A tale of two playoffs: Edmonton Oil Kings and Oilers compete for wins under one roof
As the city rallies behind the Edmonton Oilers taking the lead in the Battle of Alberta playoff edition, other playoff games are also being played at Rogers Place.
The Edmonton Oil Kings are competing in round three of the Western Hockey League playoffs in a tied series with the Winnipeg ICE, the league's second-best team in the regular season.
Edmonton took the series lead in the first game with a 5-4 overtime win last Friday. In a defensive second game, the Oil Kings managed to hold a 1-1 tied game until the third period on Saturday night, when the ICE scored four goals to secure the win.
For Ethan Peters, an Oil Kings defenceman, it is a dream come true not only to be vying for the top spot in the WHL but also to do it simultaneously and in the same building as his favourite NHL team is making their playoff run.
"It's breathtaking, honestly," Peters said. "To watch them go at their thing and do their thing while we're doing our thing in the playoffs it's really exciting."
"That doesn't happen a lot, you know," added Dylan Guenther, Oil Kings right wing. "Not a lot of CHL teams play in the same arena that the NHL team does."
"It's cool when we sometimes bump into them," Guenther said, adding the teams exchange words of support.
Brad Lauer, head coach, told CTV News Edmonton that after two years of abbreviated pandemic seasons and no playoff opportunities, the squad had a goal of making it to the end this year.
"We've had a good year," Lauer said. "Our guys did a good job in the regular season to accomplish that goal.
"Winnipeg is a good team. They're number two in the country. We're number three in the country. It's good hockey. It's a lot of fun."
The team is focused on getting a win in front of their home crowd and taking the series lead once again.
"It's great times for the city of Edmonton, and its great times for the Edmonton Oilers and the Oil Kings," Lauer added.
"It almost adds to the city to just have two different teams going at the same time," Peters said. "I think it's pretty cool and a really special moment for the city."
Game 3 of the tied series takes place Monday night 7 p.m. at Rogers Place.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jessica Robb
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.