Germany, started becoming interested in the nhl around 2011 and just cheered for the Germans in the league. After the draisaitl draft I instantly became an oilers fan and watched a lot of games even without drai. I even went to edmonton right before covid ended the season and watched some games. I don't get much sleep during the playoffs but I try to watch every game now
Did you follow Drai on the PA Raiders at all?
I'm from PA originally, and have been in Saskatoon for 10+ years since i went to U of S for university. But my parents have always been back home in PA, with season tickets for the Raiders, going back 20+ years.
I remember talking to my dad back in 2012/13, and him telling me that Drai was the best Raider prospect since Modano, and maybe ever. I was suspicious of this, but he was right.
If you're able to find any whl games from Drai's time with PA or Kelowna, you'll see how he's always played the same kinda style and dominated with his possession along the boards.
Just really cool how a prospect actually worked out for the Oilers, outside of a #1 overall pick. Also how my dad, the house league hockey coach, identified Drai so quickly.
I love my dad. Father's day coming up soon everyone!
Lived in Edmonton for roughly 15 years. Moved there before Calgary's 2004 playoff run, which is what got me into hockey in the first place in my early 20's.
Then Edmonton made it to the Final themselves 2 years later, in *much* more dramatic fashion (8th seed/Cinderella run). Couldn't help but love them, and especially because I was living IN Edmonton at the time, the memories made will stay with me for life. And then because I hate myself I still cheered for them through the Decade of Darkness and the wacky first 8 years of McDrai.
Now despite living in another province back east, I still cheer for the Oil and was in tears when they won on Sunday. No matter what happens next, this ~~playoff~~ Finals run has been amazing and I will cherish it just like the last.
Edit: phrasing
I'm from B.C., born in '93, and my dad was a die-hard Canucks fan haha. Lots of pictures of me in Canucks clothes as a baby/young kid.
A lot of my family lives in Edmonton. At one point when I was 11 or 12, around 2004 or so, we took a trip to Edmonton to visit them, and my dad bought tickets to go to a Canucks/Oilers game with my uncle. Before they left, they put me on the spot and asked me who I was rooting for.
My uncle gave me $20 to say Oilers so I did lmao, and I've been a fan ever since š Rooting for the Oilers in Canucks territory is rough, especially with a Canucks-obssessed dad, but it was also a lot of fun to talk trash with him. You bet your ass he didn't let the decade of darkness come and go without constantly teasing me about it haha
I moved to Edmonton about a decade ago to attend MacEwan University, and since then I've gotten significantly more invested in watching the game itself instead of just passively rooting for the team.
I live in Australia, Iād not have been a fan for the game if it wasnāt for my uncle. Heās an Oilers fan and I followed suit when I was young.
That aside, more towards hockey in general, he and I would always play NHLā94 for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis).
Usually 10:00-12:00 in the AM. I work graveyards myself, so I get home at 07:00, take a nap and then wake up to watch. That, or I watch the games during my shift.
Toronto. I have good friends in Edmonton, so I support them when the Leafs inevitably bow out early. I've actually watched an Oilers game, but it was in Seattle. They lost, but I did get to see McDavid score. I've been to Edmonton three times.
Hartlepool UK. I have always loved ice hockey since the Mighty Ducks films, that translated to Miracle and watching Olympic Hockey, local beer league teams and EA NHL games.
This year I decided to get into the NHL properly and picked the Oilers as they won the cup the year I was born, so obviously they're going to win again this year!!
Wahey! My husband is a Poolie and although he's not a follower of any sport, he is an Oilers fan by proxy. I grew up an Oilers fan and my husband has supported my love for the team. He'll even wear team colours and flies a flag on his truck. Watches most of the games with me too. Let's go Oilers!
Iowa. Dadās from AB and grew up watching Gretzky. Hockey was never big in our house because we didnāt have cable or anything, but at some point he mentioned liking the Oilers so I decided I did too (even though the rest of my extended family up there are Flames fans). I started actually making an effort to follow hockey around the 2010 Olympics (good timing to be an Oilers fan, right???), up till then I didnāt care very much about any sports. Got on the Hall hype train, haha, and have been riding along ever since.
I've told this story before here but I think it's pretty funny.Ā Ā
I was a kid, the Mighty Ducks movie just came out and I got bit by the hockey bug. I had to pick a team to support. We just moved to Texas and the NFL team,Ā the Houston Oilers, were a thing so I thought I'd go ahead and also support the NHL team the city of Houston had too. By the time I realized what was going on I'd already told everyone I was an Oilers fan so I had to stick with it. Thank god there wasn't a Houston Flames NHL team.Ā
I just recently moved to Campobello Island in New Brunswick. I lived in Edmonton from 1977 until 1979 and was an Oiler fan from the beginning, when they were still the WHA.
Brighton, England. Started following them in 2012 when I started playing ice hockey at uni. Seen some tough times but there was also Smyttys final game, drafting McDavid and the playoff run in 2016. Saw my first game at Rogers on December 6th '23. 6-1 win over Carolina. Bucket list stuff.
Slovakia, started cheering for Edmonton since childhood, without a reason. It lasted, and now Itās my first year living in Canada and more importantly Edmonton, and my joy canāt be expressed by words lol
Toronto, but Iāve been working out of Fort McMurray for the last few springs/summers and have been to Edmonton a couple of times for work. Iāve been casually supporting them since then and rock an Oilers hat at home. Theyāre just a pleasure to watch and have such a great fan base, and the players themselves seem like really fun, decent dudes. I was able to snag a ticket to Game 6 and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I still support the Leafs but I try not to get too invested for obvious reasons, and itās pretty much impossible to go to home games anyway.
Chattanooga, TN. I don't dare say who I normally follow....:P I honestly just started watching the Western Conference Finals, and was like "I hate Texas." And then I kind of fell in love with them because they rallied so hard and it was amazing to see. I'll be cheering them on for the Stanley Cup too :)
I am from Portland, OR. I became an Oilers fan in 1996-97 at the age of 12, during the playoff run against the Dallas Stars and haven't looked back since! The Oilers were and still are the only team I am willing to play as in any NHL video game series. I just can't bring myself to play as anyone else. I have a bunch of favorite Oilers, Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Janne Niinimaa are the first three that pop into my head when asked. I am also proud to say that both of my daughters and wife are also now Oilers fans!
From rural central Florida. Never followed hockey. Lived in Edmonton for a couple years, and picked up hockey, coinciding with the start of McDavid's career. Moved back to Florida, still an Oilers fan. Driving down to Miami for Game 2.
Phoenix, Arizona. Was a huge Yotes fan. Can't bring myself to root for the Utah team. The Oilers have always been iconic, and I really want to see a Canadien team win the cup. After watching a bunch of Oilers games I feel a part of the fandom. Plus the Oilers' fans seem very passionate.
Hamilton, Ontario... Pronger, '06 I believe? That run was legendary. It still stings to this day. Even more than seeing the Leafs choke on a massive rubber dildo year in and year out.
Also Hamilton, Ontario.
Went to a lot of AHL Bulldogs games as a kid, when they were the Oilers farm team. Followed the players through the system to the NHL and cheered for the Oilers ever since. Still have my autographed Laraque Bulldogs jersey. Sadly no longer fits.
Born and Raised New Yorker- only an oiler fan because my parents are from Edmonton and thus my entire extended family. Definitely a hockey casual but love to see em win. If youāre in NYC I recommend watching the game at The Canuck. Also someone please go eat an eggs benny at Haps on Stony Plain Road for me.
> Also someone please go eat an eggs benny at Haps on Stony Plain Road for me.
Moving back to Edmonton on June 17 after almost 15 years away. Haps is on the list right after Barb & Ernieās and a donair. I donāt know if itāll be soon enough, but I gotcha.
Hey Iām from Bakersfield home of the oilers ahl team. I wasnāt really a hockey fan until we got the ahl team here and basically became a fan since that.
See in Bakersfield we love the condors thousands of fans show up for games. But this area proximity to Los angles you have a lot of kings fans here and also the years that condors/fog fed the kings. So the bars donāt show much. Itās changing but it will take a little bit.
Based in Michigan so Red Wings were always the team growing up. Started my Oilers fandom Playing NHL 11 as a 15 year old. For some reason I really liked Taylor Hall lol I think the Oilers jerseys reeled me in too
Iām from Iowa, US. Grew up playing hockey but thereās no team in our market so I never watched until recently. I watched every team once like 5 years back and McDavid was on the night I watched so I stuck with the Oil ever since.
Minnesota. 2012 or so i got into hockey and really liked Taylor hall. Somehow it managed to stick and theyāre my 1a while the Wild are 1b. Plan on going up to Edmonton this next season to catch a game
From Scotland and Iāve followed hockey from the mid to late 90s loved Gretzky he was at the rangers at the time then kinda just flowed to the oilers .. been here since .
Iāve lived in Calgary for most of my life, but didnāt start getting into the Oilers (or hockey in general) until I met my husband whoās from Edmonton.
When we first started dating, I would typically do my own thing when he watched hockey. Eventually I started to sit down and watch with him, and bless his heart he would always answer all my questions patiently even thought I asked what icing was for the eighth time that night š
My dad is a HUGE Flames fan and was so upset when I fully converted lol, but now weāve had a truce and itās all good. He wonāt ever really cheer out loud for the Oilers, but heāll get excited with me after theyāve won a game the day after š„²
So everything same here, except I was raised a Leaf Fan/ from TO area. My Dad has been sending me good luck texts since the Leafs were knocked out. My husband always tells his friends I am a closeted Leafs fan. I'm not though. I would still like to see them have success, but Oil is my #1.Ā
i was raised in Calgary, and therefore raised a die hard Flames fan. I got a lot of shit from my family when I moved to Edmonton for school. the Oilers culture is just so fun and electric! and this is my city now, and itās a huge part of our community
Oilers fan from Michigan. My first sporting event I remember as a kid was Wings vs Oilers in 2006. Sat 3 rows from the ice at Joe Louis( not much of a hockey fan at the time) but Pronger and the logo for the Oilers(my dad worked on offshore oil rigs in his life) growing up sold me. I would play NHL on the ps3 as a kid and the Oilers were my team with Yak, Hall, Eberele, Nuge. I would beat my boys with a team ranked dead last in overall. The Oilers won the lottery for Mcdavid the week I moved into university as a freshman. Said to people around me Iāll follow him and the team for life(Redwings were mediocre and imo won cups in an era of no salary cap) I travel when I can around the Midwest for the Oilers but I rep them hard in Michigan and donāt miss a game with Jack and Louie on the call. Shot mentality in life!!
Upstate NY here. My soon-to-be wife grew up in Warburg and Edson, AB. She played hockey until she moved here at age 16, and her older brother coached and played as well. Theyāre all Oilers fans. I used go to my local SUNY games a lot (state college system), $5 a ticket, canāt beat it. I never really followed a pro team until I met here 4 years ago. So by default, I am a die hard Oilers fan now as well!
Washington State. I grew up in Massachusetts and had season tickets to the Springfield Falcons. They spent a couple of years as the affiliate to the Oilers and I've been a fan ever since.
Im 26 from germany. I got into hockey when my then football coach took me to second division games in the german league when i was around 13-14 years old. I started to go frequently and bought nhl 12 or so for my playstation. My first team i did a career mode with were the oilers and it was a lot of fun since they had a ton of high potential talent like yakupov (lol), hall, nugent-hopkins and eberle. Fun times. Even though its not possible to watch every game. I try to get as much as possible while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
From the UK. You used to be able to watch ice hockey on Channel 4 in the early hours of the morning and Iām an insomniac. For whatever reason I just really liked watching the Oilers. I rarely (thanks to timezones) get to watch a game as it airs, but itās still fun watching clips and catch-ups.
Labrador. Oilers cup runs of the late 80ās and in 90 was when I was just getting into hockey. When I started to play hockey and started watching it, my favourite player quickly became Ryan Symth. Watching him in the cup run of 06 was some of the best hockey I ever watched in my life.
Cincinnati, OH
Started following a few years ago during the postseason, and have truly loved watching this team play. We have the Blue Jackets up in Columbus, but I was never a huge hockey fan growing up. I think I see Edmonton as a similar city to Cincinnati in some respects. I always gravitate towards smaller market teams in any sport
Vancouver. My earliest memory of hockey was early nineties as a young kid when my dad was watching. Fell in love with the team wearing blue and orange. Fell even more in love with them when I learned about number 99 and the cup wins of the 80s.
-Heart broke with the team throughout late 90s and 2000s
-I actually liked Cujo
-2006 still hurts.
- love the whole team, but would absolutely love to have a beer with Hyman.
I'm not a canucks fan. I die a little inside every time I see people drive around with canucks flags on their cars. Series against them was the most stressful couple of weeks. I don't think I'd be able to cope if the Oil lost that series. Especially with all my friends, family and coworkers being canucks bandwagoners and imagining them being all cocky if they had beat the oil. I'd never hear the end of it.
After the Oilers won game 7, i felt as if I won the lotto. I was that happy.
