Sterns returns to Riders' roster for Saturday's showdown against Elks
1h ago
The Riders made some roster moves ahead of the game against the Edmonton Elks.
Bar owners are gearing up for what could be a very entertaining two weeks.
For the first time in 31 years, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames will meet in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Game 1 of the best-of-seven NHL series is set for Wednesday.
The matchup has hockey fans in Regina looking forward to visiting their local establishment.
Tim Rogers, owner of The Lancaster, says it has been a long time since there has been this much buzz for a sporting event.
“We’re hoping for some (big) crowds,” he said Tuesday. “Beyond anything, it’s nice to have something to be excited about. It’s nice to have the Battle of Alberta that we haven’t really seen.”
4Seasons Sports Palace owner George Yannitsos says he’s pretty eager for what could transpire.
“We take the wins where we can and the fact we have a Battle of Alberta is a huge win,” he said. “Hopefully we will enjoy it for the next two weeks.”
After what was a more quiet first round for business, both Rogers and Yannitsos figure they’ll see traffic pick up.
“The first round was a little bit quieter; it always is,” said Rogers. “Nobody really gets excited about their team in Canada until (they) make it to the second round minimum. Usually it starts picking up around the second round.”
Yannitsos feels fans of both teams will come out and show their support.
“It is so evenly split,” he said. “There are a lot of Oilers fans and same thing in terms of Flames. I expect both fan bases to come out in full force and be engaged.
“Think about it: Whoever wins the Battle of Alberta is going to the Western Conference final.”
Yannitsos said he’s happy about the Battle of Alberta because it also takes away some discussion about the CFL players’ strike.
Both bar owners agree the series will be great for business, especially after what has been a difficult two years.