The Edmonton Elks welcomed the Edmonton Oil Kings to Commonwealth Stadium and the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, where the defending Western Hockey League champions toured the CFL team’s locker room and observed practice on Wednesday.
“Any time we can have them be around a professional group of athletes and the see the work they put their craft is just a great experience,” says Oil Kings head coach Luke Pierce. “To see the passion and the enthusiasm that (the Elks) have for practice is really important for our guys.”
Shoutout to @GoElks, @b_cheeseman and @mannyshow84 for having us out today!
It's always fun to brush up on our football skills 🏈 pic.twitter.com/H0dYR8QAd1
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) October 5, 2022
Members of the Elks chatted with the talented young hockey players, who range in age from 16 to 20. The Oil Kings aspire to that which the Elks players have achieved: becoming a professional athlete at the height of their sport.
“They’re keen and eager,” Pierce says. “A lot of these guys are sports fans in general, so the opportunity to come and see the facility is a fantastic thing for our group.”
Elks Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Brian Cheeseman previously spent 11 years working as the Oil Kings’ Head Athletic Therapist. Cheeseman was part of the major junior hockey team’s staff when it won the Memorial Cup in 2014.
“This was a great opportunity with Brian Cheeseman and our connection with the Oil Kings,” Pierce says.
Both Edmonton teams are getting set to hit the road. The Elks next play against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at IG Field on Saturday, while the Oil Kings return to action on Friday in Washington against the Spokane Chiefs.