The Edmonton Oilers centre — hand and ribs injuries hampering his superstar ability — gutted it out with 10 goals and 11 assists across the whole of the playoffs for a team that fell just short at the last hurdle.

Just over 11 1/2 months later, Draisaitl is healthy. And with Connor McDavid by his side, the big German stepped up for the Oilers in the opener of a title series rematch against the defending champ.

Draisaitl scored on a power play at 19:29 of overtime Wednesday as the Oilers came back from a 3-1 deficit in the second period to beat the Florida Panthers 4-3 and take a 1-0 lead in what looks like another mouth-watering matchup for hockey’s holy grail.

“It’s tough to describe,” Draisaitl, who has now found the back of the net nine times this spring, said of his winner. “Some incredible plays that made it pretty ‘easy’ for me to put that home. It’s a special feeling.”

McDavid took a pass from Corey Perry before finding Edmonton’s No. 29 for him to bury his second goal of the night — and third OT breakthrough of the post-season to tie a league record — inside an incandescent Rogers Place on Sergei Bobrovsky after Tomas Nosek was whistled for delay of game.

“You can’t put a number on it,” McDavid said when asked to quantify what Draisaitl brings. “He’s invaluable. Clutch, faceoffs you name it, he does it. He doesn’t get enough respect or credit for his defensive capabilities. There’s maybe nobody better.”

Draisaitl, whose parents were sitting in the stands behind Bobrovsky’s net in OT, reflected on being at full strength compared to the sick bay the group had going in 2024.

“Some of our guys got pretty banged up early last year,” he said. “Sometimes the fatigue just seems to set in a little bit quicker. It’s nice to nice to feel good and healthy.

“Hopefully it stays that way.”

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said the fact his team defeated both the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars in five games this spring after opening with a 4-2 series win over the Los Angeles Kings has helped his roster’s overall health — other than winger Zach Hyman, who’s out with a dislocated wrist.

“Certainly he was banged up and not 100 per cent … I think a lot of our team was,” Knoblauch said of Draisaitl last post-season. “This year, we had two long breaks after series … gave us a lot of time to recover, and just helped everybody and the injury aspect. We’re pretty fortunate right now.”

The Oilers fell behind the Panthers 3-0 in last year’s final before winning three straight to force a winner-take-all showdown that Florida took on home ice.

Edmonton drew first blood Wednesday on a night where its stars led the way in key moments.

With the Oilers down 3-2 in the second period, McDavid found Mattias Ekholm in front for him to score his first of the playoffs after the Panthers choked off the middle of the ice.

McDavid and Draisaitl then combined, as they have so many times, to push Edmonton over the top.

“I don’t really have words for you guys,” Oilers winger Kasperi Kapanen, who joined the club off the waiver wire and provided two assists Wednesday, said of that dynamic duo. “These guys are generational talents, and then future Hall of Famers.”

“I’ve seen them do it many times,” Skinner added. “Hopefully I’m able to see them do it a lot more.”

Draisaitl, of course, knows the job is far from done after Edmonton topped a Florida team that entered 31-0 when leading after the first or second period in the playoffs since the team’s first Cup final run in 2023.

“It’s great for right now,” Draisaitl said. “But we’ve got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2.”

That goes Friday back at Rogers Place.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

The Riders were coming off their first loss of the CFL season, a 35-20 defeat at the hands of the host B.C. Lions on July 13. The victory improved Saskatchewan’s record to 5-1 while the Bombers dropped to 2-5. The loss ended a two-game winning streak for Winnipeg.

The Riders scored the game’s only touchdown midway through the third quarter when quarterback Shea Patterson engineered a six-play, 83-yard drive. He was four-for-four passing for 62 yards on the drive, which ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Clint Ratkovich. It was the first CFL touchdown for the 26-year-old rookie and it gave the Riders a 13-6 lead.

On Winnipeg’s next possession, quarterback Zach Collaros drove the Bombers to Saskatchewan 25-yard line. On a first-down play, Collaros was flushed out of the pocket and threw an ill-advised pass back against the grain that was intercepted by Riders linebacker Adam Auclair.

Taking over on their own 22-yard line, the Riders moved the ball deep into Winnipeg territory. After a 29-yard pass interference penalty on Winnipeg’s Tyrell Ford, Patterson connected with rookie receiver Ajou Ajou on a 34-yard completion to the Winnipeg 18-yard line. Ajou took a short toss from Patterson in the flat and broke a tackle from Winnipeg veteran linebacker Adam Bighill to escape down the sideline for the big gain.

