To discover team camaraderie, the Edmonton Oilers embark on a funny bonding quest.
In the world of professional sports, team camaraderie is often the unsung hero behind a successful season. While skill, strategy, and preparation are critical, the true essence of a great team is the relationships formed behind closed locker room doors. For the Edmonton Oilers, a team with a storied history and a roster full of stars, it is not just about practicing plays or analyzing opponents; sometimes it’s about having a laugh and letting off steam in unconventional ways.
When the team, led by their charismatic captain Connor McDavid, decided to embark on a humorous bonding quest, it was clear that they were determined to not only build their on-ice chemistry but also deepen their off-ice connections. What followed was an adventure that combined hilarity, quirky challenges, and heartfelt moments — a journey that ultimately showcased the unique spirit and unity of the team.
The Genesis of the Quest
It all started in the middle of a long season when the Oilers, despite their impressive performance, realized they were missing something: the deep, organic bond that comes from shared experiences outside of the rink. The management had been hearing whispers from the players. The locker room was buzzing with talk about how to bring everyone closer together. As a team with several new additions, including young prospects and veterans from other clubs, there was an unspoken desire to strengthen the team dynamic, not just on the ice but off it as well.
In an unusual move, the Oilers’ head coach, Jay Woodcroft, proposed something that had never been done before: a team-building exercise unlike any other. Rather than a traditional retreat or a training camp filled with drills, he suggested they embark on an “absurdly funny bonding quest” — a series of unexpected challenges, hilarious missions, and offbeat activities designed to push their boundaries and build camaraderie in the most unconventional ways.
The idea, initially met with a raised eyebrow or two, slowly gained traction among the players. After all, when you have stars like McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman in the locker room, you know that any opportunity to make memories together is worth seizing. The quest would begin the next day, right after practice.
Challenge One: The Blindfolded Shootout
The first challenge was deceptively simple — a blindfolded shootout competition. The Oilers’ practice rink was transformed into a carnival-style shootout area, with cones, inflatable obstacles, and a goalie (none other than Stuart Skinner, donning his pads but without his usual focus). Players would be blindfolded and given five attempts to score on Skinner.
From the outset, the laughter was infectious. McDavid, usually a perfectionist on the ice, struggled to even get the puck near the net. His first attempt resulted in a wild shot that ricocheted off the crossbar and nearly hit an unsuspecting staff member. Draisaitl, who prides himself on his precision, tried to rely on his hockey IQ to guess where the net might be, but ended up hitting the boards. Skinner, ever the good sport, would occasionally “accidentally” dive in the wrong direction, making it even more absurd.
The crowning moment came when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who had been skeptical about the challenge from the start, managed to score a goal by sheer luck — or perhaps the universe’s attempt to level the playing field. His teammates erupted into cheers and playful taunts.
“Who knew you had it in you, Nuge!” McDavid yelled, laughing as Nugent-Hopkins raised his arms in mock celebration.
By the end of the shootout, it was clear that the real winner wasn’t the person who scored the most goals but the team’s collective spirit. They were already laughing and joking with one another, and the energy in the room was light-hearted but unified. It was the perfect icebreaker.
Challenge Two: The Mascot Challenge
Next up was something that no one could have predicted — the Mascot Challenge. The Oilers’ mascot, Hunter, had been an icon for years, but it was time for the players to step into his furry shoes. Each player was assigned a random mascot costume from a variety of teams in the NHL, and their task was to perform a “mascot skit” for the rest of the group.
The scene that unfolded in the locker room could only be described as absurd. Leon Draisaitl, who is often viewed as the “serious” one, was tasked with dressing up as the Montreal Canadiens’ mascot, Youppi!. In a bright orange outfit with oversized gloves, Draisaitl could barely walk without tripping over his own feet. His skit, which was supposed to be a “traditional mascot dance,” ended up being a bizarre mix of confused gyrations and accidental pratfalls that left the team in stitches.
