Local fans pumped as Edmonton Oilers continue Stanley Cup battle

Fans pack bars across the province as the Edmonton Oilers battle to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada. 

Edmonton beat the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Friday night, tying up the series 3-3. Game 6 is set for Monday night.

One lucky fan said this win was the best birthday gift ever. 

“This is the happiest day of my life,” Jeff Klein said.

Klein was at the Canadian Brewhouse with family and friends when the orange and blue secured another win.

“This place is awesome,” he said. “It’s not as good as being in Edmonton, but this is the next best place to be.”

He went to Game 4 where the Oilers began their series comeback, now he’s a little superstitious. 

“I’m still wearing the exact same clothes from Game 4,” he said with a laugh. “That’s why we’re winning! The jersey, underwear, socks, jeans everything!”

He’s been a fan since he was born in 1979. He’s ready for the cup to come home.

Joelene Zakaluzny enjoyed Game 6 with her dad and uncle. They’re all convinced the Oilers will win in Game 7. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Another fan is packing her bags and heading to Florida for Game 7.

Joelene Zakaluzny didn’t reveal how much she spent on the tickets.

“Let’s just say they were a pretty penny but it’s absolutely worth it,” she said.

She enjoyed the game with two special men in her life.

“I’m very happy to be here with my dad and my uncle,” she said. “What’s a better way to spend the evening?”

She thinks the Oilers are due for another win.

“They’re going to win the cup,” she said. “It’s going to be great for the whole community of Edmonton and everybody is cheering them on. For a Canadian team to win it’s going to be awesome.”

Garth Schill (right) and Darrell Levesque enjoyed Game 6 with friends. “This place is the best place in the city to watch a hockey game,” said Schill. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Darrell Levesque and Garth Schill watched the game with friends.

Levesque loves the game-like atmosphere in the restaurant.

“It’s electric,” he said. “It’s so loud you can’t hear yourself think, but it’s worth it because it’s deserved for the Oilers.”

Schill echoes Levesque.

“This place is the best place in the city to watch a hockey game,” said Schill. “All the TVs, no matter where you’re sitting the TV is always in front of your face, it’s wonderful.”

Schill has a wild prediction for Game 7.

“I think it’s going to be a double overtime game,” he explained. “Hyman is going to score the winner with 20 seconds left in double overtime.”

He’s been cheering for the Oilers since the Wayne Gretzky days.

Andrew Richard said watching the game at Canadian Brewhouse was like being in Edmonton. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Andrew Richard wants to see his first Oilers Stanley Cup win.

“I’ve never seen a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup so for them to win would be huge,” he said. “It would be an honour to see it live.”

With the goal horns, he feels like he’s at the game in Edmonton.

All the fans believe the Oilers will come out victorious in the battle for Lord Stanley and bring it home after 31 years.

“Go Oilers! Bring the cup home to Canada,” Richard said.