Written by Erlinda Tan, a Filipina Canadian and Edmonton Oilers enthusiast residing in Vancouver, this First Person column delves into her journey with hockey. For more captivating First Person stories, explore the FAQ.
My first experience watching a full hockey match was during the 2010 Winter Olympics, particularly the intense final against the U.S., where Sidney Crosby clinched the gold medal with a thrilling overtime goal.
Joined by friends on Vancouver Island, I witnessed the game on a large screen and witnessed the nationwide jubilation that swept Canada from coast to coast. Celebrations echoed through the streets, with cars honking in victory and people singing O Canada in trains, buses, malls, and every corner.
Having recently moved to Canada from the Philippines, my exposure to hockey had been limited to photos. Witnessing how a hockey triumph could unify an entire nation to such an extent was a remarkable display of unity.
This event sparked my curiosity about the sport. Amidst settling into my new homeland, I sporadically caught glimpses of hockey on TV. While it didn’t captivate me like that memorable day in 2010, it seemed to follow me as I noticed people donning hockey jerseys and heard resounding cheers in my apartment building during games. Subsequently, I added hockey to my “To Learn” checklist as a new immigrant in Canada.
It was in spring 2014 when I attended my first live hockey game, the Edmonton Oilers versus the Anaheim Ducks match. Invited by a hockey enthusiast friend who held season tickets, I found myself swept up in the electric atmosphere of Rexall Place in Edmonton, surrounded by fans in orange jerseys chanting enthusiastically.
As the buzzer sounded, reminiscent of ships docking back in the Philippines, I found myself amid the fervor of Edmonton’s hockey arena, experiencing the game come alive before me. Witnessing the Oilers’ victory and the joyous crowd exiting the arena left a lasting impression on me.
Gradually, I grasped the immense stature of hockey in my city. Colleagues sporting Oilers’ jerseys at work and the correlation between the team’s performance and the boss’s mood became apparent to me. Terms like the “Battle of Alberta” intrigued me, leading to a discovery that it was not a historical conflict but a fierce hockey rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary.
It dawned on me that in Canada, hockey transcends being merely a sport; it embodies a significant cultural element, almost akin to a religion. Its integration into everyday life, including street names and iconic figures like Wayne Gretzky, underscored its deep-rooted presence in Canadian society.
Watching hockey on TV became a regular pastime for me, particularly during notable events like the Battle of Alberta. I adorned my kitchen with small towels bearing the Oilers’ logo, a testament to my growing affinity for the sport. Nine years on, those towels still hold a special place in my home.
My affection for hockey blossomed in tandem with my assimilation into Canadian life. Engaging in office discussions about the game fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
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