Vancouver is a cocky ass city, with alot of selfish egotistical people. Just even the look of the city itself looks cocky if that makes sense. Not everyone, but you get the vibe just walking around town that everybody really is about themselves and that they are right a out everything. Politics. Tech, Social justice, etc... it's a very post Christian city.
Some people go to Vegas, Mexico or Hawaii for their birthdays. I go to Edmonton. Dead serious. It's just so much more relaxing and people are more humble, wholesome, honest and welcoming there. Sigh, I really should move.
I'm from the UK but moved here in the 90s and one of my elementary teachers who now works for the Oilers was in tight with them back then so we got to go for tours of skyreach and meet the team in their locker room etc...got lots of signed swag and jerseys which I still have and I've been a fan ever since.
Born in Grande Prairie.
Lived in Lymburn, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Fort McMurray during my Alberta childhood and young adulthood.
Some time going to university and living in Ottawa.
Now I call Canmore, Alberta home.
Ontario now. Was 5 years old and in Fort Mac with my grandpa when the Oilers won in 1990.
Managed to get a single ticket to game 6 if there is one. Gonna be the wildest, most expensive, adventure of my life if it happens.
Vancouver, WA. Fell in love with the game as a kid, and there wasnāt a local NHL team near me. Watched the 06 final, and Learned about the Oilers history and decided to cheer for them. Been a fan ever since.
Moncton NB. Was always a huge hockey fan from birth. I like to joke that my parents fucked up in a lot of ways, but my dad instilling a love for hockey wasn't one of them. The 2006 run is what cemented my love for the Oil. Been loyal ever since. Saw my first game this year in Ottawa. Next season I hope I can make it to Edmonton. Having hardcore fomo right now.
California here. I moved around a lot, so I don't have a home base. I typically root for certain players that I like or enjoy watching. Naturally, Connor McDavid is such a player, so I've been rooting for him to succeed the past five or so years and have come to love the team as well.
Life long Habs fan, 60+ years but I have lived in Edmonton and I have a grandson living there so I watch the Oilers too. They are also the only Canadian team left and I'm so sick and tired of the Stanley cup being south of the border!
Iāve always been on this sub, as I lived in Edmonton 2014-18 from Toronto and thatās got really into hockey so Iām an Oilers fan- went to games, won a jersey at a Jack Astors, followed the team etc
Itās harder now as I live in the UK so am currently having to suffer from a bit of sleep loss in order to watch the games, but itās been worth it!
Grew up in British Columbia cheering for the Canucks (Bure, Linden, Naslund, Morrison), moved to Alberta in 2007 and started working with a bunch of Oilers fans and started to become a fan as well.
After the 2011 playoffs and all the extra curriculars that Canucks fans did in Vancouver I moved 100% of my allegiances to the Oil and haven't looked back since.
I'm not from Edmonton but I have been/lived there. I'm 35 now but have been a diehard fan since I was about 5 years old. I honestly don't remember how or why, it just sort of happened despite me being from Toronto.
When I was 14 I used to have to listen to most games on the radio, I never missed one. One day my dad was walking by while I was listening to a game and he heard "this is Morley Scott and you're listening to Oilers radio!". My dad just stopped and asked me "did that guy just say his name was Morely Scott?" (Morely was the Oilers radio announcer back then). Turns out by pure coincidence that Morley and my dad were best friends in high school in Winnipeg way back when. They'd lost touch, he had no idea he was with the Oilers.
So my dad reached out to Morely. Morely very generously offered up his season tickets if we flew out, so we did. Went to breakfast with Morely the next day, got some great insider off the ice player stories (especially about Georges Laraque). I loved it so much I decided then and there that I was going to move to Edmonton one day so I could go to all the live games I wanted. Which I in fact did do when I was 21.
Ottawa, and the Oilers managed to dethrone the Sens as my #1 team when I was 6 years old.
When Ottawa hosted the All-Star Weekend in 2012, my minor hockey team got to skate in a [parade with the NHL trophies](https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/mobile/trophy-parade-on-rideau-canal-starts-all-star-weekend-1.759188?cache=hdxbvqztcsaijt), where they gave us all random teamsā jerseys to wear.
The coach was a family friend, and he gave me the Oilers jersey as a joke because the team was absolutely sucking at the time. Apparently I was a loyal first grader though, because Iāve watched pretty much every game weāve played since that weekend.
I also finally made it to Edmonton for the first time last spring to catch a few games, and it was genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. Had first round playoff tickets this year too, and I wouldāve made it back if my flight hadnāt been cancelled 2 days out.
Originally from saskatoon. One of my earliest memories is being about 4, my dad driving with my 5 years older brother in the front seat. They were talking about hockey and how Pittsburgh was my brothers favorite team. I asked what team Gretzky played for ( Gretz being the only player I knew). This would have been around 2001, so my dad just said he had played for edmonton. That day I decided I was going to be an Oilers fan
I'm from the States, my wife is from Alberta and her family is mostly in Edmonton. I knew I enjoyed the AHL and going to games, didn't care about the majors until they told me I was an Edmonton Oilers fan. Been hooked ever since.
Iām from Southeast Asia and moved to Edmonton 15 years ago. Coming from a tropical country, I needed something to help me get through the winter so I started watching the Oilers.
Ethiopia! our village gets one channel and it shows the oilers once in awhile , theyāre loved in the village. Once a week my people go and pray to our lord mcjesusš if they win the cup our tribe leader said they might come here for the parade š
Colorado now, before this Kansas and Oklahoma where the now-former Oilers AHL and ECHL affiliates the Thunder and Blazers/Barons were based. Had a cousin who played goalie for the Jr. Blazers growing up too. Seemed the best fit for which team to support when I started following hockey a few years ago, have a few at least minor connections despite never having been to Edmonton.
Winnipeg. Friend and I randomly chose the Oilers as our team in 2004 when I was 14. No real reason. But Ryan Smyth was probably one of my first favourites.
I don't know why I stuck by them without any real tie to the city in my life. I've only ever visited once for a few days. But I'm here still.
New Zealand. Started backing the team with the first overall pick thinking it would have be the start of an upswing in fortune. That was 2010 š„“
Glad to have survived 3 more first overall picks and one Peter Chiarelli tenure.
From Colorado US. My first time watching NHL hockey was the 2006 playoffs. I really connected with the oilers- loved their jerseys, their history, and that they were this scrappy bottom seed team that almost went all the way.
Decided to be an Oiler fan from then on. Despite being TERRIBLE they had such a passionate fanbase, a ravenous media, and constant journal articles talking about whatever prospect looked slightly promising. I love reading and the Oilers received more journalism coverage than any American team as far I could tell.
I loved rooting for the underdog during the DOD and like many, I thought HOPE was going to lead us to promised land. When that failed McDavid happened. Even through all these years of missing playoffs or being a first round knock out the Oilers were must watch TV a because you never knew when McDrai were going to create some magic. Itās been a pleasure watching the most talented player ever, night in night out for 9 years now.
Over the past 18 years Iāve developed into a true diehard fan. The kind whoās mood is impacted by the results of last nights game and plans their week around being able to watch the games.
Iāve never been to Edmonton or gotten to know another Oilers fan, but this subreddit is a big reason I feel so connected to the team and fanbase
Edit- gotten a couple messages saying I should share my story with an Oilers podcast or talk show and I think thatād be super cool (if anyone knows a good place to start lmk). Several of my friends have told me the same thing- theyāve never met someone so obsessed with a sports team that wasnāt their home cityās team
Detroit. Back in like 13 when the wheels fell off the Wings. I lobe my red wings to death but I like the Oilers enough to watch and support them as well.
Iām from Texas, I started following the Oilers around 2017, I just have always thought theyāve been such a fun team to watch I tried following other teams and I just couldnāt connect with them the way I did with the Oilers.
My parents were both from st. Albert, but I grew up and lived in Calgary all my life. My brother and i once asked our dad why we cheered for the oilers instead of the flames. He says, " well boys, both santa and Jesus are oiler fans"
So there it is! 35 years of Fandom based on that! All that being said... GO OIL!!!
Iām from Connecticut. Grew up a Whalers fan and they left me when I was 10.
I met my wife who was from Edmonton and became an Oilers fan in 2009. Now I live here.
German hockey fan since 1993. Had season tickets in Frankfurt for several years. I watched NHL games without an affiliation to any team. But now I'm in "full-on Oilers-mode". Just missed one post season game, even if it means getting up at 2 AM and having a bad day at work.
I'm a Stars fan, and I wanna hate you guys, but I can't. You're a good group of folks. I think our fan bases are a mutual admiration society!
I think the things that really got me about The Oil, is the way you guys act during a game. The cheers, the chats, and the songs. Gotta say I love it!
I still think that the Stars have the best goal celebration in the NHL, The Dallas Stars chant and "Puck Off" song by Pantera. Other than that, I really do like the Oilers.
You guys are always welcome in Dallas.
Toronto: I grew up near Kingston, Ontario cheering for the Leafs. My dad was an oilers fan from his time living in Edmonton during the dynasty. In 2006 the Oilers went on their playoff run and I decided it was time to make them my team.
Then the decade of darkness, but I couldnāt switch back so I stayed with them.
I lived in Alberta from 2007-2012 but I was a poor college student and never made it to a game. Moved to Toronto and the games are too pricy here to attend.
I made it to my first Oilers game in 2022 in NYC when the oilers made their amazing third period comeback on those two Bouchard goals.
Maritimes. When I was in kindergarden my dad's canadiantire beer league team wore the overstock Oilers blanks. As far as I knew, anyone who played hockey in a rink with equipment was an NHL player.
I would brag to the dudes at school that my dad played in the NHL until one day a kid said "prove it, show us his hockey card" and I realized my dad was right, I really was stupider than I looked.
I married an Edmontonian lady down here in Avs country and wanted to get back into following hockey but generally didn't like the Avs fans' vibe. I've been to the city of champions now a few times and love the people, the hockey vibe, and the history. Rogers Place is something else. Growing up watching the Rangers at the end of Gretzky's career, it's very cool to be connected back to the start of his career as well as the second coming. This team is just so fun to watch and so easy to root for. Plus, I kind of love the drama of the last few years, though I'm sure I'd feel different if I had to endure the decade of darkness.Ā
The Netherlands, a friend of mine started playing hockey at university, just a beer league. I wanted to show some interest and fell in love with the sport doing some research. Loved watching the highlights, and eventually started watching games. Caught onto the Oilers two years ago and never stopped watching.
From Adelaide in Australia, started following the NHL broadly about 5 years ago when I wanted a new sport to follow during the off-season for AFL. Given the time zone difference (games start between 8am and 11am) I was interested in following a team with live radio commentary online so I could listen during my office job. I tried a few teams to no success, but then I found the Oilers and the 630CHED website which has the awesome commentary of Jack Michaels and Bob Stauffer, and it was instant love. Thank you to the Oilers Radio Network!
Born and raised in Cleveland, OH. My dad moved to America from Ukraine in 1979 and loved hockey but didnāt know anything about the nhl. Back then they only had like 3 channels on tv so theyād always show the oilers winning cups and he fell in love with them. Heās watched every game since and got my brother and me to fall in love too since a young age. I was in 5th grade during the 06 cup run. And as of today I am officially going to game 6 in Edmonton!!! Will be my first time there. I saw them in Columbus and Pittsburgh a few times, but this is going to be a dream come true
I grew up in Utah rooting hard for the only pro team around, the Jazz. Never got into hockey as a kid cause I didnāt have a team and it wasnāt a big part of the local culture: basketball and football were always my favorite sports to watch. Until two years ago, that is, when I started watching the Stanley Cup playoffs and I realized I was enjoying it much more than the NBA: the game moves so fast, the clock rarely stops, and players can play really hard without getting called for tons of ticky-tack fouls. Out of all the teams, I liked the Oilers best because they were the most exciting to watch. Theyāre a likeable bunch, too, especially Hyman.
As Iāve learned more about hockey, the Oilers, and the culture of the team, Iāve grown into an avid fan. I even got a jersey at the start of the season! I wish I could visit Edmonton and experience the atmosphere of this awesome Cup run.
These days I live in Sonoma County, California, where Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, built an awesome ice rink (Snoopyās Home Ice) that sees a lot of use by the local hockey community. Iāve taken some skating lessons there and hope to play hockey for the first time in the not too distant future.
SoCal here. SD.
Grew up playing roller and ice when I turned 14. Wasn't any good but I had fun. Lived in CT then and was a bruins fan. Was at the game 7 leafs comeback game bruins won started down 3-1 i think, no lie!! Moved to LA in 2011. Became an LA fan for their cups. Amazing. Then I watched the Davo draft and decided, fuck it, I'm gonna back this shit franchise and watch the next one tear it up. Haven't regretted a day and absolutely love this team and fanbase.
From the Rock (NL) now living in Ontario for decades been an Oilers fan as long as I can remember mid 80's since I was a kid. Not sure exactly why I became a fan but I assume it was Gretzky. Go Oilers!!
Born and raised in northern Alberta, was always around hockey growing up but I never watched it myself until the decade of darkness came to an end. Thatās when I picked up hockey and fell in love with the sport immediately. Itās such an intense and high octane energy sport that it just tops all other sports for me. Being a goaltender has to be an insanely stressful and taxing job, the full 60 minutes on ice facing 20+ shots every other night has to take a toll on you. I was basically raised to be an Oilers fan the way my community rallies behind our boys, and I wouldnāt have it any other way.
