The Edmonton Oilers have officially hit the ice at Rogers Place, the first time that any player has skated onto the ice in the Oilers new arena.
Of course, Connor McDavid was the first Oilers player to skate out onto the ice. He led out teammates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mark Letestu, Andrej Sekera, Brandon Davidson, Iiro Pakrinen and Jonas Gustavsson, as well as some local minor hockey players. A young boy named Carson skated on with McDavid.
Head Coach Todd McLellan also came to the rink, and reunited with McDavid and company as they all played together.
Oilers TV’s Tom Gazzola was there, and posted some pretty interesting photos of Roger’s Place. The arena has fresh, brand new ice, as well as a revamped, giant jumbotron, a wide arena and plenty of other amenities.
The @RogersPlace big screen is really impressive. pic.twitter.com/iHIqz8gc0x
— Chris Wescott (@TheChrisWescott) September 1, 2016
It was announced earlier this week that the Oilers goal horn would be traveling to Roger’s Place, however, the giant oil derrick would not be making the move, as the arena cannot accommodate the proper rigging for it.
More Rogers Place. pic.twitter.com/kyMh6bO5GL
— Tom Gazzola (@TomGazzola) September 1, 2016
“It’s a special feeling,” McDavid said of the rink, and being the first to skate out onto the ice. “This place is amazing.”
The team skated around on the rink, and also played in games with the young hockey players and spoke with the media. It was the true first look at Roger’s Place as a whole, and the rink is in impressive shape.
Overall, everything looks newer, the ice looks better and with the jerseys, inaugural patch and the new faces, this seems to be an exciting, clean-start year for the Oilers.
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