Thursday Thoughts: Oilers Practice Without RNH

Vice.com layoffs, Substack Updates, Edmonton Oilers practice and Warren Foegele Interview

EDMONTON — Journalism as we know it is dying.

During my (seemingly) brief time as a hockey journalist, this fact has become increasingly clearer. Bell Media and Sports Illustrated are just two outlets who have decided to make cut-backs to line the owners pockets.

Add Vice.com to the list - as of earlier today they sent a memo out to all of their employers to stop writing for the site as the company restructures and lays off hundreds of people.

That makes my current landing spot (The Hockey News) all the more fortunate for me. Especially when I hear of the unhappiness that friends and acquaintances with other publications are going through.

Substack is a great platform to write on. I get the freedom to write whatever I want - and it’s incredibly easy for me to use.

I want to bring the reader of my newsletter content that they will not get elsewhere. Which leads me to my next topic - practice updates.

I will give updates on all the practices that I attend. I’d like to share some photos/videos along with any quotes from players or coaching staff that I feel should be highlighted.

Today there were a lot of line rushes. I couldn’t quite figure out what they were doing as I was distracted preparing for an interview (more on that in a hot minute).

When I arrived at noon, practice was already underway. It was scheduled for noon but clearly I need to arrive sooner to get a glimpse of how things are when they actually get on the ice.

Here’s a shot of Connor McDavid missing a shot in practice. Even in practice McDavid doesn’t take it easy.

Here’s a fun video on my twitter between Connor McDavid, Corey Perry and his son Griffen.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was absent from practice again as he is still sick - tough to project if he will be ready for the game tomorrow night. Calvin Pickard was confirmed to be the starting goalie for tomorrow. The Oilers play a back-to-back with the Calgary Flames in town for Saturday night. They will wear their Heritage Classic jersey’s once again.

Finally, look out for my interview with Warren Foegele in the next few days. I was able to ask him questions after practice today. I’ll have at least one piece published at The Hockey News on my conversation with him - but if you want to get the whole interview keep your eyes peeled to this Substack.