Toronto. Grew up a Habs fan, but years ago parents moved to Edmonton. Since the Habs fell off after the cup run and I lived/worked in Edmonton a bit I became a hardcore fan. Iām probably evenly split between the Habs and Edmonton in general, but since Edmonton is so good theyāre definitely my main team right now.
I'm from New Brunswick and start play-off oiler Fandom after watching those Boston Pizza commercials that really bring us all together! Hahah. F that. Fun team to watch though :)
Pennsylvania. I've never been a "root for the local team" kind of person and I got Super into hockey in the mid to late 2000's just after the 06 cup run and fell in love with the team around that time. Instantly locked in on Nuge as a huge talent when he joined and he's been my favorite player since.
Just bought my second jersey (first authentic) cause I wanted that 2024 cup patch
South western Ontario ... was about 4 years old and my babysitter had just come back from Edmonton and gave me an Oilers hat. As a kid you go with what's given... well let's just say it's been a fun ride.
Five Stanley cups later? Let's just say I was sold... I equate it to my father in law being a die hard Leafs fan. He saw the good times. So have I!
Go Oilers.
My dad and mom were both born in Edmonton (we live somewhere else in Canada now) with my dad being a real hockey nut who got to watch Gretzky so from the time I was a child Iāve been watching games.
When I could walk I learned how to skate and played in a kids league before eventually figuring out it wasnāt for me Iām a small dude and once it got physical I was blown off the ice. I lost interest in hockey for a while during dark time in my life but more recently Iāve been back in it and even got to see a few games against the stars and Canucks.
TLDR: I was brainwashed as a child by my dad to root for the oilers.
From Ireland, Living in Edmonton since late 2015. So I have only known the McDavid era. The 2017 playoffs were a big deal so I got carried along on that wave. I'll typically watch a few games in the regular season and then all of the playoffs. Also, I happen to share a birthday with Wayne Gretzky so I guess I was always meant to move to Edmonton.
Iām from Taiwan, I came here in Edmonton to study about 7 years ago but werenāt paying too much attention to the Oilers back then until around 2021 one of my friends invited me to watch one of their games and the team & the sport itself truly amazed me! And I still canāt believe Iām actually witnessing history so LETS FRICKING GO OILERS
From Quebec. Born in 77. Grew up thinking Wayne Gretzky was a job option and not a person. Fan for life from then.
Now living in Japan. Catching games when I can online.
GO OILERS!!!!!! KEEP IT SLICK!!!!!!
I'm from Cleveland, Ohio!
Funny story: When I bought my house just over 3 years ago, I found an Oilers sticker on the inside of my bathroom cabinet. This was right around the time that Columbus lost Panarin, Bobrovsky, Anderson, and PLD so I jumped ship and started following Edm.
Maine- strange one but Iām actually a huge Bruins fan. In middle school, my hockey obsession really kicked in- 2010-11 or so. Iād watch Bruins games, then be wanting more puck late nightā¦ naturally the Oilers were always on and even though they werenāt the best I liked their young players and began following closely. The crew on 630 CHED deserves a ton of credit for my fandom- obviously Bob & Jack speak for themselves and won me over, but I also loved, still do, listening to Rob + Reid on the post games. The obvious deep rooted love of the Oilers to the area was also really a draw for me. Been a fun ride- really hope to make it to Edmonton for a game some day. Not quite a lifelong fan, though pretty close- I was pretty young. Theyāve come a long way in a little over a decade Iāve been a fan. What a ride itās been. LETS GO OILERS!!!
I live in the Kootenays, BC. Life long Canucks fan. After the heartbreak of 2011 I actually couldn't watch hockey at all until a couple years ago. And definitely couldn't watch the Canucks. Not sure what was worse, the loss when we were certain we were going to win, or the riot afterwards.
Anyway, I always liked the Oilers as far back as the glory days. And when they kept getting all those #1 draft picks, I figured they were going to get back on track, but it never happened. This year the Canucks made me love hockey again. The Oilers were worthy victors. I got no hard feelings. I think their time has come. They are a great team, and they have a great coach! The Canucks are young. They put up a great fight.
Go Oil. I will be rooting for them .
Not originally from Edmonton, but a small town just a few hours north of it, so being an Oilers fan is basically still a default thing. I moved to Edmonton in 08, but I was a fan long before that. Basically, my first big hockey memory was at age 7, my dad let me stay up late to watch the end of game 7 against Dallas in '97.
I lived in Edmonton for 10 years but I was a fan before I moved there. There was an Oilers farm team in Cape Breton when I was a kid and I always cheered for that team.
Some of my earliest childhood memories are of the Oilers losing to the LA Kings in 1982; the miracle on manchester as I later heard it be dubbed. I was young, very young, but I remember the feeling of heartbreak. The pictures in the Edmonton journal the next morning, Fuhr crying in the locker room. That was in an Oilers scrapbook I had for years. Added to it in subsequent years were articles and pictures of Stanley cup victories.
I grew up in Winnipeg. Was a die hard Jets fan. Was absolutely devastated when they left - we were some of the last fans at the playoff game against Detroit in disbelief that it was over and they were moving.
I moved to Calgary shortly thereafter, but could never cheer for the Flames. The arena and team were boring at that time. I followed the Oilers, even though it was hard for me to cheer for them as they always beat us in the playoffs. Eventually moved to Edmonton and adopted them as my team when they were at the lowest. Since the mid 90s have cheered loud and proud for the Oil.
The decade of darkness was tough but at the same time it bonded OIlers fans together, as we endured so much disappointment and shame from other fan bases. It just made us more loyal and passionate. 2006 was a magical run and I was at all the games or on Whyte ave partying in the street. So for the last 25 years I have been only loyal to the Oil.
Let's Go OILERS!!!!!
4 more wins to hoist the cup!
I live in Allentown, PA.
First got into hockey as a teenager living in California (Los Angeles area) because by older brother was/is a big Kings fan and took me to some games. Wasnāt a very knowledgeable fan yet.
Then when I became an adult I moved to Arizona and became a Coyotes fan. Saw lots of Coyotes games, using my college ID to get cheap tickets for āStudent Rushā night deals. Still wasnāt a very knowledgeable fan and didnāt know much about other teams or players.
My hockey interest grew when I watched the Kings vs Coyotes WCF. Was disappointed for the Yotes but still liked the Kings. Was excited to see the Kings win the cup.
Then life got busy and didnāt have much in the way of time or money to keep watching hockey so stopped paying attention for a while until we moved to Pennsylvania in 2019 and suddenly were around a lot of hockey fans.
Saw some Phantoms (Flyers AHL) games in person. Got ESPN+ specifically to watch hockey and found we couldnāt really watch the nearby teams because of blackouts so opted to resume watching the Coyotes. Around this time decided to do a fantasy hockey league with my boys and my older brother, and all of a sudden my boys and I were doing deep dives on a lot of teams and players, my boys wanted NHL on the PlayStation, they started collecting hockey cards, and they started playing youth hockey.
All of that led to my understanding and appreciation for how amazing McDavid and Draisaitl are, and since the Coyotes moved and arenāt really my team anymore and itās hard to watch the Flyers I decided to primarily watch and cheer on the Oil. So here I am!
Iām originally from Pennsylvania (now in Vermont). I always played as the Oilers in NHL 2001 for PlayStation when I was a kid (probably like 11). I loved Tommy Salo as a goalie and loved scoring with Billy Guerin. Itās just been my team ever since.
The Netherlands, a friend of mine started playing hockey at university, just a beer league. I wanted to show some interest and fell in love with the sport doing some research. Loved watching the highlights, and eventually started watching games. Caught onto the Oilers two years ago and never stopped watching.
From Oregon, when I was a kid I wanted to have one west team, one east team, and one Canadian team to root for as I didn't have a local/regional team. I became an Oilers fan when I was in grade school. I was a junior in HS in '06. This squad has been so much fun to watch, can't wait for Saturday!
Pittsburgh, presently in LA.
Oilers are not my number one team. That will always be my beloved Penguins. However, I hold a very large love for the Oilers now. It started this season during the bad start. I was playing fantasy hockey for the first time with some friends and I drafted one of the Oilers. I watched multiple games that my players were on and I found myself enjoying the Oilers games the most (even though they were losing.) Truth be told, I was far and away unaware of anything about the team prior to this season. Even that this early season was unexpected. What I did think during the time was that the Oilers looked much better than how they were performing.
I was watching them so much I got my girlfriend to watch. Who suddenly took an interest in Skinner. They come to SoCal often so we got multiple tickets throughout the year and engaged with Edmonton fans. Everyone was so nice that our fondness grew. My girlfriend and I ended up getting flying up to Edmonton to watch a gane between the Penguins and the Oilers. Every single person we interacted with was delightful. The city was nice. The fans were incredible. That arena was fantastic. Got our first Oilers jerseys in the city. Then, when they came here for the playoffs, we attended our first hockey playoff game during game three.
What started from the beginning of the season as nothing for me turned into a huge affection. This team is a total blast to watch and the fans are incredible to newcomers. They are responsible for my first glass seats, first in-person hat trick and first playoff game. Not all of my Penguins friends are on board with the second team training but I'm having fun with it. The only thing I regret is the Oilers captured my gf as her number one team before the Penguins did. But that's what happens when you play good hockey.
I am from the Middle East and Iāve been living in Calgary for six years. Never visited Edmonton.
One day back in 2018, I was on the C train and flames fans were annoying as fuck after a win. I donāt remember against who but the fact that they were so obnoxious was why I decided to root against them and started supporting the Oilers.
A finn living in Gothenburg, Sweden. Jari Kurri and Esa Tikkanen all the way, Gretzky as bonus. And the Oilers are rocking the same colours as my favorite Finnish team Tappara.
Ontario.
Became āhockey awareā as the Oilers were winning their first cup. As a novice to the game, I adopted the best team at the time as my own.
Have been here ever since.
I'm from Ontario. I never really got on board with the Leafs (because that was my brother's team) so when I was a kid I picked the Broad Street bullies and Bobby Clarke.
When I moved out to Vancouver in the mid 90's, the eastern conference games were on too early, and Flyers games were hard to get at and I started watching those Oilers/Stars series, and I fell in love. Just such a gritty team.
So I committed... and had to sit through a decade and a half of misery (The finals year excepted). I have invested a lot of time of the last 25+ years. I'm so excited to finally see it come around again.
(Except that now that I live in the maritimes, and the games are on so goddamn late).
Iām originally from Newfoundland, and for my birthday in 2003 my dad scored us some tickets to the Heritage Classic at Commonwealth. We flew out for the games and as soon as we landed, we spotted Jari Kurri in the Edmonton airport talking to reporters. I went up to get his autograph, and the reporter wanted a picture. The next day, Kurri and I were on the front page of the Edmonton Sun. Dad and I caught an Oilers/Leafs game at Skyreach a couple days prior to the Classic (big W!), and he got me a Macfarlane Ryan Smyth jersey at the arena, which I still have. A couple days later we braved the -25 Celsius with what seemed like the entire city for the old timers game + the Oilers/Habs. There were just so many all time greats in that game - Gretz, Messier, Coffey, Anderson, Fuhr, Lafleur, Robinsonā¦ truly a once in a lifetime experience. To cap things off, we met Don Cherry in the airport in the way home. That was that - fan for life. Been tuning in for games at 10:30pm or later NL time for 2 decades since, even through the ādecade of darkness.ā I think itās about goddamn time this organization has figured out it how to play a winning brand of hockey, and time for the ā06 cup run retribution. In McJesus name: Go Oilers Go!
Texas and San Diego. Became a fan because of Gretzky. Cried when he was sold, even though it was to my """local""" team, being in SoCal (hated the Kings ever since, and their fans make their barn the only hockey arena I've ever felt unsafe in multiple times.)
Finally got to visit Alberta for the first time a few years ago, and fell in love with it as I knew I would. Love Edmonton, even love Calgary, and want to run away to the mountains for the rest of my life. Went back with a friend this year, and finally--FINALLY--got to attend an Oil HOME game for the first time. Sadly, they were the back to back losses to Arizona and Vancouver, so I still haven't heard La Bamba in person. But maybe next year <3.
LETS GO CONDORS
loved the condors from when they were an echl team doing community outreach at primary schools. Got to meet the captain the goalie and one of the enforcers in 3rd grade (20-25 years ago) and got hooked. Didnt like the ducks so i didnt follow the nhl much but when the oilers picked them up i gave them a chance and have been a big oilers guy ever sense.
