Edmonton isn’t as bad as some make it out to be. According to former Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk, it’s a place that players enjoy playing in.
Edmonton often gets a bad rap, but there are plenty of people—both locals and those who’ve played for its teams—who have a different perspective. For years, the city has been painted as a cold, isolated, and somewhat dull place, mostly because of its harsh winters and its reputation for being far from the glamour of larger Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. However, when you dig a little deeper, Edmonton reveals itself as a vibrant city with an unassuming charm. Former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk is one of the many people who have spoken fondly of the city, sharing his experience as a player in ways that challenge the more negative stereotypes.
Devan Dubnyk’s time with the Oilers, spanning from 2006 to 2014, was a period that saw a lot of turbulence for the team. Edmonton was a franchise struggling to find its way back to the top of the NHL standings after a brief period of success in the mid-2000s. Despite the team’s on-ice challenges, Dubnyk consistently praised Edmonton as a great place to play, citing the strong sense of community, the passion of the fans, and the overall lifestyle that the city offers.
A lot of players who join the Oilers, especially those who come from larger, more glamorous markets, often find the city’s relatively low-key lifestyle to be a refreshing change. Edmonton isn’t about the flashy spotlight or the constant media pressure that players face in cities like New York or Los Angeles. Instead, players can live their lives with a bit more privacy and comfort. This aspect of Edmonton appeals to a lot of professional athletes, who sometimes crave a break from the overwhelming attention that comes with playing in a high-profile market.
For Dubnyk, his time in Edmonton wasn’t just about the hockey rink; it was about becoming part of a community. He has mentioned in several interviews that while the Oilers’ performance was often underwhelming during his tenure, the fans were always incredibly supportive and passionate about their team. This kind of loyalty is something that many players find endearing. Edmonton’s fans, despite the team’s struggles, kept coming to games, cheering on their squad, and showing up for their city. That kind of dedication isn’t always easy to find in a market that doesn’t have a ton of success to hang its hat on.
The city’s sports culture is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Edmonton. Oilers fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated supporters in the NHL, and the city’s love for hockey runs deep. For players like Dubnyk, this sense of connection to the fanbase creates a positive environment in which to play. While the wins may have been few and far between at times, the atmosphere inside Rogers Place—formerly known as Rexall Place—was often electric. It’s no surprise that many players develop a deep appreciation for the city itself, even if they don’t experience immediate success on the ice.
Another factor that contributes to the appeal of Edmonton is the city’s burgeoning food scene. With a growing number of independent restaurants, craft breweries, and local eateries, Edmonton is quietly becoming a culinary destination. It’s a city that takes pride in its local produce and offers a wide variety of dining options for all tastes. From comfort food to high-end dining, the city offers something for everyone. For someone like Dubnyk, who would have spent a significant amount of time in Edmonton during the hockey season, having a diverse array of places to grab a bite or relax after practice would have been a welcome perk.
The city’s natural beauty is also worth noting. Edmonton is home to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which offers more than 160 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America. During the off-season, this proximity to nature provides an escape from the demands of the game. Players like Dubnyk could easily find peace and relaxation by stepping into nature and leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the hockey world for a while. Edmonton’s strong connection to nature is a quality that often gets overshadowed by its reputation for long, cold winters, but the city’s natural landscapes offer something unique and beautiful to those who take the time to explore.
Of course, one of the biggest criticisms of Edmonton is its weather. The winters can be brutal, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing, and snowfall often lasting well into April. For someone new to the city, the harsh weather can be a tough adjustment. But for Dubnyk and many others, the frigid temperatures become just another part of life. In fact, he’s spoken about the winter in Edmonton in a way that suggests he embraced it rather than resented it. The cold doesn’t necessarily dampen the spirit of the city—it actually gives it a certain character. People who live in Edmonton are used to the long winters, and rather than hide from them, they embrace them. The cold is often just an excuse to gather with friends, go ice skating, or enjoy a warm drink at a local café.
In terms of lifestyle, Edmonton provides a unique balance for athletes. While the city isn’t as busy or fast-paced as other larger Canadian markets, it provides a more relaxed and enjoyable quality of life. Players don’t have to deal with the constant chaos of major cities but still get to enjoy the benefits of playing in a major hockey market. The proximity to nature, the friendliness of the people, and the easy access to outdoor activities make it a well-rounded and fulfilling place to live. In fact, for Dubnyk, Edmonton may have offered a sense of peace and stability that could have helped him focus on his performance as a goaltender.
Additionally, the city’s development over the years has also played a part in reshaping its image. Edmonton has undergone significant growth and modernization, particularly in terms of infrastructure and public amenities. Rogers Place, the home of the Oilers, is a state-of-the-art arena that brings a modern touch to the city’s sports scene. The downtown area has seen a revitalization with new restaurants, shopping centers, and residential developments, which have attracted more people to live and work in the city. These improvements show that Edmonton is a city that’s continuing to evolve, and it offers a growing number of opportunities for those who choose to call it home.
One thing that often goes unnoticed about Edmonton is its strong sense of community. It’s a city that feels welcoming and down-to-earth. People tend to be friendly, and there’s a general sense of pride in being from Edmonton. The city doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and it doesn’t need to impress anyone with its grandeur. Instead, it’s a place where people can enjoy a simple, fulfilling life, and players like Dubnyk have shared their appreciation for that aspect of the city. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet day in the river valley or grabbing a coffee at a local café, Edmonton offers a certain authenticity that can be hard to find in larger cities.
For an athlete, the benefits of living in Edmonton go beyond just the hockey rink. The city provides a balanced lifestyle, access to nature, a supportive fanbase, and a sense of community that enhances the experience of being an NHL player. It’s a place where hockey players can have a fulfilling life off the ice while still experiencing the highs and lows of being a professional athlete. The combination of all these factors makes Edmonton a hidden gem, a city that, while not as glamorous as some of its counterparts, offers a richness that many players, like Dubnyk, grow to appreciate.
Dubnyk’s time in Edmonton may have been marked by a lot of adversity on the ice, but off the ice, he found a city that embraced him, supported him, and allowed him to grow both as a player and as a person. His positive perspective on Edmonton serves as a reminder that sometimes the best places to live and play aren’t the ones with the most headlines or the warmest climates—they’re the ones with character, community, and a sense of place. Edmonton may not be perfect, but for many, including Dubnyk, it’s exactly where they want to be.
