Cochrane Now/Noel Edey
For the second consecutive year, the Edmonton Oilers flag is flapping in the Cochrane breeze.
Given the choice, many locals would favour the Calgary Flames, but this time it’s about national pride. Canadians are desperate to see the Stanley Cup return to our country for the first time since 1993.
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Town councillor Morgan Nagel, an avid Flames fan, pitched the idea of raising the flag. He even had to borrow his brother’s Oilers jersey—his brother lives in the Edmonton area.
“I’m a Flames fan myself, but I really feel that right now, our rival isn’t Edmonton—it’s the USA,” said Nagel. “I believe we should stand together.”
Ken and Shelia Balkwill returned for a second year to take part in the flag-raising. Ken thinks this could be the year and is already dreaming up ways to bring the Stanley Cup to Cochrane.
He’s hoping that if the Oilers win, an Oiler with ties to Canmore might bring it for a visit.
“This year I think we’ve got a stronger club,” said Ken. “I think they know what they’re fighting for, and I’m confident they’re going to win the Cup.”
There was one disgruntled person there, though, quietly disgusted by what he saw.
First, though, the Oilers will need to get past the well-rounded and defending champion Florida Panthers—who also appear stronger than last year.
His wife, Sheila, is feeling much more confident this time around about her beloved Oilers.
"The team appears to be much stronger and settled. I think they're determined," she said.
She appreciates how Coun. Morgan Nagel got permission to raise the flag.
"This year, it's Team Canada. We're the last Canadian team standing. The last time the Flames were in it, we supported them."
Sheila and her husband have been Oilers fans since 1979, the year the team joined the NHL from the defunct WHA, and she has plenty of Oilers gear to prove it.
Last year, she wore Oilers boots. This year, she switched to sneakers — complete with Oilers-themed shoelaces.
"I bought these four years ago, and they've only come out of the house twice. They only come out for special occasions."
Nagel thanked those who came out for showing their Canadian pride.
