A century after the first NHL game was played, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is hoping to bring the biggest outdoor hockey event to the capital.

The Mayor's Office confirmed that Watson met briefly with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at the Chateau Laurier, Wednesday.

"The purpose of their meeting was to discuss the City's desire to host a Heritage Winter Classic game in Ottawa in 2017," the statement reads.

The game would mark the 100th anniversary of the league's first game which featured Ottawa and Montreal. It would also mark Canada's 150th birthday.

The Ottawa Senators have already participated in a Heritage Classic, last season, against the Vancouver Canucks at BC Place Stadium.