Boston Bruins

What NHL Player Has Played in the Most Outdoor Games?

James van Riemsdyk has quietly become the NHL’s Outdoor game leader, playing in more games than any other player.

by
Spencer Lazary
December 30, 2024

James van Riemsdyk has quietly become the NHL’s Outdoor game ironman. Appearing in seven of the league’s signature outdoor games, JVR has earned a unique spot in hockey history. With the 2025 NHL Winter Classic in less than 48 hours, it’s a good time to look back at all seven outdoor games van Riemsdyk has appeared in.

JVR’s List of Winter Classics

2010: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins @ Fenway Park (Winter Classic)
2012: New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ Citizens Bank Park (Winter Classic)
2014: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings @ Michigan Stadium (Winter Classic)
2017: Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs @ Exhibition Stadium (Centennial Classic)
2018: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals @ Navy Corps Memorial Stadium (Stadium Series)
2019: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ Lincoln Financial Field (Stadium Series)
2021: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins @ Edgewood Tahoe Resort (NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe)

van Riemsdyk has built himself a tidy resume without really even trying. During his first stint with the Flyers, he was drafted by the organization. By the time he was traded to the Maple Leafs in 2012, he had already played in two of the seven.

During his time with the Maple Leafs, he was able to play at the Big House in Michigan, which is one of the best Winter Classics of all time. After that, there was the first outdoor game in Toronto in NHL history. Then, in what could be the most forgotten outdoor game in history, at the Navy Corps between the Maple Leafs and Washington.

James van Riemsdyk outdoor NHL games leader

After his time in Toronto, he signed with the Flyers and appeared in two more. He just missed the Bruins outdoor game in 2023 against the Penguins, he signed with the club that offseason.

On March 1, 2025, van Riemsdyk will appear in his eighth outdoor game as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Red Wings in a Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium.

Next: Crosby vs. Ovechkin in One Last “Goodbye” Winter Classic?