Sam Reinhart is thinking nothing but sunny thoughts ahead of the 2026 NHL Winter Classic.
On Jan. 2, the Florida Panthers will face off against the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, in the 17th rendition of the NHL Winter Classic.
It is a game Reinhart – now in his 11th NHL season and fifth with the Panthers – has been eagerly anticipating since it was announced in early 2025.
“To have family and friends enjoy the experience and see what it means to them is also something you take away from those games,” the centre told NHLPA.com ahead of the 44th NHL regular-season outdoor game. “It will be like a mini-road trip, where we’re down in Miami, but it is still home. We are looking forward to it.”
This year’s NHL Winter Classic will mark Reinhart’s second appearance in the event and second time facing the Rangers outdoors.
Reinhart, then with the Buffalo Sabres, suited up for the 2018 NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field, home to MLB’s New York Mets, scoring the Sabres’ first goal of the game.
Despite coming out on the losing end – the Rangers won 3–2 in overtime – Reinhart has fond memories of his first NHL outdoor experience.
“It seems like a long time ago now, but the whole experience, being in New York for a week, and having family down in and around Christmas and the New Year, was so special,” he recalled. “The whole environment, including the day before the game, is as good as the game itself. Having family there and at the stadium – it is such a different feel.
“Walking from the bus to the locker rooms – everything is so much different from what we are used to. I remember taking it all in and those are still some of the best hockey memories from my career so far.”
Reinhart, son of former NHL forward Paul Reinhart, didn’t have a wealth of outdoor hockey experience growing up in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
When he did get the chance to play outdoors in his early teens, it quickly became one of his most cherished childhood hockey memories.
“I didn’t play too much outdoor hockey growing up in Vancouver. The first time was visiting family in Calgary. I was probably 14 or so. I went there for a midget tournament in Calgary. What I remember more wasn’t the actual tournament itself, but it was the days in between the games, being out on the outdoor rink at my cousin’s place. Those were great memories.
“Especially waiting so long, when I played hockey for what seemed like every day of my life. The first time, being 14 or 15, made it that much more special, too.”
This time around, Reinhart will have the chance to be part of a milestone with the event being the first NHL outdoor game played in the Sunshine State.
Reinhart, who won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the team in 2024 and 2025, is not only excited for himself.
“There are couple of guys who have played in Florida their whole careers, so this is something they maybe have never thought about or believed would be a possibility. I think it’s cool for them to have that opportunity now.”
He is equally thrilled for Panthers fans throughout Florida.
“Hockey has been booming in Florida the last few years, so it’s a nice opportunity to showcase that and how the game continues to grow. It’s awesome to see how the game is embraced, just even going through your everyday routine, seeing that support. It’s a great chance to show people what hockey means to South Florida. We’re thrilled to be part of that.”
Reinhart and his teammates, along with the players on the Rangers, will certainly be dressed for success on Jan. 2.
In November, Fanatics and the NHL revealed the uniforms the players will wear for the NHL Winter Classic.
You can count Reinhart as a big fan of the Panthers’ jersey, which includes a nod to the team’s original logo, military chevrons honouring South Florida’s military heritage, along with a hidden rat on the hem (in recognition of the franchise’s tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the ice after a home win).
“It’s always great when you get a chance to wear throwback uniforms. You see quite a few of them at the rink the past few weeks. Can’t wait to slip on that jersey and play in front of our fans. It’s going to be a fun time for sure.”
The Winter Classic is one of two NHL outdoor games that will be showcased in Florida this season. The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Feature photo courtesy of Getty Images.