The Edmonton Oilers stand as the final Canadian flag-bearers in the NHL playoffs, boasting the highest number of Canadians on their roster among the remaining teams. But will they be able to transcend regional loyalties and capture the hearts of hockey fans across the nation? The answer to this question rests heavily on the perspective and geographical location of the individual you ask.
According to Mac Ross, an assistant professor of sport management at Western University, the possibility exists, particularly considering that no Canadian team has hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1993. This shared desire, he believes, could facilitate the bridging of regional divides. However, Ross acknowledges the potential for criticism within fan culture, where individuals may be accused of bandwagoning rival teams during the playoffs.
Lynda Harling Stalker, a professor and chair of the sociology department at St. Francis Xavier University, expresses a more cautious outlook. Recalling the Vancouver Canucks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011, she observes the enduring support for Boston among Maritimers, which created a sense of conflict when the two teams faced off. Recognizing the North-South orientation of Canadian culture, both Ross and Stalker identify geography as a formidable obstacle for the Oilers to garner nationwide support.
The proximity and shared social and economic ties between Canadians and neighboring Americans often lead to loyalties toward regional teams in the United States. The fishing industry unites Maritimers with New Englanders; Southern Ontarians share a rich history with communities across the Great Lakes region; Manitobans and Minnesotans bond over agriculture; while British Columbians align with Oregon and Washington State due to the forestry industry. Growing up in the Maritimes, Ross personally witnessed the widespread support for the Detroit Red Wings over the Toronto Maple Leafs, a dynamic he attributes to a subtle tension between southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area in terms of sports allegiances.
Time zones pose another challenge for the Oilers. The start time for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday is 8:30 p.m. ET, posing potential obstacles for fans in the Newfoundland, Atlantic, and Eastern time zones. Stalker highlights the viewing habits of her mother-in-law, who refrains from watching Western Conference games due to the late start times.
Despite the potential for a snub, Oilers fans should not interpret a lack of support from fellow Canadians as a personal affront. Ross emphasizes the diminished joy that would accompany a scenario where loyalties could be easily shifted between teams. Such a situation, he believes, would negatively impact the regular season’s fan culture, where passionate support for specific teams is essential. Ultimately, the Oilers’ quest to unite Canada rests on a delicate balance between fostering cross-country enthusiasm while preserving the vibrant, team-centric atmosphere that defines hockey in this country.
