‘Game of the century’: Hatters back Edmonton Oilers in Stanley Cup final

A 34-year-long drought could come to an end if the Oilers are able to beat the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final Monday night.

“I stayed a true fan and took lots of pain and grief over the years, but it’s worth it now,” Bourke told CHAT News.

Bob Bourke fell in love with the Oilers during the 80s. Lisa Parent/CHAT News

“It’s so exciting, this is literally the game of the century.”

Bourke is one of many Hatters who hope to watch the Oilers claim hockey’s most treasured prize after what would be a come-from-nothing reverse sweep of the series.

Zach Day, with blue and orange paint on his body and face, was ready for puck drop.

“We’re here to support this once in a lifetime opportunity, and we believe Connor McDavid will take this home for us,” Day, age 16, said.

Day’s friend Nathan Stehr, also 16 years old and painted in the Oiler colours, is certain the cup is returning to Alberta.

Nathan Stehr, left, and Zach Day, right, are all-in on the Oilers.

“I’m feeling 100 per cent confident, they got all the momentum coming into Game 7,” Stehr said.

“They’re going to take it to Florida, beat them in their own home court.”

A Medicine Hat teacher who, like Bourke, found her love for the Oilers in the Gretzky era, has worn her jerseys in support for every game day since the playoffs started in April.

Tracy Elderkin even kept it on during a hike Monday with her Grade 6 students.

“We just finished about a half hour hike through the woods, so it’s not exactly the best attire to wear, but I would not come here and not wear it,” Elderkin told CHAT News.

For these fans and others, winning the Stanley Cup is everything.

“The last few years, they’ve been building to this,” said Elderkin.

“This would mean the world,” she added.

READ: Where to watch the Stanley Cup final in Medicine Hat

The two high school fans already know it’s a day they will remember.

“It’s big that we get to see it in our youth, and there are many more to come so it’s honestly a memory I will never forget,” Stehr said.

Claiming the ultimate trophy in hockey would make staying loyal to the Oilers all these years worth it for Bourke.

“It would just be so surreal,” he said.

The final game that decides it all in hockey’s title fight gets underway at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida.

CHAT TV will have live coverage beginning at 6 p.m.

by Lisa Parent, Eli J. Ridder

‘Game of the century’: Hatters back Edmonton Oilers in Stanley Cup final

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