Oilers and fans remember superfan Ben Stelter

Connor McDavid dedicated the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks in their season opener Wednesday night to Ben Stelter.

“Tonight was for our buddy Ben. We miss him, for the whole Stelter family. We think about him,” said the Oilers captain following the game.

“I think about him after big wins, and tonight was a big win and I’m thinking of him. His big saying was ‘Play La Bamba’ and I’m going to listen to it tonight for him.”

Before puck drop, a tribute was played in honour of six-year-old Oilers superfan Ben Stelter who passed away due to brain cancer in August.

“During this short time, he brought so much joy to the Edmonton Oilers players, staff and fans, while raising thousands of dollars for the Kids with Cancer Society in his name,” said the Oilers organization during the video for Ben.

Stelter’s dad Mike retweeted the tribute video saying, “Thank you Edmonton Oilers for the incredible tribute to our sweet Ben. It was beautifully done and incredibly special to our family.”

“It’s a whole bank of emotions, isn’t it? You range from happiness to sadness and everything in between,” explained Daniel Gallant, manager of travel & events with OilersNation.

Gallant says the Stelter has left a huge legacy that he hopes will continue for years and years to come.

“He’s going to be part of all these wins that we have this season and all the ups and downs, whether he’s here or not. He’s a part of it, he made an impact on this team, and he made an impact on this city – and we are Benmonton.”

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Sports show host Avry Lewis-McDougall says Ben was a reminder to fans to keep faith in the team throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs last year.

“To see the team rally around him as family, make him feel like he was a true Oiler, that was emotional. And no matter if it’s a part of your family, your friend, losing someone like that who has a major impact on you – it’s tough,” said Avry Lewis-McDougall, host of Avry’s Sports Show.

“He was a great beam of showing, hey, no matter how tough times can be, try and stay positive and try and keep smiling.”

The Oilers told CityNews in a statement about the tribute, “Our dear friend Ben brought so much joy to so many people, not just in Edmonton, but across North America—and not a day goes by when we don’t think of him… we will continue to “Play La Bamba, Baby” in his name.”

“Play La Bamba Baby!” – Ben Stelter