Oilers confident flooding at Rogers Place won't affect NHL's return

The Edmonton Oilers entertainment group released a statement Thursday addressing flooding inside Rogers Place caused by a local storm but do not believe it will hinder plans to host the NHL's return in August.

"A significant storm came through earlier this evening. As a result, Rogers Place has suffered some water damage to the terminus of Ford Hall, along with some smaller leaks in other parts of the building," the statement said.

"We are assessing the damage and at this time are confident that it will not hamper our planning and preparation and we will be ready to host the return of NHL hockey as a hub city. We will share more information as it becomes available."

Training camps opened on Monday and teams are slated to arrive in their respective hub cities July 26 before the qualifying round begins Aug. 1.

Edmonton was selected to host the 12 Western Conference clubs for the league's resumption. The Oilers and Calgary Flames are slated to play an exhibition game at Rogers Place on July 28.