Oilers Alumni Bring Hockey Spirit to Yellowknife

This past weekend, Yellowknife experienced something truly special as members of the Edmonton Oilers Alumni team visited the city to help grow the game and inspire the next generation of hockey players in the North.

Former NHL stars Georges Laraque, Charlie Huddy, Andrew Ference, and Ben Scrivens spent several days connecting with the community. on and off the ice. The visit was part of a collaborative effort between the Edmonton Oilers Alumni, Hockey NWT, and local partners to celebrate the sport and create opportunities for young players.

One of the key highlights was the First Shift equipment event, where youth from across the city were fitted with brand-new hockey gear. The smiles were big, the energy was high, and the sense of inclusion was real. For many, this was their first step into the game, and a powerful reminder that hockey belongs to everyone.

In the evenings, the alumni shared stories, answered questions, and met with community members during a fundraising dinner that brought people together in support of sport development in the North. Their presence brought more than excitement. It brought connection, motivation, and a glimpse of what’s possible. “This isn’t just about the Oilers. It’s about bringing the love of the game to kids who may not otherwise have the chance,” said one volunteer. “The alumni were incredible, fun, kind, and genuinely invested in the people here.”

The weekend was also covered in the Yellowknifer, highlighting the community’s warm welcome and the success of the event.We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Oilers Alumni team, to our local volunteers, organizers, and to every family who came out to be part of something bigger than hockey.

The Arctic Winter Games are coming in 2026, and weekends like this remind us that with a little inspiration and a lot of teamwork, we are ready to rise.