‘Zero tolerance’ at Edmonton Oilers watch parties after beers thrown in celebration

The Edmonton Oilers are in the driver’s seat up 3-2 in their opening-round playoff series against the L.A. Kings.

With the playoff run going full steam ahead and the second round within reach, Oilers fans throughout the city – and especially at the Ice District on game nights – are erupting with energy.

But some fans who have struggled to contain their excitement have posed a risk to public safety.

“It’s going to turn people away and say, ‘hey if this continues, maybe I shouldn’t bring my kids or other people out to it,” said sportswriter Avry Lewis-McDougall. “We want to make sure that these kind of events for playoff games are safe and fun environments and we don’t have people like this being reckless.”

After a big win in a pivotal Game 5 Tuesday night, outdoor watch parties in downtown Edmonton, which are open to thousands of fans free of charge, were flooded with cheers.

Moss Pit reacts to Game 5 win – Woz #ONOilUp #NationOilUp pic.twitter.com/dUZaEUEiX2

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) April 26, 2023

But in at least one video shared to social media, beers can be seen sailing across the sky into the large crowd of Oilers fans.

Some of those in attendance reported being struck by the metal containers.

“Saw someone get domed by a can last night and genuinely worried he could’ve been concussed,” one fan tweeted. “Let’s celebrate but be mindful of our fellow fans around us!”

Saw someone get domed by a can last night and genuinely worried he could've been concussed.

Let's celebrate but be mindful of our fellow fans around us!

— Woz (@itsWozzz) April 26, 2023

The scene was reminiscent of Game 1 of the series, when fans showered the inside of Rogers Place with garbage after a loss.

“While the vast majority of fans in Edmonton are kind and respectful to each other, we’d like to remind everyone to refrain from throwing things or doing anything that could potentially harm a fellow fan,” the president of Rogers Place and the Ice District, Stu Ballantyne, told CityNews in a statement.

“Edmonton Police Services and ICE District Security will be on the lookout for and will have zero tolerance for any disruptive and dangerous behaviour as, even though this behaviour is extremely rate in Edmonton, safety is our op priority.”

MORE FROM OILERS’ PLAYOFF RUN:

• Young Oilers fan sees growing support from Kings fans following incident in LA
• Is the Oilers’ playoff run impacting your sleep?
• Edmonton seniors cheer on Oilers with viral TikTok dance moves
• Downtown Edmonton businesses hoping to profit from Oilers playoff push
• Country star Brett Kissel cheering on Edmonton Oilers during playoff run

The Oilers are hoping to make a deep playoff run this year, which could see these watch parties stick around for the next couple of weeks or even months.

Maintaining public safety as the stakes get higher will be essential in ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

“If Edmonton goes further in the playoffs, it’s going to get bigger and bigger and bigger,” said Lewis-McDougall. “I can’t imagine how big it will get if Edmonton makes it to the cup final come June.”