NHL pre-season action returning to Saskatoon in 2017

The NHL is coming back to Saskatoon in 2017.

Details confirman NHL pre-season game on Sept.27 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes atSaskTelCentre.

The process began by getting an agreement in place with the Hurricanes as the home team and then introducing them to Saskatoon.

"You know we were kicking it around, they were looking for a trip to get ready for the season. Our big thing is it had to be at the end of the training camp because we wanted the right rosters," said John Graham of On-Ice Management.

Graham said he knowsSaskatchewan fans have little interest in watching an NHL pre-season game with minor league players and regular season ticket prices.

Saskatoon has hosted 12 NHL pre-season contests since 2009.Next year's game will be Saskatoon's firstlook at the Hurricanes, which Graham callsa team on the rise.

"They've changed their management setup,Ronnie'scome in, he's building back up, he's got great great players like [Jordan]Staal, [Jeff] Skinner, Cam Ward. I think they are going to be a playoff contender so I think we have good rosters."

Graham calls the Edmonton Oilers the most exciting team in Canada right now.

The gamewill be the Oilers'second visit to Saskatoon in three years. In 2015, the Oilers, with star rookie and firstoverall draft pick ConnorMcDavid, played the Minnesota Wild.

In October, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators played atSaskTelCentre. The Senators beat the Leafs 3-2 in overtime.

Ticket prices for next year's game will range from $47.25 to $99.75.