Edmonton Oilers superfan Ben Stelter passes away

Oilers superfan Ben Stelter, the six-year-old who battled brain cancer and quickly became an icon for Edmonton fans, has passed away.

Ben’s father Mike Stelter shared the news on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

“The world lost the most special boy and an absolute hero last night” Stelter tweeted. “Ben, you were the best son we could ever hope for and you were my best bud ever. Your sisters were so lucky to have you as such a sweet brother. You fought so long and hard and beat so many odds.

“You truly changed the world and did so much good in your short time here. Mom and I are so proud of you. You had a bigger heart than anyone we’ve ever met. Our hearts are left with a Ben sized hole in them and life will never be the same without you. We are absolutely crushed.

“We love you our sweet Benny boy.”

The world lost the most special boy and an absolute hero last night. Ben, you were the best son we could ever hope for and you were my best bud ever. Your sisters were so lucky to have you as such a sweet brother. You fought so long and hard and beat so many odds. pic.twitter.com/HWibnZKOxC

— Mike Stelter (@m_dan25) August 10, 2022

Thousands of messages of condolences from across the country poured in.

In a release, the Edmonton Oilers organization called Ben a “dear friend, number one fan, good luck charm and inspiration.”

“Ben came into all of our lives at a time when we needed some hope and inspiration,” the Oilers wrote. “Although small in stature, Ben’s impact on our team and community were massive.

“At a time when he was going through his own struggles with his illness, he and his family gave us their time and their friendship, allowing to get to know Ben and be touched by his charm, his courage and his infectious giggle.

“He was such a huge part of what made last season so special to all of us and forever more we will ‘Play La Bamba’ in his memory.”

We are mourning the passing of our dear friend, number one #Oilers fan, good luck charm & inspiration, Ben Stelter.

Although small in stature, Ben's impact on our team & community were massive.

Play La Bamba, baby. ????????

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 10, 2022

The Oilers also retweeted photos and videos of Ben from this summer’s playoff run.

Several other NHL teams shared their messages of support.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Ben’s family and friends” tweeted the Calgary Flames organization.
“Ben was an incredible source of inspiration to everyone who knew him and his story, epitomizing courage, kindness, and bravery. Rest in peace Ben.”

“Our hearts are with you and the entire Oilers family,” wrote the Colorado Avalanche. “Thanks for sharing Ben with all of us, he was a light to the world.”

Pre-game bumps with Ben! ????????@m_dan25 | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/WcOj9F5aGV

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 9, 2022

The Kids Cancer Society said in a statement to CityNews, “Today our heart aches for Bens’ family. He was a very special boy who truly defined the word hero. We will never forget his sweet smile, radiant personality proudly cheering on his beloved Oilers, with Mickey Mouse always by his side.

“We will always remember Ben, and all children who are no longer with us.”

Ben captured the hearts of hockey fans everywhere as he cheered on the Oilers this year.

He watched the deep playoff run from Rogers Place, got to hang out with some of the players before and after games, and even developed a friendship with captain Connor McDavid.

Ben was also featured on an Upper Deck hockey card alongside his idol.