EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers have opened up their practices to the public Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.
In what many see as another effort to win fans back after the NHL lockout, the team welcomed hundreds of fans to watch training camp at Rexall Place.
As players took the ice around 11 Monday morning, the crowd had grown to close to 2,000. Those who came out to watch the team back in action were restricted to the upper bowl. As the Oilers practiced, the fans remained relatively quiet.
The team also opened up a concession booth to offer free popcorn and pop. Global News crews discovered a very long line of fans waiting at the booth.
Is the team’s effort to win back fans working?
“For me, I think they kind of owed it to the fans, and this is a nice step towards getting us back and feeling part of Oil Country again,” said one fan who attended the Rexall practice Monday.
“Definitely in some markets it will definitely be a challenge,” added another fan. “Some teams have trouble getting fans out as it is, so a lockout isn’t helping anyone. But I think in a strong markets like the Canadian teams, especially here in Edmonton, no one’s going to miss a game at all, at any level. Everyone’s going to listen to it, everyone’s going to watch, and everyone’s going to go to the games.”
“I’m just happy they’re starting again,” revealed another fan. “They don’t really have to win me back, I’m just happy they’re starting. Of course I’ll be there to cheer on my team.”
“They have to win the fans back because if they don’t, they’re not going to have any games,” countered another fan taking in the practice. “They’ve got no choice. So, to have something like this, and get the fans involved, and have all the kids here - it’s great for the community and it’s great for the Edmonton Oilers.”
After a number of complaints from fans who attended Monday morning's open practice, the Edmonton Oilers announced late that afternoon that there will be some changes to better accommodate fans:
"Today about 2,000 people poured into Rexall Place to watch their team’s first official practice this season.
The unexpectedly large crowd overwhelmed services, resulting in long line-ups at concessions and people seating throughout a large area on the 2nd level. The Oilers thank all the fans who came out but also apologize to those who were inconvenienced.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the lower bowl will be open on the penalty box side of the arena. Fans will be able to access the arena from both the northside and southside entrances. Finally, there will be more concessions open so people won’t have to wait so long for their free popcorn and beverages.
There is no charge for parking on site."
Doors open at 10 a.m. and practice starts an hour later both Wednesday and Thursday.
On Sunday afternoon, the team hit the ice at Hawrelak Park 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.
The team played for nearly an hour, and about 1,500 fans watched the game, a few of whom brought their own skates hoping to take part in the game. While it ended up being just the team to take the ice, most fans said 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 at 7pm MST. The first home game will be against San Jose on Tuesday, January 22.
With files from Caley Ramsay and Trish Kozicka
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2013.