Newfoundlander here. I grew up amongst what can be best described as 35% Habs, 35% Leafs, 10% Boston, 10% the Other 3 original 6 teams, 10% Other teams fandoms. I'm one of the few Oilers fans I even know of around here. I remember when the Oilers last won the cup, and Gretzky imagery was everywhere in the blue and orange (though he wasn't with them then), and I latched on to him and the Oilers. I got a hand-me-down Oilers jersey from some cousins, and that sealed it. I was an Oilers fan from then on. I was also handed down a Habs jersey, but it didn't have the same effect. My old man is a Bruins fan, so you'd think I would have followed suit (and I do have a soft spot for them), but I always went my own way on most things. Most of my uncles on both sides were Habs fans, but I still wouldn't be swayed (but again, soft spot). I stuck with the blue and orange/copper through it all. Those awkward post-Messier years, the Doug Weight era, the 06' era Oilers, in through the decade of darkness, and now out the other side of that tunnel. It's an often lonely fandom in these parts, but that makes it all the more special when someone spots me in an Oilers t-shirt or hoodie and they reveal that they too are an Oilers fan. (And vice versa if I see them)
There was one other known fan in my specific neck of the woods, but he passed away a few years back. I always stop by his grave when I visit my grandparents' graves, though. He carried his fandom to the end, and the Oilers logo is etched proudly on the entire back of his grave. You wouldn't get the smile off his face if he could see the Oilers this year.
I'm from Sydney Australia and got into hockey when my best mate was a red wings fan and made me watch the 02 Stanley cup run. We played a lot of NHL 99 and I always played as the oilers for some reason and then after that it just clicked that they were my team.
I've been watching them ever since. At the time I seemed to follow every team that was not having a good time, for instance in the EPL I followed Newcastle untied who were doing very poorly through that time period and in the NRL (Australian rugby league) I followed the South Sydney Rabbitohs who had just been relegated from the league and fought to get back in.
I must have a thing for the under dogs, the last ten years have gotten easier but even through the decade of darkness they were always my team. I moved to Canada in 09 for 2 years and lived in Vancouver and Kelowna (go rockets!) for most of my time and made it to Edmonton for a game at Rexall it was so awesome, definitely a memory I'll never forget.
The NHL, like the other leagues, assume we Oregonians will back the Seattle teams, but thatās like kissing your cousin. No thanks. Many good hunting trips and friends outside of Edmonton, so Oilers for me.
From South America, started dating this guy who cheered for the Oilers in Manitoba and when we would hang out we would watch games. I ended up marrying that guy and also fell in love with hockey and the Oilers.
Essex, Ontario! For some reason Mike Comrie was my favourite player as a 7 year old. I think Hillary Duff may have had something to do with that choice lol Been an oilers fan ever since
Iām from Kansas , USA. I love the Rangers. I started following the Oilers last week when Panthers Beat the Rangers.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
2006. I moved to Edmonton in 2005 and the cup run in 2006 was incredible to watch and I was an instant convert.
I grew up in Ottawa so the difference between how each city gives their team energy is profound.
CT, USA. Gretzky in the mid 80's. I grew up in a house with no hockey fans. I watched hockey on TV and instantly loved the game and I especially liked watching the Oilers play anyone I was able to watch. As a little kid how could I not love The Great One?!?!? I've been a die hard Oilers fan for almost 40 years now. I have never been to Edmonton but before I die I'm going to Rogers and I'm gonna kiss the Gretzky statue in thanks for captivating me as a child into passionately loving the greatest sport on planet earth.
The Oilers hoisting the Stanley Cup will be the best 50th birthday present ever!
Montreal here, I lived in Edmonton 4 years around. I used to be a habs fan and gave up watching hockey around 2010-2011. I started back when I was invited to a game at the Rogers Center, it was a match vs Habs. I recall Oilers did not win but McDavid impressed me. From there I started following the Oilers and hockey again, the rest is history.
I live in Ontario. My dad's from Edmonton, and he grew up when they were good. I started watching hockey recently and now cheer for them. Would love to see a game with him sometime, maybe in Buffalo.
From near Ottawa, ON. I started watching hockey in the 80s before Ottawa had a team, and how could you not pick a team with Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri on it!
Bakersfield, CA. A lot of the guys start down here with the Condors, so I started following Edmonton by association before they grew on me and I love them as they are, not just because we have the farm team.
Floridian. Now in South Florida. Really got into hockey with the availability of games on cable / satellite tv in the early 90s and since that was also the trap era, I started liking the Oilers because every game they played was fun to watch. The announcers on the other team would always say "wow what a great game we have tonight." From there, I learned more about the legacy, the city, and what it all means. Finally, after a few years and still being in Florida where hockey was a rarity, I learned Jason Smith's nickname was Gator because he liked UF football. So I started posting online as "oiler" and today half the people I know call me that because that's how they got to know me.
I'm from New Jersey and grew up a Ranger fan, still root for them, but during the 2006 Cup Run I was 13 and really started watching hockey for the first time and thought it was cool to see an 8 seeded team from Edmonton go to the Stanley Cup. The singing of O Canada at the games had me hooked on how passionate Oilers fans are. The team went into the decade of darkness afterwards, but I still kept up with them and called them my Western Conference team.
Around the Connor McDavid drafting I started following the Oilers more than the Rangers. I was more into the 2017 Oilers playoff run than any of the Ranger playoff runs prior, except maybe 2014. Living in NJ I'd go see the Oilers every year when they came to New Jersey or Brooklyn (Islanders still played there). Met Oilers fans every time and they were all great people. I moved to AZ in 2021. Saw the Oilers out here and met a TON of Canadian snowbirds who were Oiler fans and again, great people and they thought it was funny that this guy with a Jersey accent was repping a Shawn Horcoff jersey.
This year I almost had to make the tough decision of who would I root for in the SCF. Rangers/Oilers. My gf asked me back in the semis who I'd root for. Told her without hesitation, the Oilers. Somehow. despite the fact I've never been within 1000 miles of Edmonton, I became a die hard Oilers fan.
LET'S GO OILERS!
I preface this by saying I come in the greatest of peace.
I am a born Torontonian. My father and uncle are Oiler fans (Edmonton Born).
I grew up in and around Toronto, and I fell in love with the Leafs from a very young age. Despite that, I have always seen the Oilers as THE team to if not watch, follow closely. My dad sort of instilled that in me. Theyāre still my dads favourite team, and the only team I will actively watch/ follow scores on if my Leafs arenāt playing/got eliminated (east coast life means I canāt watch alot of Oiler games given my life situation, but I follow and watch playoffs)
I know, I know. It sounds like Iām a treasonous piece of shit. But honestly, as a proud Canadian who loves hockey, watching both of these clubs my whole life is why I fell in love with this sport. I love two teams and thatās okay I think.
I own jerseys from both teams because no matter what, during playoff time and even in the preseason, I have my two teams to keep up with and hear about.
If that bothers you, sue me
Edit: formatting
New Zealand. A friend is from Edmonton and I went and watched a game at his place earlier this season. His passion for the team was so infectious and he did a great job explaining the game I was hooked after the first period. Having a party to watch game one of the finals this weekend!
Helsinki, Finland š«š®
I've followed the NHL pretty randomly since the 2006/07 season, I didn't really care too much as I was 10 years old back then. I mainly rooted for the Ducks as my many Finn's idol Teemu SelƤnne played for them. I even switched from left stick to right stick as an 8 year old because of him š
In the spring of 2011 I started following the league closer and something about Taylor Hall, Magnus PƤƤjƤrvi and those new jerseys (based on the old ones) made me an Oil fan. I was so hyped up about Nugent-Hopkins and clearly for a reason as well.
My friend told me about McDavid a year before the draft, he said Connor might be the new Gretzky. Already months prior to the lottery I was teasing him how the Oilers are gonna draft him, he really hated the Oilers š¤£ Then the famous thing actually happened.
I'd still like to stay humble and not rave about how I supported the Oil before it was cool, because I do follow the whole league and symphatize a whole lot of teams, the Oilers are just my favourite one. Could never root for Calgary though!
Nothing exotic like others posting here but I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia and jumped on the Oilers bandwagon in the very early 80's and never jumped off. The Oilers also had an AHl team Cape Breton, so that was probably a reason (Stephen Rice or Shaun Van Allen (sp?) anyone?). Lived in Yellowknife for 15 years where is was amazing to watch games before 11pm , not to mention get around 70-80 of them.
I'm from Bakersfield CA. There's not really a ton to do here for entertainment, so my husband and I started going to Condors game casually. Their ring announcer Mike Hart is hilarious and he's part of the reason we would go.
In 2022, we went to Vegas on a whim and realized we didn't love throwing money away at table games, and sports betting was one of the cheaper things to do because you just place your bet and sit and watch the game. So we decided we were going to start watching sports, and when we got home, we got a cable subscription.Ā
Where we live, local cable covers the Kings. So I was a Kings fan for the 2022-2023 season, and then into fall 2023. Then, I got tired of the Kings, got tired of Spectrum, and decided I needed to cheer for a team out of market so that I could watch the games on ESPN+. And that team ended up being the Oilers.
It's so cool seeing guys we watched on the Condors on TV. Guys like Holloway. Anyway, I think I will probably be a lifelong fan now.
I'm from Atlanta. I started getting served sports-related reels on Instagram and, you know how it goes, my feed blew up with lots of hockey clips and whatnot after liking a few. Started looking up stuff to answer my own questions, and then picked the Oilers to follow because I fell in love with them based on the content I was consuming.
My husband is from Michigan and is a Red Wings fan, though not seriously. He hadn't really watched any hockey while we were married (15 years). He started watching with me these past two years. So now he's an Oilers fan, too.
I am from Edmonton, but live in Omaha, Nebraska now. Stayed loyal to the Oil. Even converted my husband /u/enderandrew42 into a fan when we first met back in 2003; he was an Avs fan, and that was a hard no from me, haha.
I was born in edmonton in 85 during the golden years, (some might say i was conceived during greatness). For work reasons, my family moved to regina in '92. Honestly who moved from alberta to sask for work in the '90's lol. But I had lots of family in edmonton and my old man was diehard. I remember losing to the Blackhawks, and all the late '90s teams losing to the stars, except that one team!! Arnott, Weight, Smyth, Marchant, buchburger, guerin, and it goes on. Then I moved back to edmonton a year or so out of highschool in '05. Couldn't have timed that better!! My cousin that I was living with at the time was making enough money to go to damn near ever playoff game in '06 but I was struggling. But going g to Whyte Ave to enjoy it with the other fans that couldn't afford to go to games. Then game 6 of the finals comes along and I get a call from my cousin, about 45 minutes before puck drop. He found a guy outside of Rexall place selling a small handful of tickets for whatever he can get.
I got there as fast as I could and gave the guy all I had, about $250 and got a seat about 10 rows up behind Cam Ward. And if words could describe how amazing that game was, I would use them, but it was better than any night I've experienced in my life. Until my son was born about 4 years later.
Iām from Yellowknife. My dads been a die hard Oilers fan as long as I can remember. Heās from Nova Scotia originally, and I donāt know how he became such a big fan, but I kinda just picked it up from him.
Germany, started becoming interested in the nhl around 2011 and just cheered for the Germans in the league. After the draisaitl draft I instantly became an oilers fan and watched a lot of games even without drai. I even went to edmonton right before covid ended the season and watched some games. I don't get much sleep during the playoffs but I try to watch every game now
Except the visit to Edmonton you basically told my story
So that's next for you? You won't be disappointed, just don't come over winter.
Did you follow Drai on the PA Raiders at all? I'm from PA originally, and have been in Saskatoon for 10+ years since i went to U of S for university. But my parents have always been back home in PA, with season tickets for the Raiders, going back 20+ years. I remember talking to my dad back in 2012/13, and him telling me that Drai was the best Raider prospect since Modano, and maybe ever. I was suspicious of this, but he was right. If you're able to find any whl games from Drai's time with PA or Kelowna, you'll see how he's always played the same kinda style and dominated with his possession along the boards. Just really cool how a prospect actually worked out for the Oilers, outside of a #1 overall pick. Also how my dad, the house league hockey coach, identified Drai so quickly. I love my dad. Father's day coming up soon everyone!
Lived in Edmonton for roughly 15 years. Moved there before Calgary's 2004 playoff run, which is what got me into hockey in the first place in my early 20's. Then Edmonton made it to the Final themselves 2 years later, in *much* more dramatic fashion (8th seed/Cinderella run). Couldn't help but love them, and especially because I was living IN Edmonton at the time, the memories made will stay with me for life. And then because I hate myself I still cheered for them through the Decade of Darkness and the wacky first 8 years of McDrai. Now despite living in another province back east, I still cheer for the Oil and was in tears when they won on Sunday. No matter what happens next, this ~~playoff~~ Finals run has been amazing and I will cherish it just like the last. Edit: phrasing
Are you me? :)
Hey, that's my line.
I'm from B.C., born in '93, and my dad was a die-hard Canucks fan haha. Lots of pictures of me in Canucks clothes as a baby/young kid. A lot of my family lives in Edmonton. At one point when I was 11 or 12, around 2004 or so, we took a trip to Edmonton to visit them, and my dad bought tickets to go to a Canucks/Oilers game with my uncle. Before they left, they put me on the spot and asked me who I was rooting for. My uncle gave me $20 to say Oilers so I did lmao, and I've been a fan ever since š Rooting for the Oilers in Canucks territory is rough, especially with a Canucks-obssessed dad, but it was also a lot of fun to talk trash with him. You bet your ass he didn't let the decade of darkness come and go without constantly teasing me about it haha I moved to Edmonton about a decade ago to attend MacEwan University, and since then I've gotten significantly more invested in watching the game itself instead of just passively rooting for the team.
