BREAKING: Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft Suffers Injury in Off-Ice Accident…Read More….

Edmonton, AB — July 7, 2025 — The Edmonton Oilers organization confirmed today that head coach Jay Woodcroft sustained a lower-body injury following an off-ice incident over the weekend. The injury reportedly occurred during a recreational outing with family and friends and is not related to team activities.

According to sources within the organization, Woodcroft slipped while hiking in the Alberta foothills on Saturday afternoon and suffered what team doctors are calling a moderate ankle sprain. He was evaluated at a local medical facility and is expected to make a full recovery.

General Manager Ken Holland addressed the media on Monday morning, stating, “While this is certainly an unfortunate incident, we’re relieved it wasn’t more serious. Jay is in good spirits and remains fully engaged with our off-season preparations, even as he recovers.”

Though the injury won’t impact any current team operations, Woodcroft may have to temporarily scale back his in-person involvement in Oilers’ pre-season development camps. Assistant coaches Glen Gulutzan and Dave Manson are expected to handle more of the on-ice responsibilities until Woodcroft is able to return fully.

This incident comes as the Oilers continue building on their deep playoff run last season. With high expectations heading into the 2025-26 campaign, the team is hopeful their head coach will be back on his feet and behind the bench well before training camp opens.

The Oilers will release further updates on Coach Woodcroft’s recovery as they become available.