Kraft Hockeyville is bringing the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators to Trois-Rivières on Monday, September 21, for a preseason game tied to Saint-Boniface, Quebec’s recognition as the 2025 Hockeyville community.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern at Colisée Vidéotron. It will be the first preseason meeting between the Canadiens and Senators this season and one of the NHL’s featured neutral-site games before the 2026-27 regular season begins, according to the NHL preseason schedule.
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Kraft Hockeyville comes to Trois-Rivières
The event was announced as a celebration of Saint-Boniface, a community in Quebec that won the 2025 Kraft Hockeyville competition. Because of logistical requirements, the NHL game is being played in nearby Trois-Rivières rather than at Saint-Boniface’s local arena.
The community’s arena will still receive the main benefits of the Hockeyville award, including $250,000 for upgrades. The program is also providing $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment through the NHL Players’ Association’s Goals & Dreams initiative.
Saint-Boniface is the first Quebec community selected as Kraft Hockeyville since Roberval won in 2008. The 2026 event marks the program’s return to the province after an 18-year gap.
What fans need to know about the game
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators |
| Date | Monday, September 21, 2026 |
| Start time | 7 p.m. Eastern |
| Venue | Colisée Vidéotron, Trois-Rivières, Quebec |
| Game type | NHL preseason |
| Community being honoured | Saint-Boniface, Quebec |
The matchup is part of an eight-day NHL exhibition schedule featuring 65 games across NHL and neutral-site venues. The shortened preseason schedule is connected to a new league format that will expand the regular season to 84 games in 2026-27.
For Ottawa, the game opens a five-game preseason schedule. The Senators are scheduled to follow the Trois-Rivières contest with split-squad meetings against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 23 and September 26, before the regular season begins.
Montreal’s preseason also began with split-squad games against Toronto on September 19. The Canadiens are scheduled to close their exhibition schedule with two split-squad games against Ottawa on September 26, according to their 2026-27 preseason schedule.
Why the event matters beyond the exhibition game
Although the result will not count in the NHL standings, the game gives fans in the Mauricie region an opportunity to see two established Canadian clubs without travelling to Montreal or Ottawa.
It also places the focus on the role of local arenas in smaller communities. Kraft Hockeyville has used its national competition to direct funding and equipment toward rinks that serve as gathering places for youth players, families and volunteers.
The NHL said the program has awarded $5.4 million to support 105 communities since it began in 2006. The Saint-Boniface celebration includes community programming around the game, with local residents and hockey figures taking part in events leading into Monday’s matchup.
What comes next for both teams
The Canadiens and Senators will use the exhibition schedule to evaluate players competing for roster positions before the regular season. Preseason lineups can include established NHL players, prospects and younger players seeking additional opportunities.
The 2026-27 regular season is scheduled to open Tuesday, September 29, with a three-game opening night in the United States and a Canadian broadcast doubleheader. The regular-season schedule will also feature an expanded 84-game slate for each club.
For Saint-Boniface, the longer-term outcome will be measured at its local arena. The Hockeyville funding is intended to support upgrades and youth hockey access after the spotlight from the NHL game moves on.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Canadiens playing the Senators in Trois-Rivières?
The preseason game is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Where will the Kraft Hockeyville game be held?
The game will be played at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
Why are the Canadiens and Senators playing in Trois-Rivières?
The game is part of a celebration for Saint-Boniface, Quebec, which won the 2025 Kraft Hockeyville competition.
What does Saint-Boniface receive from winning Kraft Hockeyville?
Saint-Boniface is receiving $250,000 for arena upgrades and $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment through NHLPA Goals & Dreams.
Does the game count in the NHL standings?
No. It is an NHL preseason exhibition game and will not affect the regular-season standings.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, venue details, preseason scheduling and Saint-Boniface funding were checked against NHL and team announcements.
Disclaimer: Preseason lineups, broadcast details and game information may change before puck drop.