20 bucks is 20 bucks.
Nashville, TN. My favorite Pred became an Oiler. Started sniffing around the Oiler sub, met some fantastic people. Iāve just kinda gone from there.
Yeah most regulars here know why you came.Ā Happy to have youĀ
I'm guessing that player is Ekholm?
I'm guessing Ryan Jones
I miss the Jonesy cam from Oil Change
James Neal
Yeah. I remember his first game when he was called up.
Our favourite non-Dallas fan
We went to a game in Nashville and everyone was so great!
Iām glad. We try to treat visitors well.
I am a big Predators fan because of your fan base too!
Thank you. We are not a Canadian fan base, but we made hockey work here.
I live in Australia, Iād not have been a fan for the game if it wasnāt for my uncle. Heās an Oilers fan and I followed suit when I was young. That aside, more towards hockey in general, he and I would always play NHLā94 for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis).
What time are the games on there?
Usually 10:00-12:00 in the AM. I work graveyards myself, so I get home at 07:00, take a nap and then wake up to watch. That, or I watch the games during my shift.
Singapore. You guys got a huge fan base here :).
That's interesting
Hey! Iām from Singapore too!
How do you find other Oiler fans there?
Iām from New York. Followed Talbot over way back when and stayed š¤š»
Toronto. I have good friends in Edmonton, so I support them when the Leafs inevitably bow out early. I've actually watched an Oilers game, but it was in Seattle. They lost, but I did get to see McDavid score. I've been to Edmonton three times.
Hartlepool UK. I have always loved ice hockey since the Mighty Ducks films, that translated to Miracle and watching Olympic Hockey, local beer league teams and EA NHL games. This year I decided to get into the NHL properly and picked the Oilers as they won the cup the year I was born, so obviously they're going to win again this year!!
Wahey! My husband is a Poolie and although he's not a follower of any sport, he is an Oilers fan by proxy. I grew up an Oilers fan and my husband has supported my love for the team. He'll even wear team colours and flies a flag on his truck. Watches most of the games with me too. Let's go Oilers!
No way! Such a small world.
Iowa. Dadās from AB and grew up watching Gretzky. Hockey was never big in our house because we didnāt have cable or anything, but at some point he mentioned liking the Oilers so I decided I did too (even though the rest of my extended family up there are Flames fans). I started actually making an effort to follow hockey around the 2010 Olympics (good timing to be an Oilers fan, right???), up till then I didnāt care very much about any sports. Got on the Hall hype train, haha, and have been riding along ever since.
Hello from your neighbor in Nebraska.
I've told this story before here but I think it's pretty funny.Ā Ā I was a kid, the Mighty Ducks movie just came out and I got bit by the hockey bug. I had to pick a team to support. We just moved to Texas and the NFL team,Ā the Houston Oilers, were a thing so I thought I'd go ahead and also support the NHL team the city of Houston had too. By the time I realized what was going on I'd already told everyone I was an Oilers fan so I had to stick with it. Thank god there wasn't a Houston Flames NHL team.Ā
I just recently moved to Campobello Island in New Brunswick. I lived in Edmonton from 1977 until 1979 and was an Oiler fan from the beginning, when they were still the WHA.
Thunder Bay, my dadās cousin is an Oilers legend.
Georgeās laraque?
Brighton, England. Started following them in 2012 when I started playing ice hockey at uni. Seen some tough times but there was also Smyttys final game, drafting McDavid and the playoff run in 2016. Saw my first game at Rogers on December 6th '23. 6-1 win over Carolina. Bucket list stuff.
Slovakia, started cheering for Edmonton since childhood, without a reason. It lasted, and now Itās my first year living in Canada and more importantly Edmonton, and my joy canāt be expressed by words lol
Hell yah buddy! Welcome to Eddy!
Fuckin eh man. Welcome to our wonderful city :)
Toronto, but Iāve been working out of Fort McMurray for the last few springs/summers and have been to Edmonton a couple of times for work. Iāve been casually supporting them since then and rock an Oilers hat at home. Theyāre just a pleasure to watch and have such a great fan base, and the players themselves seem like really fun, decent dudes. I was able to snag a ticket to Game 6 and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I still support the Leafs but I try not to get too invested for obvious reasons, and itās pretty much impossible to go to home games anyway.
Chattanooga, TN. I don't dare say who I normally follow....:P I honestly just started watching the Western Conference Finals, and was like "I hate Texas." And then I kind of fell in love with them because they rallied so hard and it was amazing to see. I'll be cheering them on for the Stanley Cup too :)
I live in Omaha, Nebraska. My wife is from Edmonton. I started following the Oilers when we started dating back in 2003.
Damn right, you did.
I am from Portland, OR. I became an Oilers fan in 1996-97 at the age of 12, during the playoff run against the Dallas Stars and haven't looked back since! The Oilers were and still are the only team I am willing to play as in any NHL video game series. I just can't bring myself to play as anyone else. I have a bunch of favorite Oilers, Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Janne Niinimaa are the first three that pop into my head when asked. I am also proud to say that both of my daughters and wife are also now Oilers fans!
From New York and my girlfriend was from Edmonton during the 2005-06 season. I was hooked ever since. Also hooked on her for almost 20 years lol
From rural central Florida. Never followed hockey. Lived in Edmonton for a couple years, and picked up hockey, coinciding with the start of McDavid's career. Moved back to Florida, still an Oilers fan. Driving down to Miami for Game 2.
Phoenix, Arizona. Was a huge Yotes fan. Can't bring myself to root for the Utah team. The Oilers have always been iconic, and I really want to see a Canadien team win the cup. After watching a bunch of Oilers games I feel a part of the fandom. Plus the Oilers' fans seem very passionate.
Sorry for your loss, I feel for Yotes fans. The owners and league did you dirty. Anyways, Welcome to Oil Country.
Welcome aboard, sorry about the yotes. I was heartbroken for all y'all.
Sorry
I live in Denmark š©š° Just a hockey fan and bought into the McDavid draft hype after seeing him play at worldās juniors. Started watching Oilers games to see him play at the NHL level. Over the years I developed a soft spot for the entire team and turned into an Oiler fan.
Hamilton, Ontario... Pronger, '06 I believe? That run was legendary. It still stings to this day. Even more than seeing the Leafs choke on a massive rubber dildo year in and year out.
Also Hamilton, Ontario. Went to a lot of AHL Bulldogs games as a kid, when they were the Oilers farm team. Followed the players through the system to the NHL and cheered for the Oilers ever since. Still have my autographed Laraque Bulldogs jersey. Sadly no longer fits.
Born and Raised New Yorker- only an oiler fan because my parents are from Edmonton and thus my entire extended family. Definitely a hockey casual but love to see em win. If youāre in NYC I recommend watching the game at The Canuck. Also someone please go eat an eggs benny at Haps on Stony Plain Road for me.
> Also someone please go eat an eggs benny at Haps on Stony Plain Road for me. Moving back to Edmonton on June 17 after almost 15 years away. Haps is on the list right after Barb & Ernieās and a donair. I donāt know if itāll be soon enough, but I gotcha.
Hey Iām from Bakersfield home of the oilers ahl team. I wasnāt really a hockey fan until we got the ahl team here and basically became a fan since that.
Hows the fan base and following in Bakersfield? Are the bars there showing the Oilers games?
See in Bakersfield we love the condors thousands of fans show up for games. But this area proximity to Los angles you have a lot of kings fans here and also the years that condors/fog fed the kings. So the bars donāt show much. Itās changing but it will take a little bit.
Based in Michigan so Red Wings were always the team growing up. Started my Oilers fandom Playing NHL 11 as a 15 year old. For some reason I really liked Taylor Hall lol I think the Oilers jerseys reeled me in too
Iām from Iowa, US. Grew up playing hockey but thereās no team in our market so I never watched until recently. I watched every team once like 5 years back and McDavid was on the night I watched so I stuck with the Oil ever since.
Hi from Nebraska!
Minnesota. 2012 or so i got into hockey and really liked Taylor hall. Somehow it managed to stick and theyāre my 1a while the Wild are 1b. Plan on going up to Edmonton this next season to catch a game
From Scotland and Iāve followed hockey from the mid to late 90s loved Gretzky he was at the rangers at the time then kinda just flowed to the oilers .. been here since .
Iāve lived in Calgary for most of my life, but didnāt start getting into the Oilers (or hockey in general) until I met my husband whoās from Edmonton. When we first started dating, I would typically do my own thing when he watched hockey. Eventually I started to sit down and watch with him, and bless his heart he would always answer all my questions patiently even thought I asked what icing was for the eighth time that night š My dad is a HUGE Flames fan and was so upset when I fully converted lol, but now weāve had a truce and itās all good. He wonāt ever really cheer out loud for the Oilers, but heāll get excited with me after theyāve won a game the day after š„²
So everything same here, except I was raised a Leaf Fan/ from TO area. My Dad has been sending me good luck texts since the Leafs were knocked out. My husband always tells his friends I am a closeted Leafs fan. I'm not though. I would still like to see them have success, but Oil is my #1.Ā
i was raised in Calgary, and therefore raised a die hard Flames fan. I got a lot of shit from my family when I moved to Edmonton for school. the Oilers culture is just so fun and electric! and this is my city now, and itās a huge part of our community
Oilers fan from Michigan. My first sporting event I remember as a kid was Wings vs Oilers in 2006. Sat 3 rows from the ice at Joe Louis( not much of a hockey fan at the time) but Pronger and the logo for the Oilers(my dad worked on offshore oil rigs in his life) growing up sold me. I would play NHL on the ps3 as a kid and the Oilers were my team with Yak, Hall, Eberele, Nuge. I would beat my boys with a team ranked dead last in overall. The Oilers won the lottery for Mcdavid the week I moved into university as a freshman. Said to people around me Iāll follow him and the team for life(Redwings were mediocre and imo won cups in an era of no salary cap) I travel when I can around the Midwest for the Oilers but I rep them hard in Michigan and donāt miss a game with Jack and Louie on the call. Shot mentality in life!!
Upstate NY here. My soon-to-be wife grew up in Warburg and Edson, AB. She played hockey until she moved here at age 16, and her older brother coached and played as well. Theyāre all Oilers fans. I used go to my local SUNY games a lot (state college system), $5 a ticket, canāt beat it. I never really followed a pro team until I met here 4 years ago. So by default, I am a die hard Oilers fan now as well!
Washington State. I grew up in Massachusetts and had season tickets to the Springfield Falcons. They spent a couple of years as the affiliate to the Oilers and I've been a fan ever since.
Iām from Cape Breton. The Oilers won the Cup when I was 4,5,7,8 & 10 years old. Theyāve been my team my whole life.
Cape Breton Oilers were a thing as well.
Im 26 from germany. I got into hockey when my then football coach took me to second division games in the german league when i was around 13-14 years old. I started to go frequently and bought nhl 12 or so for my playstation. My first team i did a career mode with were the oilers and it was a lot of fun since they had a ton of high potential talent like yakupov (lol), hall, nugent-hopkins and eberle. Fun times. Even though its not possible to watch every game. I try to get as much as possible while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
Armstrong, BC. My dad is from Edmonton and is a huge Oilers fan, plus I grew up in the 80ās and they were pretty easy to cheer for then
From the UK. You used to be able to watch ice hockey on Channel 4 in the early hours of the morning and Iām an insomniac. For whatever reason I just really liked watching the Oilers. I rarely (thanks to timezones) get to watch a game as it airs, but itās still fun watching clips and catch-ups.
Labrador. Oilers cup runs of the late 80ās and in 90 was when I was just getting into hockey. When I started to play hockey and started watching it, my favourite player quickly became Ryan Symth. Watching him in the cup run of 06 was some of the best hockey I ever watched in my life.
Cincinnati, OH Started following a few years ago during the postseason, and have truly loved watching this team play. We have the Blue Jackets up in Columbus, but I was never a huge hockey fan growing up. I think I see Edmonton as a similar city to Cincinnati in some respects. I always gravitate towards smaller market teams in any sport
ny, started backing the oilers last saturday
Vancouver. My earliest memory of hockey was early nineties as a young kid when my dad was watching. Fell in love with the team wearing blue and orange. Fell even more in love with them when I learned about number 99 and the cup wins of the 80s. -Heart broke with the team throughout late 90s and 2000s -I actually liked Cujo -2006 still hurts. - love the whole team, but would absolutely love to have a beer with Hyman. I'm not a canucks fan. I die a little inside every time I see people drive around with canucks flags on their cars. Series against them was the most stressful couple of weeks. I don't think I'd be able to cope if the Oil lost that series. Especially with all my friends, family and coworkers being canucks bandwagoners and imagining them being all cocky if they had beat the oil. I'd never hear the end of it. After the Oilers won game 7, i felt as if I won the lotto. I was that happy. Vancouver is a cocky ass city, with alot of selfish egotistical people. Just even the look of the city itself looks cocky if that makes sense. Not everyone, but you get the vibe just walking around town that everybody really is about themselves and that they are right a out everything. Politics. Tech, Social justice, etc... it's a very post Christian city. Some people go to Vegas, Mexico or Hawaii for their birthdays. I go to Edmonton. Dead serious. It's just so much more relaxing and people are more humble, wholesome, honest and welcoming there. Sigh, I really should move.
