Gary Bettman, Ottawa mayor meet about 2017 outdoor NHL game

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson met with the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League this week as he tries to land an outdoor game at Lansdowne Park in 2017.

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Brook Simpson, a spokesman for the mayor, confirmed the meeting took place in person on Wednesday in Ottawa. Watson had a "good, constructive conversation"with Gary Bettman and Bill Daly, Simpson said.

Watson has made no secret about his desire for Canada's capital to host an outdoor classic at TD Place,coinciding with Canadas150thbirthday celebration.

The 2017 outdoor gameis one of three 2017 events Watson has said he will pursueif he continues to serve as mayor after the Oct. 27 municipal election.

The other two events are the Grey Cup and the Juno Awards.

Ottawa participated in the Heritage Classic last season in Vancouver against the Canucks. The game actually took place inside the dome at B.C. Place.

Watson has said he wants the Ottawa Senators to take on the Montreal Canadiens at the 2017 game.