Willie Jefferson got some of that yardage back with a 16-yard sack of Patterson on the next play. Following an 11-yard run by A.J. Ouellette, the Riders increased their lead to 16-6 with a 31-yard field goal by Brett Lauther on the opening play of the fourth quarter.

The Bombers narrowed the deficit to 16-9 with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter on a 31-yard field goal by Sergio Castillo, his third field goal of the game.

The Saskatchewan defence, which has earned a reputation this season for creating turnovers, came up with a big play with 2:36 left in the game. Bombers receiver Nik Demski caught a 20-yard pass at the Saskatchewan 25-yard line but Riders linebacker Jameer Thurman punched the ball loose with the home team taking over on its 29-yard line.

Ajou moved the Riders into Winnipeg territory with a 46-yard reception. It was his fourth catch of the game for 110 yards, and it set up Lauther’s fourth field goal of the game with 1:32 remaining. Th 31-yard field goal increased Saskatchewan’s lead to 19-9.

There was a minor melee at the end of the game after Bighill tackled Patterson who was trying to run out the clock. The Riders took exception to the hit, which was right in front of their bench, and confronted Bighill. The Bombers then ran onto the field as well.

Both teams struggled to move the ball in the first half with the only scoring coming from the kickers. Castillo was successful from 35 and 56 yards, while Lauther hit from 28 and 41 yards. Castillo was short on a 61-yard field goal attempt late in the second quarter.

UP NEXT

Blue Bombers: Visit the Toronto Argonauts (3-2) on Saturday, July 27.

Roughriders: Visit the Montreal Alouettes (5-1) on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2024.

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: 31184391-0189-44fb-ad13-d838047b394a.jpg, Caption:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (8) runs the ball during the first half of CFL football action against Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina, on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

–>

“We piled 11 people into three cars with 11 pieces of luggage and travelled through the night and arrived home,” said Patrick Gobeil, who said his group rented vehicles on New Year’s Eve to get home to Prince Albert, Sask., after Sunwing left them in Calgary.

Sunwing has been scrambling to bring hundreds of passengers home from destinations such as Mexico after winter storms disrupted its operations over the holidays.

On Friday, Sunwing Vacations announced it was suspending its flights from the Saskatoon and Regina airports for a month due to extenuating circumstances.

Gobeil said his group of 11 people flew to Mazatlan, Mexico, on Dec. 9 and were supposed to fly back to Saskatoon on Dec. 23, but Sunwing kept delaying their return until Dec. 30, when they finally got a flight.

He said he didn’t know he wouldn’t be returning to Saskatoon until he noticed a Calgary tag had been attached to his luggage. He said Sunwing staff on the plane promised hotel and meal vouchers in the city and assured his party they would get transport to Saskatchewan.

Gobeil said they eventually had to book their own rooms after waiting in Calgary for hours. When they returned to the airport the next morning, Sunwing staff promised a manager was coming to help them.

“All of a sudden, they left out the back and we were left there by ourselves,” Gobeil said.

Traci Goertzen of Griffin, Sask., said Sunwing flew her to Regina on New Year’s Eve after her return from the Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta was delayed by nearly a week, but she estimated there were about 50 empty seats on the plane.

Goertzen said she had met another family in the terminal that was trying to get to Saskatoon. She said they would have flown to Regina, but were told they couldn’t be on the flight.

“That family from Saskatoon, they were literally crying in the airport because they wanted to go home so bad,” said Goertzen.

Other Saskatchewan residents in a Facebook group formed by Sunwing passengers who have been trying to get home said they were flown to Winnipeg.

Sunwing did not respond to questions from The Canadian Press on Monday about the vacant seats or what has been happening to Saskatchewan passengers.

It said last week that it had planned 43 recovery flights. The airline apologized, saying despite its best efforts, it has failed to deliver on its customers’ expectations.

Gobeil said the Sunwing crew on his flight to Canada seemed to believe there were only 19 Saskatchewan passengers on the plane when, in fact, there were about 100.

He said despite daily, repeated attempts to contact the airline, he’s not sure they knew that his group were still in Mexico.

“I completed a survey about my completed vacation with Sunwing and got a $50 voucher, eight days before I got home. And it wasn’t the nicest review,” said Gobeil.

Goertzen said she was supposed to have flown back on one of the rescue flights several days earlier, but they were told the plane had a broken antenna. Then they were told the wrong part was shipped and another would have to be ordered from China. Then they heard nothing.

