Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl delighted fans by participating in a recent beer league pickup game held last Wednesday at the Magna Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. The event held special meaning for McDavid, who spent part of his childhood playing hockey in Newmarket, making this a return to an important place in his early development.
Game Highlights and Unexpected Results
Both players wore the Edmonton Oilers’ practice jerseys as they took to the ice, but neither managed to score during the game. While the pace was more relaxed than in professional <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL matches, McDavid challenged the opposing goaltender multiple times with breakaway attempts, all of which were successfully stopped. The game ended with McDavid and Draisaitl’s team falling 6-2, trailing 4-0 after just the first period.
Anticipation and Experience for Officials and Fans
According to TSN, the referees had advance notice that two of the NHL’s biggest stars would be playing, adding a notable layer of excitement to their officiating duties. For many in attendance, seeing McDavid and Draisaitl on a local ice rink was an unexpected treat, highlighting the stars’ connection to community hockey beyond their professional careers.
McDavid’s Longstanding Involvement in Local Leagues
McDavid’s participation in beer leagues is not new. In fact, he previously played in a 2023 championship game featuring other NHL talents such as Quinton Byfield from the Los Angeles Kings. Reflecting on his ongoing involvement, McDavid told ESPN,
“That’s a league I played in with my buddies for over ten years now. We joined that league back when I played junior hockey. I was a little bit surprised to see it get blown up,”
and added,
“I’ve been playing in those games for over a decade now. So it’s pretty funny that it just kind of came up.”
Offseason Reflections and Future Prospects
McDavid’s offseason has been eventful following the Oilers’ loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. This outcome has sparked speculation about McDavid’s future with the Oilers, particularly since he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. His recent participation in a beer league game reflects both his deep-rooted passion for hockey and a connection to his community amid uncertain times ahead.