August 1, 2023 by Eric Friesen

Six Edmonton Oilers players hit the links in the fourth annual Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Toronto on Monday.

Zach Hyman was joined by Oilers teammates Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele at the event, which supports the SickKids Foundation and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Hyman’s tournament raised more than $350,000 for various children’s charities last year.

Prior to teeing off, McDavid spoke about how much he enjoys playing in this tournament and assisting those in need.

“It’s obviously great,” McDavid told Oilers TV on Monday.” These are fun events to come to, and, obviously, to support a teammate is what it’s all about. And it’s for a great cause, as well. I’m here to see lots of Oilers jerseys, lots of kids, and lots of smiling faces.”

The Oilers’ biggest off-season move was signing Connor Brown to one-year, $775,000 contract that could be worth as much as $4 million with games played bonuses. McDavid, who played with Brown on the OHL’s Erie Otters from 2012-2014, is thrilled to be reunited with him in the NHL nearly a decade later.

“I’m really excited about it” said McDavid. “I think he’s a great addition for our group. I think he fits in perfectly. You know, in the room, on the ice, and all that type of stuff. So, I think it’s a perfect addition. He’s just so smart. He’s a really smart player, and competitive. That was the main thing I remember [about playing with Brown].”

Related: Oilers will target Connor Brown in free agency

After being eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champions in consecutive years, McDavid and the Oilers have learned through hardship what it takes to advance in the playoffs. Still, the pain of losing won’t go away until they win the Cup themselves.

“Well, I don’t know it you get over it, you just kind of learn from it and use it,” said McDavid. “I think that’s what we’re obviously trying to do. It’s great motivation for us all summer long. We know what it feels like to play against a team like that. Obviously, Colorado was elite. We felt like we were right there with Vegas, so those are good signs. But there’s no moral victories in professional sports.”

When asked about the need for younger players like Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to step up and help get this team over the hump in the playoffs, McDavid was quick to point out that every player (including himself after producing the greatest offensive season in more than a quarter-century) needs to improve for the Oilers to reach their ultimate goal next season.

“The young guys, they develop, and, obviously, even the top guys keep pushing to get better,” said McDavid. “I want to be better, [Draisaitl] is pushing to get better, everybody’s trying to be better. And that’s where the biggest jumps come from. They come from within.”