“It was just mentally frustrating. I don’t even know how to put it into words because it was that much of a fiasco,” Goertzen said when summing up the ordeal.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said last week that while airlines and air travel are regulated by the federal government, his transportation minister has been in contact with Sunwing and with federal transport minister asking for a detailed plan of how and when passengers who travelled from Saskatchewan will get back.

“In the days ahead, we expect Sunwing to appropriately compensate everyone who did not receive the service they purchased,” Moe said Friday.

Sunwing said in a statement Friday that it had planned to supplement seasonal demand for travel from Saskatoon and Regina with the assistance of temporary foreign pilots for the winter months.

It said it brought in sub-services to sustain its operations, buy After that plan failed to materialize, Sunwing eventually concluded “the conditions and schedule have proven too significant” to continue with regular operations. 

The airline said last week that “most, if not all, delayed customers should return home by Jan. 2.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2023.

—By Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton

The Canadian Press

The federal government made Sept. 30 a statutory holiday for its workers and federally regulated workplaces last year. And it is up to each province and territory to decide whether to also make it an statutory holiday for workers in their governments, schools and businesses. 

Here is what they are doing:

British Columbia

Similar to last year, B.C. has advised public sector employers, including those in public schools, that the day should be observed as a statutory holiday by those who are normally entitled to federal and provincial stats. Essential services will operate as normal. The province has consulted with residential school survivors, Indigenous partners and communities about creating a new holiday, and is seeking input from employers and employees. The province has said that the earliest changes can be made under the Employment Standards Act would be for 2023. 

Alberta

Alberta has left it up to employers to implement it as a statutory holiday. A spokesman with Indigenous Relations, Ted Bauer, says the province has chosen to commemorate the day through education and action, as work is being done to create a residential school monument and garden. The United Nurses of Alberta has said Alberta Health Services told it to recognize the day as a named holiday after the union filed a grievance.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan says it is not considering additional statutory holidays at this time. Matthew Glover, director of media relations with the government, says Sept. 30 will continue to be an important day for reflection, recognition and an opportunity for all citizens to learn more about the legacy of residential schools. 

Manitoba

The Manitoba government is observing the day for a second year, while discussions continue about making it a statutory holiday. Schools and non-essential government services and offices will be closed. The province says it is consulting with Indigenous and labour groups. 

Ontario

Sept. 30 is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. Schools will be open and operating as usual. Erika Robson, a spokesperson for Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, says the day is a time for schools, workplaces and communities to honour those affected by the legacy of residential school policies, and is similar to how Remembrance Day is observed across the province. 

Quebec

They day is not a statutory holiday in Quebec. Last year, the government said it had no plans to make it one. 

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia will be observing the day for a second year in a row. Provincial government offices, public schools, regulated childcare and other non-essential public services will be closed. Businesses have the choice to remain open. The day is not a general paid holiday. The government is in discussions with Mi’kmaw leaders and communities, as well as businesses and organizations, on how best to honour the day in the future. 

New Brunswick

The province recently declared Sept. 30 a provincial holiday. All essential services, including health care, will continue to be delivered. The holiday is optional for private sector businesses. 

Prince Edward Island

P.E.I. said last year it would recognize the day. It is one of eight paid holidays in the province under the Employment Standards Act. Provincial government offices and schools will close. 

Newfoundland and Labrador

The government says consultations continue with Indigenous governments and organizations and the business and labour sector about making the day a public holiday under the Labour Standards Act. For now, provincial government offices, schools and other entities will be closed. The province is encouraging businesses and other organizations to commemorate the day. 

Nunavut

The territory announced last month that changes had been made to the Labour Standards Act, Legislation Act and Public Service Act to make the day a statutory holiday, which applies to public service employees and those with territorially regulated businesses.

Northwest Territories

N.W.T. amended the Employment Standards Act in the summer to add the day to its list of statutory holidays to be observed annually beginning this year.  

Yukon

The territory surveyed members of public, First Nations, businesses and other groups to get feedback on what the day should look like. It says support was mixed for making it a statutory holiday. The government says it is continuing consultations but the earliest Sept. 30 could become a stat would be next year. This year, the territory is observing the day and Yukon government employees will not be required to work. Schools will be closed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2022.

Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press

The border is open in both directions again after more than two weeks of disruptions.

