PHOTO: Andrew Ference takes Oilers prospects into the wild
As teams across the NHL host development camps for their young prospects, the Edmonton Oilers have allowed Andrew Ference the opportunity to put his own unique spin on the festivities.
The Oilers captain, along with US Army Ranger Lucas Carr, will lead prospects on a survival trek on Sunday night.
Go time! Into the wild for the #Oilers prospects! pic.twitter.com/IQ03BdbuMy
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 6, 2014
"I wanted to do something different and take these guys on an adventure," Ference said. "It won't be comfortable, but it's just one night."
Judging by their reaction, the youngsters will indeed be venturing far outside their comfort zones.
"I guess somebody is coming with a gun so that’s going to give us some peace of mind." #Oilers Mitch Moroz
— Joanne Ireland (@jirelandEJ) July 6, 2014
"This is way beyond my comfort zone. I think I slept in a tent one night when I was younger." #Oilers Darnell Nurse
— Joanne Ireland (@jirelandEJ) July 6, 2014
As for Nurses' plan of attack if there is a bear in the area? "I'm going to kick someone in the shin and run.”
— Joanne Ireland (@jirelandEJ) July 6, 2014
Godspeed, young ones; the Alberta wilderness is nothing compared to what awaits in the NHL's Western Conference.
For concerned parents out there, Ference won the 2014 King Clancy Trophy, "given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community" - so the kids are in good hands. Probably.