NHL considering Mosaic Stadium for outdoor game

Mosaic Stadium could turn its field turf into an ice surface in the future, according to Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.

“I do think Regina is one of the places the NHL is considering for a future outdoor game in Canada,” Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada.

The Riders enjoyed a successful first season in 2018 at new Mosaic Stadium, which has a capacity of 33,000 but can be expanded for other events.

Mosaic Stadium was supposed to host a Western Hockey League game in February, but it was moved inside after concerns about attendance due to the cold weather and ice quality. The NHL had planned to send employees to see how that game was run, but that didn’t happen when the game was moved back to the Regina Pats’ regular arena, Brandt Center.

“I believe the NHL was going to go to that game,” Friedman said. “They’re looking for other places in Canada to hold outdoor games.”

Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto have all hosted NHL games at stadiums that are home to CFL teams.

Regina seems to be in the mix for an NHL outdoor game, but not the 2019 Grey Cup.