The Edmonton Oil Kings and Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League will play a preseason exhibition game at the Rotary Spirit Centre on Sept. 14.
The game has generated tremendous interest in the area, and tickets have sold out. Around 750 people are expected to attend.
“It’s just a great event for a community to have that level of hockey and just to come together as a community at the start of the hockey season,” said Nelson Jespersen, president of the Westlock Minor Hockey Association.
“We’ll showcase our new jerseys as well that we're rolling out, which is another part of it. With the hopes of it being a bit of a fundraiser, we can raise money for the association and our kids, and also potentially give some back to the community as well. We’re pretty excited.”
Westlock minor hockey is also planning a food bank drive as part of the game, with ticket holders asked to bring food bank items.
The game will feature a mini game between intermissions with U7s or U9s, and there will also be an autograph session with Oil Kings players after the game.
The game is part of the Oil Kings preseason initiative to raise funds for grassroots community hockey, where they play four games in northern Alberta communities. Prior to their matchup in Westlock, the Oil Kings play the Prince George Cougars in Hinton on Sept. 5 and 7 and the Calgary Hitmen in Carstairs on Sept. 12.
“We are thrilled to once again be supporting minor hockey in two key Northern Alberta communities like Westlock and Hinton as we continue our tradition of taking our preseason games on the road,” said Oil Kings director of business operations Kevin Radomski in a statement on the Oil Kings website.
“The energy and beauty of each town will be on full display this September as we bring thrilling WHL preseason action to these great communities.”
Oil Kings assistant coach Kyle Chipchura will be returning to his hometown at the game in Westlock. Chipchura has more than 10 years of experience in the NHL as a player for the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes, and was team captain for Canada at the 2006 World Juniors.
The Oil Kings lost in the first round of the WHL playoffs last season to the Prince Albert Raiders. The Red Deer Rebels missed out on a playoff spot last season.
The puck drops at 2 p.m.
