Winnipeg Jets fans cheer as their team plays the Montreal Canadiens during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 9, 2011.FRED GREENSLADE/Reuters
Five Canadian teams will be on the ice when the lockout-shortened NHL season starts next Saturday.
The Winnipeg Jets host the Ottawa Senators in one of three afternoon games, that also include the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.
The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Montreal Canadiens in the evening, while the Vancouver Canucks open the season at home to Anaheim.
On Sunday, the Calgary Flames host San Jose in their season debut, and the Edmonton Oilers kick off their 48-game schedule with a game in Vancouver.
A total of 13 games are set for Day 1 of the regular season that ends April 27.
The NHL released the schedule shortly after the league and players' association signed a memorandum of understanding that finalized the new labour deal agreed to last weekend and ended the 119-day lockout.