Edmonton is becoming a destination city for so many NHL players, and seeing the players embrace the city and fans over the holiday is a great display of just that.
In the afternoon of Christmas Eve, Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Ekholm, Troy Stecher, Corey Perry, Derek Ryan, and many of their family members showed to an outdoor rink in Edmonton for a skate.
The best video to come of the Oilers making this incredible gesture was Derek Ryan taking on a slew of kids and playing keep-away.
It's certainly an awesome sight to see the Oilers roll up to a local rink for a skate, but they've also done some much more impactful work for the community this holiday season.
Oilers forward Evander Kane is on the LTIR at the moment, but still found the time to put on his third annual Christmas Shopping Spree with local kids.
Mattias Ekholm and Leon Draisaitl have been hanging out quite a bit this holiday break, also spending time in Edmonton hospitals and the Ronald McDonald house, cheering up young fans and their families.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman has recently said that Free Agents and star players are showing much more interest in coming to Edmonton than in years past, because of the winning culture they've developed on and off the ice.
These community activities are crucial for these players to be developing a good relationship with the city, and wanting to stay here through their careers.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 189 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl and Oilers Players Spend Christmas Break Making Fans Dreams Come True Do you think Edmonton is becoming a destination city for NHL players? | ||
Yes | 162 | 85.7 % |
No | 27 | 14.3 % |
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