RELEASE: Oilers statement on NHL, NHLPA agreement

EDMONTON, AB - Bob Nicholson, Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club, and Tom Anselmi, President of Business Operations and COO of Oilers Entertainment Group and ICE District, have released a joint statement as the NHL and NHLPA have ratified a four-year extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Return To Play Plan.

The Return To Play Plan finalization included confirmation that Edmonton's Rogers Place in ICE District will host all Western Conference playoff games, in addition to the Eastern Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final.

Games will begin with the Qualifying Round on Saturday, Aug. 1, featuring the Oilers taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in a best-of-five series.

"We commend the NHL and NHLPA for the effort put into reaching a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Edmonton Oilers and Oilers Entertainment Group are thrilled that Edmonton and specifically ICE District has been selected as a hub for the 2020 Qualifying Round and Stanley Cup Playoffs, as a part of the Return To Play process.

"We are extremely proud of the bid we presented on behalf of our city and our province. We cannot say enough about the support we received from all our partners in this process - starting with the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health and the City of Edmonton. As a community and a province, we are in very good hands and everyone is focused on health and safety as the core operating principle.

"We also want to commend the community that has rallied around our bid, offering their services and support. Edmonton's bid was selected because it was first rate in every way. It was our collective dream to show off our community to the hockey world. We can't wait to get started. Let's go, Edmonton!"