Edmonton Oilers forward makes an amazing gesture in honor of his late mother

A member of the Edmonton Oilers is paying tribute to his late mother by changing his jersey number. James Hamblin, 25, will wear #52 instead of #57 in the 2024-25 season, and explained his decision by saying his mother was 52 years old when she died of cancer in 2018.

This isn't the first time James Hamblin has paid tribute to his late mother. In November of 2023, Hamblin scored his first ever NHL goal. As he celebrated with his teammates, he pointed towards the sky and said "I love you, mom."

James Hamblin has played 41 games in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers so far, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist. He's spent the rest of his time with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL since signing a two-year AHL only deal with the team after being passed over in the NHL draft. He went on to win the AHL Championship with Bakersfield in 2021. In July of this year, Hamblin signed a two-year, two-way extension with the Oilers worth $1.55 million over the life of the contract.

It has been a tragically sad few days in the hockey community following the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets and his brother Matthew by a man alleged to have been drinking and driving at the time. Fans gathered in both Columbus and Calgary Wednesday night to pay their respects at candlelight vigils.