Remembering Oilers superfan Ben Stelter

Oilers captain Connor McDavid hugs Ben Stelter after Edmonton's Game 4 loss on May 8, 2022. (Credit: Twitter/Ron Lawrence)

Posted August 11, 2022 1:59 pm.

Last Updated August 11, 2022 2:14 pm.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid took some time Thursday to speak about Ben Stelter.

The six-year-old Oilers superfan who battled brain cancer and captured the hearts of Canadians passed away Wednesday afternoon.

BACKGROUND: Edmonton Oilers superfan Ben Stelter passes away

“Honestly, Ben meant so much to myself, to my teammates and you know the relationship that kind of developed over the course of a year or so was something that I certainly won’t forget,” said Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain, in an interview with Sportsnet.

“He was an amazing little guy who lit up every single room he was in. He certainly lit up our room every time he walked in there.

Ben quickly became an icon around Edmonton, the Oilers organization, and hockey.

The lifelong Oilers fan first was first introduced at an Oilers-Sharks game on March 25, 2022, but McDavid says the connection with the Ben’s family started long before that.

READ MORE: Five-year-old battling brain cancer steals the show in Oilers-Sharks game

“It actually started a long time ago. I think his dad reached out on Twitter or something like that,” McDavid explained. “September last year, I got a chance to meet him for the first time, and honestly just fell in love with him right away and the entire family.”

“I just loved being around him.”

“I think he made a great point that us athletes have a great impact on kids. Ben had such an impact on our team and myself, even in the short time that we knew him over the course of the year. Just such an amazing kid. So strong, so brave. When you watch someone go through that — anybody, I don’t just mean a five or six-year-old kid, but especially when you’re five or six years old – to see him go through that was truly inspiring.”

Many memorable moments involving Ben quickly bloomed over the few months following his show-stealing introduction in March.

Player of the game! You’ve got this buddy. #GoBenGo pic.twitter.com/YMj4DoexKJ

— Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) March 25, 2022

“For me, I think it was certainly sharing that moment with him,” said McDavid, when asked about his favourite moment with Ben. “Just being able to see it. See his face and be close to him. Not a lot of people get to experience what the ice feels like and what it sounds like, but it was pretty loud in there.

“Just to experience that with him was really special to me. It’s something that I’ll definitely always remember.”

The @EdmontonOilers gave Ben Stelter, a five-year-old fan battling brain cancer, a night he'll never forget. ????

Ben was the pre-game skater, the star of the post-game presser, and was named the team's MVP. pic.twitter.com/trgYmbbLSe

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 25, 2022

Back in March, Ben was asked about forward Zach Hyman’s efforts in a game.

“I think he’s playing really good,” he answered, then going on to confirm that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were his favourite players.

Hyman was asked how he could become Ben’s favourite.

“I think I need a little more time,” Hyman said. “I just got here, but I think Ben’s picked two great guys, two great players, just happy to be on stage with him.”

Oilers fans watching from a nearby window gave Ben a raucous ovation as he left the press conference stage.

“I think for me, I’m always going to think about him after a win. There’s that video that’s kind of everywhere with him playing ‘La Bamba, Baby’ and I think that’s what I’m going to think about,” McDavid said.

Play La Bamba, Baby!!! Awesome win, @EdmontonOilers #BenOilersStrong pic.twitter.com/ZZ4bCf7VXx

— Mike Stelter (@m_dan25) May 23, 2022

Over the course of his time spent with the Oilers, Ben became a bit of a good luck charm. The Oilers managed about 10 consecutive wins while Ben was in attendance at Rogers Place.

During the Oilers’ playoff run, CityNews spoke with some Oilers fans who said he was a part of their playoff superstitions.

“He’s like a part of the team. It’s just really nice to watch,” one said at the time.

“Ben is Edmonton’s lucky charm to be quite honest,” said another. “I think him being there for the winning games is no surprise and I think hopefully he’ll be there tomorrow and bring us more good luck.”

Upper Deck also issued a limited-edition Ben Stelter hockey card. The sports merchandise company referred to Ben as a heroic inspiration.

Ben truly had an impact on the hockey world and it was felt on Wednesday as many took to social media.

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

Mike, Ben Stelter's father, has announced that Ben has passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stelter family. ???????? pic.twitter.com/wfKHvnG9N7

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 10, 2022

Ben Stelter was more than a hockey fan.

He was an inspiration in life, showing tremendous courage in the face of his struggle and bravely helping raise awareness and funds for others like him.

Even though he’s gone, he remains a reminder of the best we can be. #yeg #oilers https://t.co/kZBXhjAkUU

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 10, 2022

We join the hockey world in mourning the loss of young @EdmontonOilers fan Ben Stelter. pic.twitter.com/G95mwEc5uT

— NHL (@NHL) August 10, 2022

Ben you’re a true warrior and are such a inspiration to all of us. Your strength, determination, courage and love beamed through the hockey world and especially our team. I’m going to miss your fist pumps before the games. To the Stelter family we send our love and support. https://t.co/x2ohXLA7OS

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) August 10, 2022

Our deepest condolences go out to Ben's family and friends. Ben was an incredible source of inspiration to everyone who knew him and his story, epitomizing courage, kindness, and bravery.

Rest in peace Ben ???? https://t.co/Un0bRjDvWG

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 10, 2022

Ben, your impact was felt around the entire hockey community. You were a true inspiration & will be missed around the league.

Sending love & support to the Stelter family ????

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) August 10, 2022

Sending our deepest condolences to the Stelter family, fans in Edmonton and the entire hockey community.

Rest in peace, Ben ????️????????

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 10, 2022

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Ben Stelter. It’s never easy knowing what to say, but we do know this, Ben brought so much joy to everyone he met and meant so much to the hockey and collector community.

Forever in our hearts. Rest easy, Ben. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/0eo13NqsYz

— Upper Deck (@UpperDeckSports) August 10, 2022

I am heartbroken to hear this news, and am sending love and strength to the entire Stelter family during this extremely difficult time. I promise to carry Ben's fighting spirit with me throughout my term. #YEG is a better place because of Ben Stelter. May his legacy live on. ????️ https://t.co/eTv4fGEXhj

— Amarjeet Sohi (@AmarjeetSohiYEG) August 10, 2022

– With files from Courtney Theriault, Carly Robinson, CityNews staff and Sportsnet

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback