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Edmonton Oilers Chase Stanley Cup, Aiming to Break Canada’s Drought
The Edmonton Oilers are en route to Miami, seeking to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada, a feat not accomplished since 1993. After last year’s finals loss, they are determined to avoid a similar outcome. For over three decades, American teams have dominated the National Hockey League (NHL), which is regrettable for Canada, where ice hockey is deeply rooted in the national identity. Despite this drought, approximately 40% of NHL players are Canadian, surpassing any other nationality.
A Nation United by Hockey
Last year, the Oilers faltered in the decisive game of the seven-game series against the Florida Panthers. This defeat was crushing for fans like Carson Duggan, originally from rural Alberta but now residing in the US. She traveled to Miami to witness the final game, accompanied by numerous other Canadian supporters.
The prolonged absence of a Stanley Cup victory is a sensitive issue for Canadian fans, who continue to invest significant amounts of money and time to support their teams. This year presents Edmonton with another opportunity, but concerns linger about a possible repeat, despite a strong start to the series. After winning the opener 4-3, the Oilers were defeated 5-2 by the Panthers, putting Florida ahead 3-2.
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The upcoming game in Miami is crucial for Edmonton’s Stanley Cup contention.
Canada vs. USA: More Than Just Hockey
The repeated losses have, in a way, united Canadians against a common rival – the US. While there are seven Canadian NHL teams, fans typically rally behind the Canadian team that progresses the furthest in the playoffs. Therefore, the Edmonton Oilers have become “Canada’s team” in this year’s final series.
“I think it’s just like, we need a Cup as Canada,” Ms. Duggan stated. “A lot of Canada is cheering for Edmonton.”
This sentiment is amplified by existing tensions between Canada and the US that have intensified amidst ongoing trade disputes.
Rivalry on and off the Ice
The international competition culminated during the winter’s 4 Nations Face Off, marked by US jibes at Canada by calling it the “51st state.” Such incidents stoked patriotic emotions and nationalistic fervour.
- Canadians booed the American national anthem during the game.
- Multiple altercations occurred during the initial moments of one game.
- Following Canada’s victory in the 4 Nations tournament, Canadian comedian Mike Meyers popularized “elbows up” as a symbol of Canadian autonomy.
This theme was subsequently embraced by Prime Minister Mark Carney (an Edmonton supporter) during his election campaign.
In contrast, former US President Donald Trump directly contacted the Panthers, located near his Mar-A-Lago property, to express his backing.
While the relationship between the two nations might have somewhat improved, a Canadian triumph would be the “cherry on top,” according to Ms. Duggan.
“We’re not going to be bullied,” she asserted, while acknowledging that “most Canadians know that most Americans are good people.”
Theories Behind the Drought
Canadians hold varied theories about why Canadian teams have struggled to secure the Cup since 1993, spanning from rational explanations to elaborate conspiracy theories.
Under NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, American franchises have expanded considerably, with numerous new teams established in states such as Nevada, Florida, and Utah. Currently, there are seven Canadian teams compared to 25 American teams.
Others argue that moderate climates and favorable tax policies in numerous US states attract free agents.
Ms. Duggan proposes that ice hockey’s egalitarian nature plays a part, with players typically spending only 45 seconds on the ice at a time. This dynamic limits the dominance of individual stars, like the Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid.
Connor McDavid: A Canadian Phenomenon
McDavid, 28, often compared to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, has been a key player for the Oilers since being drafted in the 2015-2016 season. His exceptional talent was evident from the start, though it took the Oilers time to match his level of play.
“If he was drafted to Boston or Chicago or Philly or Rangers, or really any team in the United States, I think hockey would have grown exponentially,” Ms. Duggan said. “You could know absolutely nothing about hockey and watch five minutes and see [he’s] the best player.”
Ms. Duggan, now in New Hampshire following her university hockey career and coaching stint, maintains a strong connection to the Oilers.
“I think that was a piece of home that was always there,” she concluded. “They’ve probably taken years off my life, because some of their puck drops are at like, 10pm, and I stay up and watch every single game.”