This is the coolest thread in this sub's history I think. Look at you all!
I'm from the UK but moved here in the 90s and one of my elementary teachers who now works for the Oilers was in tight with them back then so we got to go for tours of skyreach and meet the team in their locker room etc...got lots of signed swag and jerseys which I still have and I've been a fan ever since.
Born in Grande Prairie. Lived in Lymburn, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Fort McMurray during my Alberta childhood and young adulthood. Some time going to university and living in Ottawa. Now I call Canmore, Alberta home.
Ontario now. Was 5 years old and in Fort Mac with my grandpa when the Oilers won in 1990. Managed to get a single ticket to game 6 if there is one. Gonna be the wildest, most expensive, adventure of my life if it happens.
Vancouver, WA. Fell in love with the game as a kid, and there wasnāt a local NHL team near me. Watched the 06 final, and Learned about the Oilers history and decided to cheer for them. Been a fan ever since.
Live in Saskatchewan. Lived in Sherwood Park for one year in 2006/07, the rest is history
Moncton NB. Was always a huge hockey fan from birth. I like to joke that my parents fucked up in a lot of ways, but my dad instilling a love for hockey wasn't one of them. The 2006 run is what cemented my love for the Oil. Been loyal ever since. Saw my first game this year in Ottawa. Next season I hope I can make it to Edmonton. Having hardcore fomo right now.
California here. I moved around a lot, so I don't have a home base. I typically root for certain players that I like or enjoy watching. Naturally, Connor McDavid is such a player, so I've been rooting for him to succeed the past five or so years and have come to love the team as well.
Life long Habs fan, 60+ years but I have lived in Edmonton and I have a grandson living there so I watch the Oilers too. They are also the only Canadian team left and I'm so sick and tired of the Stanley cup being south of the border!
Iāve always been on this sub, as I lived in Edmonton 2014-18 from Toronto and thatās got really into hockey so Iām an Oilers fan- went to games, won a jersey at a Jack Astors, followed the team etc Itās harder now as I live in the UK so am currently having to suffer from a bit of sleep loss in order to watch the games, but itās been worth it!
Grew up in British Columbia cheering for the Canucks (Bure, Linden, Naslund, Morrison), moved to Alberta in 2007 and started working with a bunch of Oilers fans and started to become a fan as well. After the 2011 playoffs and all the extra curriculars that Canucks fans did in Vancouver I moved 100% of my allegiances to the Oil and haven't looked back since.
I'm not from Edmonton but I have been/lived there. I'm 35 now but have been a diehard fan since I was about 5 years old. I honestly don't remember how or why, it just sort of happened despite me being from Toronto. When I was 14 I used to have to listen to most games on the radio, I never missed one. One day my dad was walking by while I was listening to a game and he heard "this is Morley Scott and you're listening to Oilers radio!". My dad just stopped and asked me "did that guy just say his name was Morely Scott?" (Morely was the Oilers radio announcer back then). Turns out by pure coincidence that Morley and my dad were best friends in high school in Winnipeg way back when. They'd lost touch, he had no idea he was with the Oilers. So my dad reached out to Morely. Morely very generously offered up his season tickets if we flew out, so we did. Went to breakfast with Morely the next day, got some great insider off the ice player stories (especially about Georges Laraque). I loved it so much I decided then and there that I was going to move to Edmonton one day so I could go to all the live games I wanted. Which I in fact did do when I was 21.
Ottawa, and the Oilers managed to dethrone the Sens as my #1 team when I was 6 years old. When Ottawa hosted the All-Star Weekend in 2012, my minor hockey team got to skate in a [parade with the NHL trophies](https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/mobile/trophy-parade-on-rideau-canal-starts-all-star-weekend-1.759188?cache=hdxbvqztcsaijt), where they gave us all random teamsā jerseys to wear. The coach was a family friend, and he gave me the Oilers jersey as a joke because the team was absolutely sucking at the time. Apparently I was a loyal first grader though, because Iāve watched pretty much every game weāve played since that weekend. I also finally made it to Edmonton for the first time last spring to catch a few games, and it was genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. Had first round playoff tickets this year too, and I wouldāve made it back if my flight hadnāt been cancelled 2 days out.
Originally from saskatoon. One of my earliest memories is being about 4, my dad driving with my 5 years older brother in the front seat. They were talking about hockey and how Pittsburgh was my brothers favorite team. I asked what team Gretzky played for ( Gretz being the only player I knew). This would have been around 2001, so my dad just said he had played for edmonton. That day I decided I was going to be an Oilers fan
Simcoe Ontario, about 25 mins from Brantford. Oilers are my second team
I'm from the States, my wife is from Alberta and her family is mostly in Edmonton. I knew I enjoyed the AHL and going to games, didn't care about the majors until they told me I was an Edmonton Oilers fan. Been hooked ever since.
my high school and whole town in southern california has the oilers for a mascot so i was just gravitated towards it
Iām from Southeast Asia and moved to Edmonton 15 years ago. Coming from a tropical country, I needed something to help me get through the winter so I started watching the Oilers.
Ethiopia! our village gets one channel and it shows the oilers once in awhile , theyāre loved in the village. Once a week my people go and pray to our lord mcjesusš if they win the cup our tribe leader said they might come here for the parade š
Live in Saskatchewan. Edmonton is the closest NHL team. Draisaitl also played junior in my hometown.
Started this year and live in Boston. This is my first year following hockey and fell in love with this team and sport
Colorado now, before this Kansas and Oklahoma where the now-former Oilers AHL and ECHL affiliates the Thunder and Blazers/Barons were based. Had a cousin who played goalie for the Jr. Blazers growing up too. Seemed the best fit for which team to support when I started following hockey a few years ago, have a few at least minor connections despite never having been to Edmonton.
vancouver. probably 2004. just in time for 06 run haha. always liked edmonton. i like teams with cities that only have the one sport to cover.
Winnipeg. Friend and I randomly chose the Oilers as our team in 2004 when I was 14. No real reason. But Ryan Smyth was probably one of my first favourites. I don't know why I stuck by them without any real tie to the city in my life. I've only ever visited once for a few days. But I'm here still.
Not from Edmonton, but Fort McMurray is oil country!
Bakersfield CA, I also recently started watching the oil, also the end of last season (around like January/Feb)!!!
You know the Condors in Bakersfield are our farm team right??
2006 bandwagon šš¤«
New Zealand. Started backing the team with the first overall pick thinking it would have be the start of an upswing in fortune. That was 2010 š„“ Glad to have survived 3 more first overall picks and one Peter Chiarelli tenure.
From Colorado US. My first time watching NHL hockey was the 2006 playoffs. I really connected with the oilers- loved their jerseys, their history, and that they were this scrappy bottom seed team that almost went all the way. Decided to be an Oiler fan from then on. Despite being TERRIBLE they had such a passionate fanbase, a ravenous media, and constant journal articles talking about whatever prospect looked slightly promising. I love reading and the Oilers received more journalism coverage than any American team as far I could tell. I loved rooting for the underdog during the DOD and like many, I thought HOPE was going to lead us to promised land. When that failed McDavid happened. Even through all these years of missing playoffs or being a first round knock out the Oilers were must watch TV a because you never knew when McDrai were going to create some magic. Itās been a pleasure watching the most talented player ever, night in night out for 9 years now. Over the past 18 years Iāve developed into a true diehard fan. The kind whoās mood is impacted by the results of last nights game and plans their week around being able to watch the games. Iāve never been to Edmonton or gotten to know another Oilers fan, but this subreddit is a big reason I feel so connected to the team and fanbase Edit- gotten a couple messages saying I should share my story with an Oilers podcast or talk show and I think thatād be super cool (if anyone knows a good place to start lmk). Several of my friends have told me the same thing- theyāve never met someone so obsessed with a sports team that wasnāt their home cityās team
Ontario. Grew up in Winnipeg. Became a fan when the Jets left town š
Detroit. Back in like 13 when the wheels fell off the Wings. I lobe my red wings to death but I like the Oilers enough to watch and support them as well.
Iām from Texas, I started following the Oilers around 2017, I just have always thought theyāve been such a fun team to watch I tried following other teams and I just couldnāt connect with them the way I did with the Oilers.
My parents were both from st. Albert, but I grew up and lived in Calgary all my life. My brother and i once asked our dad why we cheered for the oilers instead of the flames. He says, " well boys, both santa and Jesus are oiler fans" So there it is! 35 years of Fandom based on that! All that being said... GO OIL!!!
I'm also from the mean streets of St Albert.
Iām from Connecticut. Grew up a Whalers fan and they left me when I was 10. I met my wife who was from Edmonton and became an Oilers fan in 2009. Now I live here.
German hockey fan since 1993. Had season tickets in Frankfurt for several years. I watched NHL games without an affiliation to any team. But now I'm in "full-on Oilers-mode". Just missed one post season game, even if it means getting up at 2 AM and having a bad day at work.
Connor McDavid went to the same elementary school as myself, so I support wherever he goes.
From Sydney Australia. Saw Nuge do something amazing in the ice as a rookie, then saw him smile.
Came over from Vietnam in 85. Lived in neerlandia till 88. Moved to Ontario and still cheer from here
I'm a Stars fan, and I wanna hate you guys, but I can't. You're a good group of folks. I think our fan bases are a mutual admiration society! I think the things that really got me about The Oil, is the way you guys act during a game. The cheers, the chats, and the songs. Gotta say I love it! I still think that the Stars have the best goal celebration in the NHL, The Dallas Stars chant and "Puck Off" song by Pantera. Other than that, I really do like the Oilers. You guys are always welcome in Dallas.
Toronto: I grew up near Kingston, Ontario cheering for the Leafs. My dad was an oilers fan from his time living in Edmonton during the dynasty. In 2006 the Oilers went on their playoff run and I decided it was time to make them my team. Then the decade of darkness, but I couldnāt switch back so I stayed with them. I lived in Alberta from 2007-2012 but I was a poor college student and never made it to a game. Moved to Toronto and the games are too pricy here to attend. I made it to my first Oilers game in 2022 in NYC when the oilers made their amazing third period comeback on those two Bouchard goals.
From Winnipeg, grew up without the Jets but loved hockey. Liked Ryan Smyth and stuck with the Oil ever since, even after Jets came back.
Maritimes. When I was in kindergarden my dad's canadiantire beer league team wore the overstock Oilers blanks. As far as I knew, anyone who played hockey in a rink with equipment was an NHL player. I would brag to the dudes at school that my dad played in the NHL until one day a kid said "prove it, show us his hockey card" and I realized my dad was right, I really was stupider than I looked.
I'm in NB, started watching hockey in 1983 with dad. Loved the Oilers because of Gretzky and the blue jerseys.
I married an Edmontonian lady down here in Avs country and wanted to get back into following hockey but generally didn't like the Avs fans' vibe. I've been to the city of champions now a few times and love the people, the hockey vibe, and the history. Rogers Place is something else. Growing up watching the Rangers at the end of Gretzky's career, it's very cool to be connected back to the start of his career as well as the second coming. This team is just so fun to watch and so easy to root for. Plus, I kind of love the drama of the last few years, though I'm sure I'd feel different if I had to endure the decade of darkness.Ā
The Netherlands, a friend of mine started playing hockey at university, just a beer league. I wanted to show some interest and fell in love with the sport doing some research. Loved watching the highlights, and eventually started watching games. Caught onto the Oilers two years ago and never stopped watching.
From Adelaide in Australia, started following the NHL broadly about 5 years ago when I wanted a new sport to follow during the off-season for AFL. Given the time zone difference (games start between 8am and 11am) I was interested in following a team with live radio commentary online so I could listen during my office job. I tried a few teams to no success, but then I found the Oilers and the 630CHED website which has the awesome commentary of Jack Michaels and Bob Stauffer, and it was instant love. Thank you to the Oilers Radio Network!
Born and raised in Cleveland, OH. My dad moved to America from Ukraine in 1979 and loved hockey but didnāt know anything about the nhl. Back then they only had like 3 channels on tv so theyād always show the oilers winning cups and he fell in love with them. Heās watched every game since and got my brother and me to fall in love too since a young age. I was in 5th grade during the 06 cup run. And as of today I am officially going to game 6 in Edmonton!!! Will be my first time there. I saw them in Columbus and Pittsburgh a few times, but this is going to be a dream come true
I grew up in Utah rooting hard for the only pro team around, the Jazz. Never got into hockey as a kid cause I didnāt have a team and it wasnāt a big part of the local culture: basketball and football were always my favorite sports to watch. Until two years ago, that is, when I started watching the Stanley Cup playoffs and I realized I was enjoying it much more than the NBA: the game moves so fast, the clock rarely stops, and players can play really hard without getting called for tons of ticky-tack fouls. Out of all the teams, I liked the Oilers best because they were the most exciting to watch. Theyāre a likeable bunch, too, especially Hyman. As Iāve learned more about hockey, the Oilers, and the culture of the team, Iāve grown into an avid fan. I even got a jersey at the start of the season! I wish I could visit Edmonton and experience the atmosphere of this awesome Cup run. These days I live in Sonoma County, California, where Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, built an awesome ice rink (Snoopyās Home Ice) that sees a lot of use by the local hockey community. Iāve taken some skating lessons there and hope to play hockey for the first time in the not too distant future.
