BLOG: Oilers break in Heritage Classic gear at practice

EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oilers are breaking in their new retro-looking equipment in anticipation of the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.

At practice Thursday and Friday, the Oilers donned the throwback pants and gloves they will wear at the outdoor game against the Calgary Flames at Commonwealth Stadium on Oct. 29 (7 p.m. ET; TBS, MAX, SN, TVAS).

"It takes a couple of practices [to break in], but I like the look of it," Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl said Friday. "I'm sure it's going to look great."

Specially designed uniforms for the game were unveiled by the NHL and adidas on Sept. 26. The Oilers jersey pays tribute to the 1952 Edmonton Mercurys, who won gold at the 1952 Oslo Olympics representing Canada. The uniform features brown pants and gloves, which the Oilers were using in practice the past two days.

The Flames jersey is inspired by the Calgary Stampeders hockey team of the 1950s and 1960s.

Edmonton opened the 2023-24 NHL season with an 8-1 loss at the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. The Oilers host the Canucks at Rogers Place on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY).

"What do I think of this look? I think it’s pretty cool," Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft said Friday. "It reminds me of the Edmonton Mercurys and their uniform obviously. It's a credit to the people that designed the jersey and are giving us a retro look. Today for the players and coaches, it's more just to break some of this newer equipment in so that it doesn't feel brand new when that game occurs."