Connor McDavid, who usually exudes coolness and composure, was transformed into a bewildered version of the Calgary Flames’ “Harvey the Hound.” With a giant foam head that blocked his vision, McDavid awkwardly waddled around trying to high-five teammates who were clearly avoiding his attempts.
The real highlight came when Evander Kane, dressed as the Vancouver Canucks’ “Fin the Whale,” took the stage. With his usual bravado, Kane tried to lead a dramatic “whale song” performance, much to the amusement of his teammates. The challenge ended with a spontaneous dance-off, with Hunter (the Oilers’ mascot) himself joining in on the fun, having somehow emerged from hiding.
Though it was absurd and, at times, downright ridiculous, the Mascot Challenge gave the Oilers a rare opportunity to laugh at themselves and embrace their vulnerability. There were no goals, no strategies, no expectations — just teammates getting silly and enjoying each other’s company.
Challenge Three: The Ultimate Prank War
As the quest continued, a more competitive streak emerged. The next challenge was one that tapped into the mischievous nature of the team: a prank war. The Oilers’ competitive drive shifted from on-ice skills to off-ice scheming as each player was assigned to prank a teammate, with the only rule being that the prank had to be light-hearted and in good fun.
Leon Draisaitl, having seen McDavid’s previous attempts at pranks fall flat, decided to step up his game. He snuck into McDavid’s locker and swapped his skates with a pair of toddler-sized ones. McDavid’s response, when he tried to put them on before the next practice, was priceless. The sight of the star player, struggling with the tiny skates, sent the entire team into fits of laughter.
Meanwhile, Evander Kane, not one to shy away from a prank, decided to play on the classic “fake injury” ruse. He placed a fake “injury report” in the team’s lounge, listing that several players had been sidelined due to “laughter-induced hamstring strains” and “spontaneous dancing injuries.” When the players saw the report, their confusion turned to hysterics. Even Woodcroft couldn’t help but chuckle when he saw the note posted in the locker room.
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when Stuart Skinner, known for his quiet nature, pulled off the ultimate prank — he secretly coordinated with the team to surprise the equipment manager, who had been working overtime, with a party of his own. It was a simple gesture of appreciation, and the smile on the equipment manager’s face was enough to make everyone feel like a team, not just a group of players.
The Final Challenge: A Team Dinner
The final leg of their humorous bonding quest was a team dinner at a local Edmonton restaurant. While this may sound like a simple affair, it was anything but. Coach Woodcroft had secretly arranged for a “mystery menu” experience, where players could only order one item per course, but the catch was that the dish would be completely unexpected. For example, a steak lover might end up with a giant plate of sushi, or a pasta fan could find themselves faced with an extravagant dessert platter instead of dinner.
The meal itself was an odd, yet delightful mix of confusion and indulgence. Players dug into meals they never would have chosen on their own, bonding over their shared discomfort and excitement. There was plenty of food-related banter, with McDavid and Draisaitl joking about who had the better “mystery dish,” and even the shyest players were drawn into the lively conversation. At the end of the meal, Coach Woodcroft raised a toast, thanking the players for embracing the ridiculousness of the experience and reminding them of how important it was to be comfortable with each other both on and off the ice.
A Unified Team
In the end, the Edmonton Oilers’ bonding quest, while funny and absurd at times, served a greater purpose. It brought the team closer together in ways that no amount of strategy sessions or drills could have. They learned to trust each other, not just as teammates, but as people. They shared inside jokes, memories of hilarious pranks, and moments of pure joy that transcended the competition of professional hockey.
As the season progressed, the positive effects of the quest became clear. The Oilers were not only playing better on the ice but were also a team with a strong, unbreakable bond. They had discovered that true camaraderie doesn’t always come from intense training or serious talks — sometimes, it’s about laughing together, letting go, and embracing the absurdity of life.
And so, as they skated into the rest of their season, it was clear that the Edmonton Oilers were more than just a talented roster. They were a team united by a sense of humor, a spirit of adventure, and a deep, unshakable camaraderie.