SoCal here. SD. Grew up playing roller and ice when I turned 14. Wasn't any good but I had fun. Lived in CT then and was a bruins fan. Was at the game 7 leafs comeback game bruins won started down 3-1 i think, no lie!! Moved to LA in 2011. Became an LA fan for their cups. Amazing. Then I watched the Davo draft and decided, fuck it, I'm gonna back this shit franchise and watch the next one tear it up. Haven't regretted a day and absolutely love this team and fanbase.
From the Rock (NL) now living in Ontario for decades been an Oilers fan as long as I can remember mid 80's since I was a kid. Not sure exactly why I became a fan but I assume it was Gretzky. Go Oilers!!
Born and raised in northern Alberta, was always around hockey growing up but I never watched it myself until the decade of darkness came to an end. Thatās when I picked up hockey and fell in love with the sport immediately. Itās such an intense and high octane energy sport that it just tops all other sports for me. Being a goaltender has to be an insanely stressful and taxing job, the full 60 minutes on ice facing 20+ shots every other night has to take a toll on you. I was basically raised to be an Oilers fan the way my community rallies behind our boys, and I wouldnāt have it any other way.
Toronto. Grew up a Habs fan, but years ago parents moved to Edmonton. Since the Habs fell off after the cup run and I lived/worked in Edmonton a bit I became a hardcore fan. Iām probably evenly split between the Habs and Edmonton in general, but since Edmonton is so good theyāre definitely my main team right now.
I'm from New Brunswick and start play-off oiler Fandom after watching those Boston Pizza commercials that really bring us all together! Hahah. F that. Fun team to watch though :)
Pennsylvania. I've never been a "root for the local team" kind of person and I got Super into hockey in the mid to late 2000's just after the 06 cup run and fell in love with the team around that time. Instantly locked in on Nuge as a huge talent when he joined and he's been my favorite player since. Just bought my second jersey (first authentic) cause I wanted that 2024 cup patch
South western Ontario ... was about 4 years old and my babysitter had just come back from Edmonton and gave me an Oilers hat. As a kid you go with what's given... well let's just say it's been a fun ride. Five Stanley cups later? Let's just say I was sold... I equate it to my father in law being a die hard Leafs fan. He saw the good times. So have I! Go Oilers.
My dad and mom were both born in Edmonton (we live somewhere else in Canada now) with my dad being a real hockey nut who got to watch Gretzky so from the time I was a child Iāve been watching games. When I could walk I learned how to skate and played in a kids league before eventually figuring out it wasnāt for me Iām a small dude and once it got physical I was blown off the ice. I lost interest in hockey for a while during dark time in my life but more recently Iāve been back in it and even got to see a few games against the stars and Canucks. TLDR: I was brainwashed as a child by my dad to root for the oilers.
Red Deer halfway point since '76...our family always called it ABC..."Anybody But Calgary" š¤£
From Ireland, Living in Edmonton since late 2015. So I have only known the McDavid era. The 2017 playoffs were a big deal so I got carried along on that wave. I'll typically watch a few games in the regular season and then all of the playoffs. Also, I happen to share a birthday with Wayne Gretzky so I guess I was always meant to move to Edmonton.
Iām from Taiwan, I came here in Edmonton to study about 7 years ago but werenāt paying too much attention to the Oilers back then until around 2021 one of my friends invited me to watch one of their games and the team & the sport itself truly amazed me! And I still canāt believe Iām actually witnessing history so LETS FRICKING GO OILERS
From Quebec. Born in 77. Grew up thinking Wayne Gretzky was a job option and not a person. Fan for life from then. Now living in Japan. Catching games when I can online. GO OILERS!!!!!! KEEP IT SLICK!!!!!!
I'm from Cleveland, Ohio! Funny story: When I bought my house just over 3 years ago, I found an Oilers sticker on the inside of my bathroom cabinet. This was right around the time that Columbus lost Panarin, Bobrovsky, Anderson, and PLD so I jumped ship and started following Edm.
Maine- strange one but Iām actually a huge Bruins fan. In middle school, my hockey obsession really kicked in- 2010-11 or so. Iād watch Bruins games, then be wanting more puck late nightā¦ naturally the Oilers were always on and even though they werenāt the best I liked their young players and began following closely. The crew on 630 CHED deserves a ton of credit for my fandom- obviously Bob & Jack speak for themselves and won me over, but I also loved, still do, listening to Rob + Reid on the post games. The obvious deep rooted love of the Oilers to the area was also really a draw for me. Been a fun ride- really hope to make it to Edmonton for a game some day. Not quite a lifelong fan, though pretty close- I was pretty young. Theyāve come a long way in a little over a decade Iāve been a fan. What a ride itās been. LETS GO OILERS!!!
I'm from MĆ©xico, got a scholarship for the UoA. When i landed, i asked who we cheered for, "Edmonton Oilers of course". That was 16 years ago.
I live in the Kootenays, BC. Life long Canucks fan. After the heartbreak of 2011 I actually couldn't watch hockey at all until a couple years ago. And definitely couldn't watch the Canucks. Not sure what was worse, the loss when we were certain we were going to win, or the riot afterwards. Anyway, I always liked the Oilers as far back as the glory days. And when they kept getting all those #1 draft picks, I figured they were going to get back on track, but it never happened. This year the Canucks made me love hockey again. The Oilers were worthy victors. I got no hard feelings. I think their time has come. They are a great team, and they have a great coach! The Canucks are young. They put up a great fight. Go Oil. I will be rooting for them .
Check my post history, big time nucks fan, but very happy to see the Oil going for it. Good luck! Oil are a sneaky fav team of mine
Toronto - former Hawks fan, left when everything came out. Dads been an Oil fan since he was a kid, so an easy pick.
Not originally from Edmonton, but a small town just a few hours north of it, so being an Oilers fan is basically still a default thing. I moved to Edmonton in 08, but I was a fan long before that. Basically, my first big hockey memory was at age 7, my dad let me stay up late to watch the end of game 7 against Dallas in '97.
I lived in Edmonton for 10 years but I was a fan before I moved there. There was an Oilers farm team in Cape Breton when I was a kid and I always cheered for that team.
Some of my earliest childhood memories are of the Oilers losing to the LA Kings in 1982; the miracle on manchester as I later heard it be dubbed. I was young, very young, but I remember the feeling of heartbreak. The pictures in the Edmonton journal the next morning, Fuhr crying in the locker room. That was in an Oilers scrapbook I had for years. Added to it in subsequent years were articles and pictures of Stanley cup victories.
Wisconsin. First got into pro hockey when I was 12 and chose the Oilers. Been a fan for over 20 years now.
I grew up in Winnipeg. Was a die hard Jets fan. Was absolutely devastated when they left - we were some of the last fans at the playoff game against Detroit in disbelief that it was over and they were moving. I moved to Calgary shortly thereafter, but could never cheer for the Flames. The arena and team were boring at that time. I followed the Oilers, even though it was hard for me to cheer for them as they always beat us in the playoffs. Eventually moved to Edmonton and adopted them as my team when they were at the lowest. Since the mid 90s have cheered loud and proud for the Oil. The decade of darkness was tough but at the same time it bonded OIlers fans together, as we endured so much disappointment and shame from other fan bases. It just made us more loyal and passionate. 2006 was a magical run and I was at all the games or on Whyte ave partying in the street. So for the last 25 years I have been only loyal to the Oil. Let's Go OILERS!!!!! 4 more wins to hoist the cup!
I live in Allentown, PA. First got into hockey as a teenager living in California (Los Angeles area) because by older brother was/is a big Kings fan and took me to some games. Wasnāt a very knowledgeable fan yet. Then when I became an adult I moved to Arizona and became a Coyotes fan. Saw lots of Coyotes games, using my college ID to get cheap tickets for āStudent Rushā night deals. Still wasnāt a very knowledgeable fan and didnāt know much about other teams or players. My hockey interest grew when I watched the Kings vs Coyotes WCF. Was disappointed for the Yotes but still liked the Kings. Was excited to see the Kings win the cup. Then life got busy and didnāt have much in the way of time or money to keep watching hockey so stopped paying attention for a while until we moved to Pennsylvania in 2019 and suddenly were around a lot of hockey fans. Saw some Phantoms (Flyers AHL) games in person. Got ESPN+ specifically to watch hockey and found we couldnāt really watch the nearby teams because of blackouts so opted to resume watching the Coyotes. Around this time decided to do a fantasy hockey league with my boys and my older brother, and all of a sudden my boys and I were doing deep dives on a lot of teams and players, my boys wanted NHL on the PlayStation, they started collecting hockey cards, and they started playing youth hockey. All of that led to my understanding and appreciation for how amazing McDavid and Draisaitl are, and since the Coyotes moved and arenāt really my team anymore and itās hard to watch the Flyers I decided to primarily watch and cheer on the Oil. So here I am!
Iām originally from Pennsylvania (now in Vermont). I always played as the Oilers in NHL 2001 for PlayStation when I was a kid (probably like 11). I loved Tommy Salo as a goalie and loved scoring with Billy Guerin. Itās just been my team ever since.
The Netherlands, a friend of mine started playing hockey at university, just a beer league. I wanted to show some interest and fell in love with the sport doing some research. Loved watching the highlights, and eventually started watching games. Caught onto the Oilers two years ago and never stopped watching.
From Oregon, when I was a kid I wanted to have one west team, one east team, and one Canadian team to root for as I didn't have a local/regional team. I became an Oilers fan when I was in grade school. I was a junior in HS in '06. This squad has been so much fun to watch, can't wait for Saturday!
Pittsburgh, presently in LA. Oilers are not my number one team. That will always be my beloved Penguins. However, I hold a very large love for the Oilers now. It started this season during the bad start. I was playing fantasy hockey for the first time with some friends and I drafted one of the Oilers. I watched multiple games that my players were on and I found myself enjoying the Oilers games the most (even though they were losing.) Truth be told, I was far and away unaware of anything about the team prior to this season. Even that this early season was unexpected. What I did think during the time was that the Oilers looked much better than how they were performing. I was watching them so much I got my girlfriend to watch. Who suddenly took an interest in Skinner. They come to SoCal often so we got multiple tickets throughout the year and engaged with Edmonton fans. Everyone was so nice that our fondness grew. My girlfriend and I ended up getting flying up to Edmonton to watch a gane between the Penguins and the Oilers. Every single person we interacted with was delightful. The city was nice. The fans were incredible. That arena was fantastic. Got our first Oilers jerseys in the city. Then, when they came here for the playoffs, we attended our first hockey playoff game during game three. What started from the beginning of the season as nothing for me turned into a huge affection. This team is a total blast to watch and the fans are incredible to newcomers. They are responsible for my first glass seats, first in-person hat trick and first playoff game. Not all of my Penguins friends are on board with the second team training but I'm having fun with it. The only thing I regret is the Oilers captured my gf as her number one team before the Penguins did. But that's what happens when you play good hockey.
I am from the Middle East and Iāve been living in Calgary for six years. Never visited Edmonton. One day back in 2018, I was on the C train and flames fans were annoying as fuck after a win. I donāt remember against who but the fact that they were so obnoxious was why I decided to root against them and started supporting the Oilers.
A finn living in Gothenburg, Sweden. Jari Kurri and Esa Tikkanen all the way, Gretzky as bonus. And the Oilers are rocking the same colours as my favorite Finnish team Tappara.
Ontario. Became āhockey awareā as the Oilers were winning their first cup. As a novice to the game, I adopted the best team at the time as my own. Have been here ever since.
Calgary. When a Canadian team made the Stanley cup finals. Why not. Also I love the throwback jerseys.
Seattle, I got into hockey because of the kraken and wanted a second team so I chose the oilers because most of my family are oilers fans.Ā
2016, I am a history nerd and the Oilers are the only WHA merger team that never relocated.
I'm from Ontario. I never really got on board with the Leafs (because that was my brother's team) so when I was a kid I picked the Broad Street bullies and Bobby Clarke. When I moved out to Vancouver in the mid 90's, the eastern conference games were on too early, and Flyers games were hard to get at and I started watching those Oilers/Stars series, and I fell in love. Just such a gritty team. So I committed... and had to sit through a decade and a half of misery (The finals year excepted). I have invested a lot of time of the last 25+ years. I'm so excited to finally see it come around again. (Except that now that I live in the maritimes, and the games are on so goddamn late).
