Edmonton Oilers hire Olympic figure skater to work with players

It’s not that the Edmonton Oilers expect their forwards to execute triple salchows or double lutzes during games.

But the team might be looking for a little more speed on rushes down the ice after hiring former Olympic pairs figure skating champion David Pelletier of Canada as a skating coach.

Pelletier might also have some advice when it comes to controversial calls: He and partner Jamie Sale shared gold with a Russian pair at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics after officials uncovered a judging scandal.

Since retiring from figure skating, the 39-year-old Pelletier has worked as a power skating coach with professional athletes and the Canadian women’s team.

The Oilers announced that he will work with their player development director and skills coach.