EDMONTON- The Edmonton Oilers hit the ice in Hawrelak Park Sunday afternoon, for an old fashioned game of shinny, as way of showing appreciation to their fans.
Team captains Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle threw out invitations for the game Sunday afternoon, on Twitter.
Around 1,000 people gathered in the park for the 4:00p.m. puck drop. Bails of hay were set up to form a rink, lights were set up, and a zamboni even cleared the ice before the game started.
After a few ceremonial pictures, it was time for the game to start.
The team played for nearly an hour. Those in attendance say it was a great surprise.
"We think it's pretty cool that they put on something like this to start off the season. We've waited long enough to get some hockey back out here, so we definitely appreciate it," said Oilers fan Jeff Mahe.
"I hope the fans like it. I think the fans generally love the team and the players and we do too. And you know, we love our fans, we all love our fans, they're fantastic. You know, I don't think we're winning them back, I think they're kind of celebrating hockey, so it's good. It's the right thing to do," said Edmonton Oilers President Patrick LaForge.
The team had been planning the game for the past two weeks. Players stayed after the game to sign autographs for the fans.
Players underwent physicals and fitness testing Sunday morning as they prepare for a short training camp.
The team opens their shortened NHL season against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, January 20. The first home game will be against San Jose on Tuesday, January 22.
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