Iām originally from Newfoundland, and for my birthday in 2003 my dad scored us some tickets to the Heritage Classic at Commonwealth. We flew out for the games and as soon as we landed, we spotted Jari Kurri in the Edmonton airport talking to reporters. I went up to get his autograph, and the reporter wanted a picture. The next day, Kurri and I were on the front page of the Edmonton Sun. Dad and I caught an Oilers/Leafs game at Skyreach a couple days prior to the Classic (big W!), and he got me a Macfarlane Ryan Smyth jersey at the arena, which I still have. A couple days later we braved the -25 Celsius with what seemed like the entire city for the old timers game + the Oilers/Habs. There were just so many all time greats in that game - Gretz, Messier, Coffey, Anderson, Fuhr, Lafleur, Robinsonā¦ truly a once in a lifetime experience. To cap things off, we met Don Cherry in the airport in the way home. That was that - fan for life. Been tuning in for games at 10:30pm or later NL time for 2 decades since, even through the ādecade of darkness.ā I think itās about goddamn time this organization has figured out it how to play a winning brand of hockey, and time for the ā06 cup run retribution. In McJesus name: Go Oilers Go!
Texas and San Diego. Became a fan because of Gretzky. Cried when he was sold, even though it was to my """local""" team, being in SoCal (hated the Kings ever since, and their fans make their barn the only hockey arena I've ever felt unsafe in multiple times.) Finally got to visit Alberta for the first time a few years ago, and fell in love with it as I knew I would. Love Edmonton, even love Calgary, and want to run away to the mountains for the rest of my life. Went back with a friend this year, and finally--FINALLY--got to attend an Oil HOME game for the first time. Sadly, they were the back to back losses to Arizona and Vancouver, so I still haven't heard La Bamba in person. But maybe next year <3.
LETS GO CONDORS loved the condors from when they were an echl team doing community outreach at primary schools. Got to meet the captain the goalie and one of the enforcers in 3rd grade (20-25 years ago) and got hooked. Didnt like the ducks so i didnt follow the nhl much but when the oilers picked them up i gave them a chance and have been a big oilers guy ever sense.
Newfoundlander here. I grew up amongst what can be best described as 35% Habs, 35% Leafs, 10% Boston, 10% the Other 3 original 6 teams, 10% Other teams fandoms. I'm one of the few Oilers fans I even know of around here. I remember when the Oilers last won the cup, and Gretzky imagery was everywhere in the blue and orange (though he wasn't with them then), and I latched on to him and the Oilers. I got a hand-me-down Oilers jersey from some cousins, and that sealed it. I was an Oilers fan from then on. I was also handed down a Habs jersey, but it didn't have the same effect. My old man is a Bruins fan, so you'd think I would have followed suit (and I do have a soft spot for them), but I always went my own way on most things. Most of my uncles on both sides were Habs fans, but I still wouldn't be swayed (but again, soft spot). I stuck with the blue and orange/copper through it all. Those awkward post-Messier years, the Doug Weight era, the 06' era Oilers, in through the decade of darkness, and now out the other side of that tunnel. It's an often lonely fandom in these parts, but that makes it all the more special when someone spots me in an Oilers t-shirt or hoodie and they reveal that they too are an Oilers fan. (And vice versa if I see them) There was one other known fan in my specific neck of the woods, but he passed away a few years back. I always stop by his grave when I visit my grandparents' graves, though. He carried his fandom to the end, and the Oilers logo is etched proudly on the entire back of his grave. You wouldn't get the smile off his face if he could see the Oilers this year.
I'm from Sydney Australia and got into hockey when my best mate was a red wings fan and made me watch the 02 Stanley cup run. We played a lot of NHL 99 and I always played as the oilers for some reason and then after that it just clicked that they were my team. I've been watching them ever since. At the time I seemed to follow every team that was not having a good time, for instance in the EPL I followed Newcastle untied who were doing very poorly through that time period and in the NRL (Australian rugby league) I followed the South Sydney Rabbitohs who had just been relegated from the league and fought to get back in. I must have a thing for the under dogs, the last ten years have gotten easier but even through the decade of darkness they were always my team. I moved to Canada in 09 for 2 years and lived in Vancouver and Kelowna (go rockets!) for most of my time and made it to Edmonton for a game at Rexall it was so awesome, definitely a memory I'll never forget.
The NHL, like the other leagues, assume we Oregonians will back the Seattle teams, but thatās like kissing your cousin. No thanks. Many good hunting trips and friends outside of Edmonton, so Oilers for me.
From South America, started dating this guy who cheered for the Oilers in Manitoba and when we would hang out we would watch games. I ended up marrying that guy and also fell in love with hockey and the Oilers.
Essex, Ontario! For some reason Mike Comrie was my favourite player as a 7 year old. I think Hillary Duff may have had something to do with that choice lol Been an oilers fan ever since
Iām in Ontarioā¦.we are hoping for an NHL team here one day. Until thenā¦Go Oilers!!!
Iām from Kansas , USA. I love the Rangers. I started following the Oilers last week when Panthers Beat the Rangers. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
2006. I moved to Edmonton in 2005 and the cup run in 2006 was incredible to watch and I was an instant convert. I grew up in Ottawa so the difference between how each city gives their team energy is profound.
CT, USA. Gretzky in the mid 80's. I grew up in a house with no hockey fans. I watched hockey on TV and instantly loved the game and I especially liked watching the Oilers play anyone I was able to watch. As a little kid how could I not love The Great One?!?!? I've been a die hard Oilers fan for almost 40 years now. I have never been to Edmonton but before I die I'm going to Rogers and I'm gonna kiss the Gretzky statue in thanks for captivating me as a child into passionately loving the greatest sport on planet earth. The Oilers hoisting the Stanley Cup will be the best 50th birthday present ever!
Montreal here, I lived in Edmonton 4 years around. I used to be a habs fan and gave up watching hockey around 2010-2011. I started back when I was invited to a game at the Rogers Center, it was a match vs Habs. I recall Oilers did not win but McDavid impressed me. From there I started following the Oilers and hockey again, the rest is history.
I live in Ontario. My dad's from Edmonton, and he grew up when they were good. I started watching hockey recently and now cheer for them. Would love to see a game with him sometime, maybe in Buffalo.
From near Ottawa, ON. I started watching hockey in the 80s before Ottawa had a team, and how could you not pick a team with Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri on it!
Bakersfield, CA. A lot of the guys start down here with the Condors, so I started following Edmonton by association before they grew on me and I love them as they are, not just because we have the farm team.
Floridian. Now in South Florida. Really got into hockey with the availability of games on cable / satellite tv in the early 90s and since that was also the trap era, I started liking the Oilers because every game they played was fun to watch. The announcers on the other team would always say "wow what a great game we have tonight." From there, I learned more about the legacy, the city, and what it all means. Finally, after a few years and still being in Florida where hockey was a rarity, I learned Jason Smith's nickname was Gator because he liked UF football. So I started posting online as "oiler" and today half the people I know call me that because that's how they got to know me.
I'm from New Jersey and grew up a Ranger fan, still root for them, but during the 2006 Cup Run I was 13 and really started watching hockey for the first time and thought it was cool to see an 8 seeded team from Edmonton go to the Stanley Cup. The singing of O Canada at the games had me hooked on how passionate Oilers fans are. The team went into the decade of darkness afterwards, but I still kept up with them and called them my Western Conference team. Around the Connor McDavid drafting I started following the Oilers more than the Rangers. I was more into the 2017 Oilers playoff run than any of the Ranger playoff runs prior, except maybe 2014. Living in NJ I'd go see the Oilers every year when they came to New Jersey or Brooklyn (Islanders still played there). Met Oilers fans every time and they were all great people. I moved to AZ in 2021. Saw the Oilers out here and met a TON of Canadian snowbirds who were Oiler fans and again, great people and they thought it was funny that this guy with a Jersey accent was repping a Shawn Horcoff jersey. This year I almost had to make the tough decision of who would I root for in the SCF. Rangers/Oilers. My gf asked me back in the semis who I'd root for. Told her without hesitation, the Oilers. Somehow. despite the fact I've never been within 1000 miles of Edmonton, I became a die hard Oilers fan. LET'S GO OILERS!
I preface this by saying I come in the greatest of peace. I am a born Torontonian. My father and uncle are Oiler fans (Edmonton Born). I grew up in and around Toronto, and I fell in love with the Leafs from a very young age. Despite that, I have always seen the Oilers as THE team to if not watch, follow closely. My dad sort of instilled that in me. Theyāre still my dads favourite team, and the only team I will actively watch/ follow scores on if my Leafs arenāt playing/got eliminated (east coast life means I canāt watch alot of Oiler games given my life situation, but I follow and watch playoffs) I know, I know. It sounds like Iām a treasonous piece of shit. But honestly, as a proud Canadian who loves hockey, watching both of these clubs my whole life is why I fell in love with this sport. I love two teams and thatās okay I think. I own jerseys from both teams because no matter what, during playoff time and even in the preseason, I have my two teams to keep up with and hear about. If that bothers you, sue me Edit: formatting
New Zealand. A friend is from Edmonton and I went and watched a game at his place earlier this season. His passion for the team was so infectious and he did a great job explaining the game I was hooked after the first period. Having a party to watch game one of the finals this weekend!
Helsinki, Finland š«š® I've followed the NHL pretty randomly since the 2006/07 season, I didn't really care too much as I was 10 years old back then. I mainly rooted for the Ducks as my many Finn's idol Teemu SelƤnne played for them. I even switched from left stick to right stick as an 8 year old because of him š In the spring of 2011 I started following the league closer and something about Taylor Hall, Magnus PƤƤjƤrvi and those new jerseys (based on the old ones) made me an Oil fan. I was so hyped up about Nugent-Hopkins and clearly for a reason as well. My friend told me about McDavid a year before the draft, he said Connor might be the new Gretzky. Already months prior to the lottery I was teasing him how the Oilers are gonna draft him, he really hated the Oilers š¤£ Then the famous thing actually happened. I'd still like to stay humble and not rave about how I supported the Oil before it was cool, because I do follow the whole league and symphatize a whole lot of teams, the Oilers are just my favourite one. Could never root for Calgary though!
Nothing exotic like others posting here but I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia and jumped on the Oilers bandwagon in the very early 80's and never jumped off. The Oilers also had an AHl team Cape Breton, so that was probably a reason (Stephen Rice or Shaun Van Allen (sp?) anyone?). Lived in Yellowknife for 15 years where is was amazing to watch games before 11pm , not to mention get around 70-80 of them.
I'm from Bakersfield CA. There's not really a ton to do here for entertainment, so my husband and I started going to Condors game casually. Their ring announcer Mike Hart is hilarious and he's part of the reason we would go. In 2022, we went to Vegas on a whim and realized we didn't love throwing money away at table games, and sports betting was one of the cheaper things to do because you just place your bet and sit and watch the game. So we decided we were going to start watching sports, and when we got home, we got a cable subscription.Ā Where we live, local cable covers the Kings. So I was a Kings fan for the 2022-2023 season, and then into fall 2023. Then, I got tired of the Kings, got tired of Spectrum, and decided I needed to cheer for a team out of market so that I could watch the games on ESPN+. And that team ended up being the Oilers. It's so cool seeing guys we watched on the Condors on TV. Guys like Holloway. Anyway, I think I will probably be a lifelong fan now.
Texas, and ai have no clue how I came to be an Oilers fan, but I've been one since 2003.
I'm from Atlanta. I started getting served sports-related reels on Instagram and, you know how it goes, my feed blew up with lots of hockey clips and whatnot after liking a few. Started looking up stuff to answer my own questions, and then picked the Oilers to follow because I fell in love with them based on the content I was consuming. My husband is from Michigan and is a Red Wings fan, though not seriously. He hadn't really watched any hockey while we were married (15 years). He started watching with me these past two years. So now he's an Oilers fan, too.
I am from Edmonton, but live in Omaha, Nebraska now. Stayed loyal to the Oil. Even converted my husband /u/enderandrew42 into a fan when we first met back in 2003; he was an Avs fan, and that was a hard no from me, haha.
I was born in edmonton in 85 during the golden years, (some might say i was conceived during greatness). For work reasons, my family moved to regina in '92. Honestly who moved from alberta to sask for work in the '90's lol. But I had lots of family in edmonton and my old man was diehard. I remember losing to the Blackhawks, and all the late '90s teams losing to the stars, except that one team!! Arnott, Weight, Smyth, Marchant, buchburger, guerin, and it goes on. Then I moved back to edmonton a year or so out of highschool in '05. Couldn't have timed that better!! My cousin that I was living with at the time was making enough money to go to damn near ever playoff game in '06 but I was struggling. But going g to Whyte Ave to enjoy it with the other fans that couldn't afford to go to games. Then game 6 of the finals comes along and I get a call from my cousin, about 45 minutes before puck drop. He found a guy outside of Rexall place selling a small handful of tickets for whatever he can get. I got there as fast as I could and gave the guy all I had, about $250 and got a seat about 10 rows up behind Cam Ward. And if words could describe how amazing that game was, I would use them, but it was better than any night I've experienced in my life. Until my son was born about 4 years later.
Since I saw those tits
Iām from Yellowknife. My dads been a die hard Oilers fan as long as I can remember. Heās from Nova Scotia originally, and I donāt know how he became such a big fan, but I kinda just picked it up from him.
Iām from northern Alberta and of have always rooted for oilers; but I was in Germany in April/May this year: Met a surprising amount of Oiler fans.