Number 99 says make new memories, win championships at new Rogers Place
EDMONTON — The Great One says the ice isn’t as fast, but Edmonton’s new Rogers Place is a “special, special” arena where he hopes fans can make new memories and the Oilers can again win championships.
Wayne Gretzky, who played for the Oilers from 1979 to 1988 and helped them win four Stanley Cups, was a surprise guest at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the NHL team’s new shiny, silver downtown arena.
“The ice isn’t quite as fast as Rexall, I tested it today. I seemed to be faster in the 90s than I am today,” he said to laughter from a crowd gathered at the new arena late Thursday afternoon.
“But the atmosphere in the building is exactly what Edmonton is all about — it’s friendly, it’s classy, it’s nice, it’s warm…”