Hey Oil Country it’s still August which means it’s pretty quiet on the news front as we slowly make our way closer to the new NHL season. Regardless, here is a recap of today’s news around the league and our Edmonton Oilers.
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Biosteel Camp: McDavid and Hall skate together
Today was the first time Connor McDavid and Taylor Hall skated together, today at the BioSteel Hockey Camp. Sure, the video is only three minutes long and it’s just a summer hockey camp, but it’s still excites me seeing Hall and McDavid on the same team together. There’s a part of me that still cannot believe that Connor McDavid is an Edmonton Oiler. Hall was quoted as saying:
"“It has been a tough five years but there’s something about the offseason that kind of lets you rewind and get focused again for the (upcoming) season,” said Hall. “The changes that have been made are exciting. With Connor coming in, I feel like it’s almost like my first year again.”“He’s got a lot of foot speed,” said Hall. “He seems to glide faster than most guys skate at full speed. It’s fun to be out here with him and hopefully make him feel a little bit more comfortable for what he has in store ahead.”“It forces you to play well and it forces you to be up for every game and every shift,” Hall said. “I think someone like him is going to thrive because it’s pretty obvious he loves hockey and he’s done well in the spotlight everywhere he’s gone. I think it’s a good thing.”"
It’s some pretty good praise when it comes to McDavid. The last quote is about playing in Edmonton where Hall does not consider a hinderance. It’s great to see that there’s a buzz within the team when it concerns McDavid.
Concerning McDavid, he handles the media pressure like a seasoned veteran. Sure, it’s not the most entertaining quote but he’s so mature when he gives an answer.
"“There’s nothing like that [that he has in mind],” McDavid said. “I don’t think that you can really have a certain number in your head that you want. At the end of the day, you just have to do the best you can do. I’m very hard on myself and I expect a lot from myself as well.”"
This was concerning point projections. He’s a player that takes the game seriously yet is not getting caught up in all these projections. There’s a good head on his shoulders.
Adidas Gains Jersey Rights
Although it was speculated with Reebok’s contract expiring, the news was made official today that Adidas will be gaining jersey rights starting in the 2016-17 season. Within the TSN article, there is some strong speculation that teams could be changing their looks by adding the three stripe mark to NHL jerseys. Personally, I think that would be a terrible and cheap looking marketing ploy. This is not Soccer! Sure, some teams could use an overhaul for sure (Looking at you Colorado), but I feel like lately, most teams have nailed it when it comes to the post RBK Edge 2007-08. For example, look at the Edmonton Oilers. They started with those awful piping jerseys with no striping, save for the half way around the arm look. They fixed it by changing to a traditional looking jersey with striping.
There’s definitely some concern with Adidas, especially when it comes to advertisements. Sammi Silber had her article on the issue.
Personally, it’s a cautious stand point. I mean, Adidas owns Reebok, but I’m hoping for nothing too radical. I’m a jersey traditionalist.
Briere Retires
Daniel Briere retired after 17 NHL seasons. Once a waiver wire fodder with the Coyotes, Briere went on to breakout with the Sabres and signed a mega deal with the Flyers in 2007. However when met with compliance buyouts, Briere was bought out after the 2012-13 season, where he signed with his home province team, the Montreal Canadiens. In his final NHL year, he was dealt to Colorado.
I always loved Briere because he came from the same hometown as I. It was awesome seeing a Gatineau Quebec product become an NHL All Star. He was down right amazing in playoffs, scoring 116 points in 124 games. Too bad he did not win a ring, with his closest being in 2010 with the Flyers. Here’s to an awesome career Briere.
Next: Adidas: Keep Ads Off Jerseys