New metal detectors make for long lines at Rexall Place for Oiler rookies’ game

EDMONTON — Hockey fans arriving at Rexall Place Wednesday night for the Edmonton Oiler rookies’ game were treated to some lengthy lines to get through the doors.

On the southwest side of the building, people were lined up out the door and onto the foot bridge over 118 Avenue, waiting to get inside for the 7 p.m. faceoff.

Some hockey fans said they waited for 30 minutes as people slowly made their way through the new metal detectors, which are mandated by the National Hockey League at all of its 30 arenas this season.

“They were pretty rattled about the metal detectors. That’s what everyone was saying,” Brodie St. Jacques said of his fellow hockey fans. St. Jacques waited at the southwest entrance for about 15 minutes before walking to the northeast entrance.

“Tonight was the first test of Rexall Place’s walk-through metal detectors,” the Oilers said in a statement on their website. “Guests generally experienced longer than anticipated lineups and wait times to enter Rexall Place for the game between the Oilers Rookies and the University of Alberta Golden Bears.”

Thursday, Northlands asked fans to help speed up the process for future events.

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In a statement, the company said more fans attended the pre-season game than expected.

“We want to thank all of our guests for their patience and remind them to please verse themselves on procedures that will make entering the venue easier.

“Further, we encourage everyone to leave more time when planning to attend their next NHL event in our building.”

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The Oilers said testing and training with the equipment will continue over the next few days in preparation for the team’s first pre-season game on Monday, versus the Calgary Flames.

WATCH: Rexall Place now has metal detectors installed that will be fully operational by the Oilers home opener. Vinesh Pratap has more.

Rexall Place is now equipped with 34 walk-through metal detectors. They will be in operation during all Oilers home games.

More than 14,000 fans were in the stands as the Oilers rookies faced the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the 25th edition of the annual game. The Oilers rookies came out on top with a 6-3 win.
READ MORE: Connor McDavid sparks Oiler rookies’ win over Golden Bears