Oilers host Day of the Dead game against Devils

Rogers Place will have a little more color and Latin flair next Monday for the Oilers game to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

The team will host the New Jersey Devils to “highlight and celebrate another of the oil country’s vibrant and diverse community and culture,” Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) said in a news release Wednesday.

The evening will feature an Oilers Dia de los Muertos logo, a local mariachi band, Latin music, signature cocktails and food.

The Latin holiday, also known as Day of the Dead, is celebrated between October 31 and November 2. It is a time for people to reconnect with their deceased loved ones and remember them with fond memories.

Limited-edition Oilers Dia de los Muertos jerseys will be displayed throughout the concourse and available for online auction at a later date in support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, OEG said.

OEG draft chief Cristoval Castillon says he always wanted to bring “a little bit of Mexican representation” to the Oilers.

The theme logo shows a calaca, a skeletal figure, one of the most popular symbols to represent Dia de los Muertos. Oilers’ mascot Hunter also appears on the jersey.

“(Hunter) adorns a quetzal feather headdress that was once worn by those of high power, along with their gods, with the ancient Aztec civilization,” Castillon said in the release.

Dis de los Muertos jersey logo designed by Cristoval Castillon, chief designer of Oilers Entertainment Group. (Source: OEG) The Los Petroleros logo (Oilers in English) is on the right shoulder of the jersey with bright sunflowers and marigolds, a symbol of Mexico.

“I hope this evening brings joy to those within Edmonton’s Mexican, Hispanic and Latin communities, and to those who simply enjoy celebrating with us! ¡Oil, oil, oil!” Castillion said.

People can purchase Dia de los Muertos merchandise at the Oilers store in ICE District Plaza or online starting Saturday at 10 a.m.

There are limited tickets still available online.