Duncan, a die-hard Oilers fan, was overwhelmed watching her team make it to the Stanley Cup final. She expressed her disbelief at witnessing such an event in her lifetime and described the adrenaline rush she experienced after the last game. The atmosphere at Rogers Place during the final game against the Dallas Stars was described as electric, with cheers starting from the moment they parked until the game’s end. Ms. Duncan, who has an Oilers-themed basement in her house, proudly wore a conference final T-shirt and hat to work the following Monday, where she and her co-workers celebrated the victory and discussed standout performances from players like Stuart Skinner.
On June 2, the Oilers triumphed over the Dallas Stars in the NHL’s Western Conference Final, setting the stage for a seven-game series against the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup. The excitement spread beyond Edmonton, with workplaces buzzing about the Oilers’ success. Fans like Chad Edie, a financial industry worker and long-time supporter of the team, expressed hope for a Stanley Cup win, highlighting the impressive performances of key players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The Oilers fever also extended to towns like Imperial, Saskatchewan, where a sign was erected in honor of hometown hero Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ head coach. The community rallied around the team, with plans for watch parties and a sense of pride in their local coach’s achievements.
In Edmonton, city councillor Tim Cartmell described the city as energized and united in their support for the Oilers’ quest for the Stanley Cup. The excitement was palpable, with flags, jerseys, and Oilers merchandise seen everywhere. Even politicians like Liberal MP Randy Boissonault and British Columbia Premier David Eby showed their support by wearing Oilers gear in public.
The enthusiasm for the Oilers also translated into friendly bets between politicians, with Alberta’s premier betting an Alberta ribeye steak against a Texas ribeye over the Dallas-Edmonton final. The community spirit and camaraderie surrounding the Oilers’ success were evident in the support from fans, local businesses, and even government officials.
Overall, the Oilers’ journey to the Stanley Cup final has sparked a sense of unity and celebration in Edmonton and beyond, bringing people together to cheer on their team and share in the excitement of the playoffs.
Duncan is organizing watch parties and notes that many in the city are proudly displaying their support for the Oilers.
“I have a flag on my car, and I have a big five-by-five flag on my truck that I wave proudly every time I go out. And cars honk at each other when we go by or wave … it’s just the environment,” she said.
Mr. Cartmell is optimistic about the lasting impact of these events and the excitement they bring, along with other summer festivals, in helping the city recover from the economic and social impact of the pandemic.
“I think people are seeing it a bit through the hockey, but through those [other] events too. It’s getting closer and closer to what it was before COVID,” he said. “It is safe to come back, and it is fun to come back. And there are those activities that we remember fondly. So I think it’s having a very positive effect.”