Protesters originally blocked the highway near Coutts and gathered near the town of Milk River to protest vaccine mandates and other COVID protocols at the end of January.

Those who were assembled say they decided to leave on Tuesday (Feb 15) after RCMP seized a cache of weapons and arrested 13 people on Monday.

Line of tractors leaving Coutts — LNN

Protest supporter Brant Hansen says it was always meant to be a peaceful protest.

“We came in peaceful and we want to stay peaceful. And when that happened [discovery of weapons], that kind of stuff happens, and the accusations possibly towards us now revolving around us. That’s not any intention of what was supposed to happen.”

Despite the latest developments, Hansen stands behind the protests, saying they needed to take place, because not enough was happening to ease mandates.

“Nothing was happening, and in all honesty there had to be a loud noise, and it’s not what we wanted to do. It’s not. Essentially, we didn’t want to shut down our own personal border and cause harm, or, you know, financial stress to businesses, and to families. That’s what’s been happening to all of Canada for two and a half years.”

The blockade ended just one day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act aimed at ending the protests.

However, Brant says even though the blockade has ended, they plan to keep fighting.

“The fight for freedom’s not over. Where that takes us, what location, or in what shape or form, I don’t know.”

If the fight continues, the Mayor of Coutts, Jim Willett, says everyone will be better prepared.

“This took everybody by surprise. If it happens again, it shouldn’t take anybody by surprise. There will have to be preparations or defenses, or whatever you will, put in place to keep it from happening again.”

Willett says he is relieved that the protest is over, but he says it has divided his village, and it will have lasting effects on its residents.

“This is one of those things that polarizes people. You’re either on the side of the protesters, or you’re against them. And I don’t know why society has gotten to that point where you can’t have a middle ground and try and understand what’s going on. You either have to be for them or against them. So, that is felt in the village. So, people who are friends, find themselves on opposite sides of that imaginary line, and it’s caused tension. It pulls at the fabric of the community. We’re small enough to almost be a family, and now it’s a family feud.”

READ MORE: Coutts blockade and the Emergencies Act.

READ MORE: Charges laid against group protestors harboring weapons.

The CBSA issued the following statement:

The CBSA recognizes border disruptions affect both travellers and industry and we are working to restore normal border operations at this port of entry as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience while we get operations back on track.

The ports of North Portal, and Regway, Sask, Rooseville, BC and Kingsgate, BC are the closest alternative processing sites for commercial traffic. However, due to evolving circumstances and until further notice, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) encourages you to refer to the CBSA Website for information regarding hours of service and commercial servicing at either site in real time

Meanwhile, other convoy blockades and protests continued elsewhere in the county.

Dozens of Albertans found a unique way to protest the vaccine mandates on Saturday (Feb 11) afternoon.

People on horseback shared a section of highway-3 with truckers, tractors, pickups, and even cyclists, as the group made its way from the highway onto the main street of the town, to show support for rallies across the country.

Horses with protesters in Coaldale — LNN

Horse riders take part — LNN

Several people lined the streets of the town cheering as the convoy with the added element passed by.

On Friday Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency that will allow his cabinet to impose $100,000 fines and up to one year in jail as punishments against people who continue to illegally block roads, bridges, walkways and other critical infrastructure.

Both Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned the protesters, who are demanding an immediate end to all COVID-19 pubic health mandates and restrictions, that if they don’t go home the sanctions they face could ruin their lives.

A judge also issued an injunction giving protesters blocking cross-border traffic at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., until 7 p.m. Friday to clear out. However, the deadline came and went with the demonstrators both at the bridge and in Ottawa still vowing to stay put until their demands are met.

Coaldale protest –LNN

RCMP are responding to multiple collisions on Highway-3 east pf Coaldale near the Chin potato domes.

High winds are causing a dust storm which has resulted in reduced visibility.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area. For the most up to date information on highway conditions, please check with 511 Alberta.

Area of dust storm — Ab. Emergency ALERT

“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It also provides greater flexibility within the municipal administration to enable the City of Ottawa to manage business continuity for essential services for its residents and enables a more flexible procurement process, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.”

The actions are based on civic frustration and increased anger from residents. Police had also announced that anyone bringing ‘material’ aid such as food and fuel into Ottawa’s downtown core could be arrested. Stockpiles of fuel in plastic jerry cans were being brought in on wagons and police found the stockpiles were creating a hazard. Ottawa police have stated they have eleven investigations related to hate crimes and four people facing charges.

