In Edmonton, hockey is among the most loved games. Even though a variety of sports such as lacrosse, football, basketball, soccer, baseball and so on are extremely popular with Edmonton being the international venue for major sports events, hockey remains the favorite. Edmonton Hockey dates back to the 1890s and over time, has become a part of the culture.

Sports in Edmonton

Home to the darlings of hockey, the Edmonton Oilers and the national teams are adored the world over. As Canada’s most predominant winter sport and national pastime, ice hockey attracts huge international crowds. There is a men’s national and women’s national ice hockey team, in addition to participation by children at various levels. In professional ice hockey, the Stanley Cup is the most coveted, with the Memorial Cup for the junior men’s team and the Allan Cup for senior men. The national men’s team participates in the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship and Olympics. The National Hockey League has seven teams in Canada of which the Edmonton Oilers is one.

As you can see, Edmonton Hockey is a much loved sport that the city is passionate about. Hockey Night in Canada, a popular Saturday Night TV show has a huge viewing.

Canada’s official summer sport, lacrosse is a much awaited event. Football is considered the second most popular sport and the Grey Cup is Canada’s largest event every year. Soccer or association football has the maximum number of registered players compared to any other sports teams in the country with several professional teams. You will also find many individual sports such as auto racing, boxing, horse racing, ice skating, skateboarding, and triathlon and water sports.

The various international sports events, besides Edmonton hockey, draw massive international crowds into Edmonton and visitors make sure their Edmonton hotel bookings are done well in advance. Hotels like the Coliseum Inn which is located across the road from Rexall Place are especially in demand for their proximity to the venue of the event.

Shopping in Edmonton

Almost everyone who visits Edmonton for hockey events will make sure they take time off to enjoy the world-class shopping malls. The West Edmonton Mall alone has over eight hundred shops, more than a hundred restaurants with several other recreational attractions all under a single roof.

One of Canada’s top shopping districts, Old Strathcona which is set in a historical neighborhood, is popular for its fine dining and pubs, besides being a hub for music, art and theater.

There are more than four hundred specialty shops and department stores in the downtown Edmonton area and if you choose an Edmonton hotel that is close to this shopping mecca you can use the number of climate controlled pedways that make shopping a pleasure. You can also enjoy Edmonton’s heritage architecture if you go shopping along Jasper Avenue and its surrounding area.