After weeks of reporting and speculation, the Bruins-Canadiens 2016 Winter Classic matchup was made official by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during his All Star weekend press conference in Columbus on Saturday afternoon. The historic rivalry will take its game outdoors at Gillette Stadium on January 1, 2016.

The Bruins are the first team to host two versions of the New Year’s Day event. The first time came in 2010 when Marco Sturm’s game-winner sparked the Black and Gold in their 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park.

As part of the announcement, the Bruins are running a #BackOutdoors contest where two lucky winners will win tickets for next year’s game at the home of the New England Patriots. Visit the official B’s site for more information. And also check out their video to hype the contest and the event featuring Rene Rancourt and “The Bear”.

What are your thoughts on the Bruins-Habs rivalry taking their rivalry outdoors? Share your thoughts on our Facebook and Twitter accounts and your answer may be shown on this week’s edition of Bruins Daily TV, taped on Monday’s at Studio 73 at Suffolk University.