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New York Rangers Named As Participant In 2026 Winter Classic

Originally posted on NY Rangers Insider | By Joshua Deeds | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 7:07 PM ET

The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers rivalry will continue next season, as they will face off during the 2026 Winter Classic. Gary Bettman and the NHL made the announcement Wednesday.

The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers have been rivals since the end of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.

Now, they get to match up again in an epic, outdoor event for the 2026 Winter Classic in Sunrise.

The Rangers have five outdoor wins and have scored 21 goals, the most in NHL history during these events.

The game will take place at loanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins.

"After the success and fan reception of the 2023 All-Star Game and two Stanley Cup Finals in South Florida, we are thrilled to welcome another marquee NHL event in the Winter Classic, said President and CEO Matt Caldwell. "We have long anticipated this moment and can't wait to see loanDepot park filled with hockey fans for what promises to be a memorable matchup in South Florida."

Florida has been a firebrand for the NHL ever since their ascendancy from a expansion squad in the 1990s, and now thanks to multiple Stanley Cup berths and a win, a popular city for hockey.

The Rangers aren't strangers to outdoor games, and last season took on the Islanders during the Stadium Series in a 6-5 overtime victory.

The Rangers will have another chance in 2026 to set themselves apart from the competition, as they take on the former Stanley Cup champions in what should be an excellent battle on the ice, with an ironic beach setting.

This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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