British Columbia Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith set aside their provincial rivalry to attend Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks playoff series on Friday. Despite the friendly encounter, the two premiers did not sit side-by-side during the game.
The attendance of the two politicians comes after a social media bet over the series, where the losing Premier will have to wear the opposing team’s jersey and deliver a statement written by the winner in their provincial Legislature.
The Canucks went into the game up 1-0 in the series, but the Oilers managed to tie the series at 1-1 with a 3-1 victory in Game 2. Games 3 and 4 of the series are set to be played in Edmonton on Sunday and Tuesday.
The two premiers attended the game from a private suite at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Several others were in the suite, and the two premiers did not sit next to one another.
The Oilers and Canucks are two of the most storied franchises in NHL history, and their rivalry is one of the most passionate in the league. The two teams have met in the playoffs on several occasions, and the Oilers have won the majority of those matchups.
The Oilers are looking to win their first Stanley Cup since 1990, while the Canucks are looking to win their first Stanley Cup since 1915. The series is sure to be a close one, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the political landscape in Western Canada.
