NHL returns Saturday, Oilers open season Sunday night in Vancouver

EDMONTON- It's the day hockey fans have been waiting for, the NHL season kicks off Saturday afternoon.

While the Oilers don't open their season until Sunday evening in Vancouver, 26 teams will face off in games on Saturday.

Fans gathered at pubs across the city Saturday, to take in a bit of NHL action. But, Edmonton fans are excited for Sunday night, to take in an Oilers game.

"Just seeing the Oilers back on the ice and those young guys play... that's probably the most exciting thing," said Oilers fan Adam Greenough.

"Ever since probably the world junior tournament the (excitement) has just been accumulating and accumulating and I'm extremely excited for the season," said Braedon Platten, who is both an Oilers and a Flyers fan. "I just think the amount of potential for the Oilers is so big. I'm really excited for that."

The Oilers took part in morning practice at Rexall Place Saturday, before packing up and heading to the airport, on route to Vancouver. The puck drops at 7:00 Sunday night.

The Oilers open their season at home on Tuesday, January 22 at 8:00p.m. against the San Jose Sharks.

On Friday, the organization announced it will be giving away 99 Oilers jerseys at the home opener on Sunday.

Many NHL teams have been offering incentives, in what many see as an attempt to win fans back after the lockout.

Here in Edmonton, the Oilers opened training camp up to the public for three days this week. While Monday's practice got off to a bit of a rocky start with long concession lineups and only the upper bowl open, by Wednesday nearly 6,000 fans packed Rexall Place to take in the action.



But, will the incentives work? We want to know what you think. Will you be watching the Oilers season opener against the Vancouver Canucks?

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