‘We still love them’: City supportive after Oilers lose Stanley Cup

After the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, fans are looking on the bright side.

Although a loss hangs over Edmonton for a second year in a row, the Oilers still have the devoted support of its city.

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“It’s a disappointing day but we’re still proud of our guys,” said ward pihêsiwin councillor Tim Cartmell at city hall Wednesday. “We’re the second-best team in the world.”

The Edmonton Oilers lost 5-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final Tuesday night.

“Not the outcome we were hoping for, obviously, but we were right there with them until the end,” said Cartmell.

Hundreds of thousands gathered at watch parties across the city, hoping for a better outcome than last year.

But despite the big loss, fans are still standing by their team.

Marissa and Leona were at the Oilers store in Ice District Wednesday afternoon shopping for team swag.

“It’s sad but we still need to support them,” said Marissa. “We know they worked their hardest to get to where they did.”

“We love you,” said Leona while holding an Oilers-Margaritaville sweater. “We’re still cheering loud and proud.”

Last year, the Oilers playoff run brought $280 million to the city’s local economy and is expected to meet the same target this year.

Tiaan Anderson, the district manager of the Canadian Brewhouse said business has been booming at the Icehouse downtown, all thanks to the Oilers.

“It’s awesome. It gives us hiring opportunities, gets our building full and is a chance for exposure,” said Anderson.

But the best thing is seeing people come together to support the team and celebrate the city.

“We’re all on the same team here looking for the same outcome and it’s really cool to be in the heartbeat of it,” said Anderson. “The city really comes together.”

Although Edmonton’s mayor will be donning a Panthers jersey as a result of a friendly bet with the Sunrise, Fla., mayor, he’ll still be cheering for the Oilers.

• Edmonton mayor wears Florida Panthers jersey in council meeting

“I am so proud,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “It really united communities and really brought the best out of us.”

“There’s a hangover from yesterday’s loss, but we’ll be able to shake it off and celebrate what a good run we had.”