Despite falling short, the Edmonton Oilers managed to transcend regional divides and unite Canadians during their quest for the Stanley Cup. Fans in Edmonton, wearing team jerseys, could be seen reacting emotionally to the Game 7 loss against the Florida Panthers.
This year, Canadian hockey fans had high hopes as four out of seven Canadian NHL teams—Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Edmonton—qualified for the playoffs. Optimism soared when the Oilers reached the finals, but their Game 7 loss extended the Canadian team’s Cup drought, which has persisted since the Montreal Canadiens’ victory in 1993.
The three-decade-long Stanley Cup drought for Canadian teams has seen 15 different American teams win the trophy. Boston Pizza advertisements even humorously suggested that Canadian fans support all Canadian teams, sparking a backlash as many fans remain loyal only to their own teams.
This reluctance to support other Canadian teams isn’t surprising, given Canada’s history of regionalism and competition among its regions. Surveys indicate that Eastern Canadian NHL teams like Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto aren’t favored in Western Canada, and vice versa. For instance, Winnipeg is the only Western team to make it into Ontario and Quebec’s top three favorites, while Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton are not as popular.
However, the Oilers managed to capture the hearts of many Canadians during the Stanley Cup finals. Despite a survey suggesting low interest in the Cup, TV ratings were high, and ticket prices soared. Game 6 attracted over 5.5 million Canadian viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV shows in Canada this year. Tickets for the final game in Edmonton averaged $9,203.83, with the cheapest at $1,896.
Nearly 90% of Canadians following the Cup cheered for the Oilers, a surprising shift driven by the prolonged drought for Canadian teams. This desperation led some fans, even from rival teams like the Calgary Flames, to support the Oilers, setting aside long-standing rivalries.
Canadian fans’ support extended beyond the team to the players themselves. Historically, fans identified more with teams composed of local players. While the percentage of Canadian players in the NHL has dropped from 98% in 1968 to just over 40% today, the Oilers stood out by consistently fielding more Canadian players than most teams, making them a natural choice for fans supporting Canadian talent.
The Oilers’ star player, Connor McDavid, also played a crucial role in garnering support. McDavid, dubbed “McJesus” by fans, has been a standout player since joining the team in 2015. During the Stanley Cup series, he demonstrated his prowess by scoring four points in consecutive must-win games, setting a playoff assist record, and scoring 42 playoff points. His performance placed him alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. McDavid was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup, further endearing him to fans.
The Oilers’ underdog story also resonated with Canadians. Starting the season in last place, they finished with 104 points and were the lowest-seeded team among the final eight playoff contenders. The Oilers faced elimination five times, only to come back each time, including rallying from a 3-0 deficit in the finals—a feat not achieved since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs.
Despite the loss, the Oilers’ journey captivated Canadian hockey fans, proving that hockey remains a unifying force in Canada. The team’s determination and resilience, coupled with McDavid’s leadership, inspired fans across the country, showing that even in defeat, the spirit of Canadian hockey is alive and well.
