The Edmonton Oilers, and fans prepared to mark the end of an era in the city – the NHL team’s final game at Rexall Place, the venue they’ve called home for more than four decades.
On Wednesday, public celebrations started with a rally held in Churchill Square over the noon hour.
Dozens of former Edmonton Oilers players were in attendance at the rally that heard from Mayor Don Iveson, and former players Jason Strudwick, Ryan Smyth, and Mark Messier – with City Manager Linda Cochrane acting as master of ceremonies.
During the event, Churchill Square filled with Oilers fans, wanting to catch a glimpse of their favourite players.
Some of the fans travelled to Edmonton from other parts of the province, at least one travelled all the way from Thunder Bay to attend Wednesday’s celebration.
“We’ve met pretty much everybody but [Mark Messier], so we’d like to see him,” Rob Wesley, who travelled from Ontario.
Other fans were looking forward to the future of the team, as they move to Rogers Place.
“Big excitement, kind of start fresh after all the latest woes we’ve had it’s nice to close that chapter and it’s nice to see the good part of the old rink and say goodbye to that, and start fresh next year,” Kelly Tercier said.
The celebrations continued Wednesday, with the Oilers playing against the Vancouver Canucks – the game starts at 5 p.m., followed by a closing ceremony event.
The Oilers said Tuesday that more than 150 Oilers alumni, staff and guests would be in attendance at Wednesday night’s event.
Oilers fans and team alumni gathered at Churchill Square on Wednesday, April 6, to mark the end of an era - the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place, and we looked back at some memories from Rexall Place.
Posted by CTV Edmonton on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