Ottawa was not the only city to see an increase in vehicle convoys and rallies over the weekend. Lethbridge had its own event.

Calgary and Edmonton police advised residents to stay out of the downtown areas, where streets were clogged by vehicles snarling traffic and sidewalks crowded with protesters made walking difficult. The noise of shouts and honking vehicles reverberated and intensified among the close-set skyscrapers, reaching a deafening level.

Much of the congestion in Edmonton was near the Legislature.

The gatherings, planned in support of the more than week-long event in Ottawa, dubbed ‘Freedom convoys’ and ‘Unity rallies’, involved not only big rigs but cars, SUV’s and had half-ton trucks. Most of the vehicles flew large Canadian flags, interspersed with Alberta and American flags. There were also signs supporting former U.S. president Donald Trump and others disparaging Prime Minister Trudeau, who called the demonstrators a “small fringe minority.”

Edmonton protests – credit M. Modney

City police in both Calgary and Edmonton were visible in many locations, to ensure public safety. Premier Jason Kenney called for respectful and safe protesting:

“To those involved: by all means, send your message through peaceful, lawful protest. But disrupting the lives of your fellow Albertans & creating illegal, dangerous road hazards is totally unacceptable. In a democracy we always have strong disagreements, but we must resolve them within the rule of law. Police are responsible for ensuring public safety & lawful conduct on our roads. They can issue stiff penalties, e.g. under AB Infrastructure Defence Act, to those blocking roads.”

Alberta RCMP continue to monitor the convoy and protestors at the Coutts border crossing and issued the following statement on Saturday:

“We appreciate so many of the individuals taking part in protests in the Coutts area are having their voices heard in a lawful way by being respectful & listening to police orders. We are aware not all individuals are following the law & have several open investigations underway.”

Around 1:45 Sunday afternoon, RCMP posted this message on Twitter:

Sunday RCMP statement — posted to Twitter

On Thursday (Feb 3) New Democrat MP Alistair MacGregor won unanimous approval of the House of Commons public safety committee to invite representatives from the crowdfunding source to answer questions about its security measures and to ensure its funds are not used to promote extremism.

MacGregor said he brought the motion forward because he was concerned about a statement from Ottawa police that a “significant element” from the United States had been involved in funding the Canadian protest.

“We have questions about the anonymity of those donors, whether or not they live in foreign jurisdictions, and what kind of controls GoFundMe has in place to make sure that the money is not funding extremist views like antisemitism, white supremacy and other forms of hate, which we saw in a prominent display amongst some of the members of the protest in Ottawa.”

GoFundMe was used to raise more than $10 million to support anti-vaccine mandate protesters that converged on, and brought a standstill, to downtown Ottawa. The amount of money and the speed with which it was raised, also raised red flags.

By the time the House of Commons agreed to have GoFundMe representatives answer their questions, the crowd-sourcing organization was in the process of pausing and reviewing the fundraising campaign to ensure it complied with its terms of service. Those terms stipulate “money raised can’t be used to support hate, violence, harassment and bullying, among other anti-social behaviours.”

It became clear that something was found amiss.

GoFundMe said that it “supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser when it was first created.” It added: “We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.”

The company said this meant the fundraiser was in violation of its terms of service and that “no further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers.”

GoFundMe statement published Friday on Twitter

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told the Associated Press, “It’s not a protest anymore. It’s become an occupation. It’s time for this to come to an end.”

Canada senator Dennis Patterson added, “If you wrap yourself in, or go about waving a Nazi or Confederate flag, you are declaring yourself a person who embraces hate, bigotry, and racism.”

A couple of those attending told an LNN reporter that they were simply showing support of the truckers at Coutts, another person noted they were tired of the restrictions.

One truck was designated as a drop-off point for donations for the Coutts truckers.

Most of the vehicles were draped in large Canadian flags, one was positioned upside down, while other vehicles sported Alberta and American flags. A few had signs stating “Freedom, Legalize Freedom, Full Send and End Mandates.”

Convoy headed north on Mayor Magrath Dr. — LNN

The convoy, occasionally broken up by stops at red lights but, travelled north on Mayor Magrath, then turned west on Crowsnest Trail, made a turn south down Scenic Drive and returned to Mayor Magrath to make two more loops around the circuit. The group then went downtown along third Avenue.

LPS sent out several notices for residents to be aware of the convoy and the added traffic. The convoy, while noisy from honking horns, kept to the right hand lane.

Convoy along Mayor Magrath Dr. – LNN