It looks like the Edmonton Oilers are staying in shape this off-season, and a lot of that can be attributed to a friendly competition.
After Darnell Nurse kicked things off with an impressive weight-lifting video he posted on his Instagram Tuesday, the Oilers have since engaged in a challenge to outwork each other. And honestly, we’re loving it.
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A day later, Oilers blueliner Eric Gryba posted a video on Twitter responding to Nurse. He showed off his off-ice training ethic, lifting weights while balancing on one leg. In the same tweet, he called out Nurse, asking him for a response.
Hey @drtwofive if your not training on one leg, your not training at all! I expect your response soon. pic.twitter.com/NuIWxPIpyR
— Eric Gryba (@grybes02) July 26, 2017
In a lightning-fast response to Gryba’s tweet, Nurse accepted the challenge from his defensive partner. He was also sure to correct Gryba’s grammar in the process (#savage).
You're** you shall get your response in the next couple weeks 🦁>🐐 https://t.co/sxXFwhuKxO
— Darnell Nurse (@drtwofive) July 26, 2017
While this started off as a contest between the two of them, it quickly started to spread across the organization. Leon Draisaitl was the next one to step up to the plate, showcasing his off-season training skills in a post on Thursday.
Not only did he toss a medicine ball to start, but he added yet another activity to the mix, sled training immediately after. if that’s not intensity, I don’t know what is.
To this, Gryba responded: “It’s like Rocky… but the German version. #respect #thereneedstobeagoat.” Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse also sent in their praise for the German winger.
Gryba also called on more for his teammates to join the fun and enter the challenge.
Zack Kassian responded by saying that he will show Gryba what he has in store come October 4, and Patrick Maroon replied, “Is this the first summer you pick up a weight?”
Coming into Friday, the challenge only gets bigger. Drake Caggiula responded with two doses of sled racing, with some battle rope training in between. It’s clear that the 5-foot-9 forward is putting on more strength this offseason.
Next: Edmonton Oilers Prospect Profiles: Graham McPhee
With videos like these, it looks like the Oilers keeping in shape as they enter next season as top Pacific contenders.