey town."

Wyshysnki also points to speculation earlier this year that the Penguins would be chosen to play in the game, given the team was acquired by Fenway Sports Group at the end of 2021.

The game will mark the third time the Penguins have participated in an outdoor game and the fifth time the Bruins have participated.

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