Stanley Cup Final: Edmonton Oilers fans across Canada prepare for epic Game 7
Global News
When the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers on Monday night, the team will be watched and supported by people across Canada.
The Edmonton Oilers may not be on home ice when they try to clinch the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers on Monday night, but screams of support will resound across Canada from rinkside watch parties, bars, seniors homes and ordinary living rooms.
“We cheer them on every single game of the season,” said Derrick DeMone, an Oilers fan in Sydney, N.S., who will be watching at home with his sons, aged 24, 14 and 12.
DeMone’s home is something of a shrine to his favourite team, with Oilers jerseys, blankets and pillows decorating the inside and several Oilers flags flying outside.
In a city where he’s usually outnumbered by Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins fans, DeMone said locals have come to associate him with the team he backs.
“If I’m not wearing an article of Oilers, whether it’s a hat or a hoodie, then I’m not out in the public,” he said with a laugh.
In Edmonton, thousands of fans have been packing Rogers Place for both home and away games during the playoffs, while thousands more watch giant screens outside the arena.
One of those outdoor parties is where Mama Stanley, whose real name is Mary Loewen, will be dressed as the Stanley Cup, cheering on the team while also posing for photos with fellow fans.
“People are saying, ‘Let’s fly to Florida.’ No. I want to be with the people in my kingdom,” Loewen said Saturday when speaking about her plans for the final game.
