INNISFAIL – Most eyes in Innisfail will be glued to televisions or electronic devices tonight beginning at 6 p.m. as the Edmonton Oilers attempt to make history in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
The Oilers are attempting to claim hockey’s Holy Grail after clawing back from a 3 – 0 game deficit against the Florida Panthers to tie the series; the first time this improbable comeback has occurred in a cup final series since the Toronto Maple Leafs did it in 1942 against the Detroit Red Wings.
“I'm the biggest Edmonton Oilers fan in the province,” said Rob Gette, owner of the popular Fox & Hound sports bar, who is hoping for a good crowd to watch the game. “Hopefully they win. It's one game. Anything can happen, a hot goalie.
“We’re watching something pretty cool right now. You don’t get to see this every 20 or 30 years, maybe never."
While Gette is laying claim to be the biggest Oilers fan in the province he has competition from Mayor Jean Barclay, a former Edmontonian of almost 25 years.
Barclay told the Albertan she will be watching “every second” of Game 7.
“Regardless of what happens, I think you really need to admire what they've done this year,” said Barclay, a former amateur hockey player herself.
“They've been through so many ups and downs, and to be playing this game today is pretty phenomenal with what they've been through all year.
“It's really exciting for a new generation of fans to be able to watch this, and having been there (Edmonton) back in the glory years of Gretzky, and being able to enjoy that time frame for the Oilers was an amazing experience."
Barclay said the impact of what the never-say-die Oilers have done is not only felt in Alberta but in the rest of Canada.
“I think the resilience and perseverance is just amazing,” said Barclay. “With something like this you can see how it’s bringing the country together; that scene of 18,000 fans in Rogers Place singing O Canada sends chills up your spine.
“I think from team sports we can learn so much about supporting each other and letting go of those individual egos and keeping your eye on the big prize. I think you see that through and through with this team.
“You never see Connor McDavid try to take the spotlight away from his players. It's always about the team.”
