The Awkward Family Photoshop Contest Finalists

One of the best parts about doing photoshop contests is when Jeanshorts and I get to sit down and sort through all the entries. As always, you guys stepped up and made us laugh out loud several times as we tried to whittle the list of many down to a list of five finalists. As much as I’d like to include everyone, there are no participation ribbons in this contest – we need a winner, and a winner we shall have.

Let’s get right to it…

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate image to describe the relationship between Derek Roy and Nail Yakupov. To me, their faces say it all. There’s a sense of warmth, love, and pride that only a father figure could feel, and that’s what I think Derek Roy is to Nail Yakupov. Sure, my sweet Nail already has a dad, but I’m talking about Derek Roy being like his hockey dad. You know the guy I’m talking about — the guy who was always willing to take you and your buddies to hockey, and always bought dinner on the way home. 

Honestly, I have no idea what the hell is going on here, but I love it all the same.  I can only assume that the creator’s vision of an Oilers awkward family photo was to show them as part of Charlie Manson’s family? It’s the only thing I can think of. Big Saw fan maybe? Regardless of motives, the artist offers a pretty grim look at the state of Oilers. Modern art, man… sometimes things get weird.

Nugey is too small for the Western Conference? Time to eat your crow, haters. Look at how jacked he is! Not only is Nugey flashing his otherworldly guns, he’s flashing that trademark smile that lets you know that he works out but doesn’t take himself too seriously. I also assume that Taylor Hall is looking at his own reflection in the monitor, and is seriously impressed with what he sees. Jordan Eberle is obviously not feeling this photo shoot. He’s happy to be collecting a cheque but he’s only here because Taylor talked him into it. 

Anyway… where’s the next photoshop entry?

A few months ago, Wanye and I were rolling in the Wanye mobile and we legitimately had a conversation about the happenings of the Boo Boo clan (true story). Not only did we both know what was happening between Mama June and Sugar Bear, we also seemed to have been watching the same marathon the weekend before (also true). As such, this entry struck a chord with me. It reminds me of that terrible TV show that can somehow grab my attention, and keep it for a hours at a time. Obviously, the creator of this entry must have known that. Get out of my head, sir. You’re creeping me out.

Oh my lawd… I’ve been through quite a few airport goodbyes in my day, and I can’t help but feel for Todd Nelson in this picture. You may not see the sad tissues piled up on the floor, but they’re there. Sure, both Klefbom and Lander would join Nelson in Edmonton a few weeks down the road, but they didn’t know that! The uncertainty of when they would see each other again must have been very difficult… staring at their phones, waiting for a call… waking up in cold sweats. Family separations can be hard. 

Now comes the hard part: How are we supposed to pick a winner from these five entries? To me, these heroes all deserve praise and endless parades of scantily clad women – I’m sure their wives and significant others would agree. Fortunately, I don’t have to make this decision – that’s up to you. I don’t need the stress of picking a winner from a pool of legends, so I’m passing along that duty to you.

As always, the voting will take place in the pollz section on the right hand side of your screen. The voting will continue until Friday night at 11:59pm MST. Think long and hard, as this decision could change the lives* of a few lucky Nation citizens. Don’t take this decision lightly, or vote frivolously. What am I, your dad? 

In case you need a reminder on what they’re playing for, the prizes are: