New Oilers mural in downtown Edmonton fuels playoff spirit

A new blue and orange mural has popped up in the heart of Edmonton, celebrating the Oilers’ playoff run and rallying fans ahead of Game 4 of the Western Conference Final.

“This is therapeutic art, I think,” said muralist Lalith Senanayake, who began painting the piece two weeks ago.

Located near Jasper Avenue and 116 Street, the mural is a collaboration with local pub The Cabin. It features prominent Oilers players—including a prominent portrait of captain Connor McDavid—alongside the Stanley Cup.

“This is my favourite player,” said Senanayake. “He’s the bigger action.”

The artist, who moved to Edmonton two years ago, says he wanted to use his talent to give back to the community and show support for the city’s beloved team.

“It’s good for the Oilers’ action moment. This is a victory,” he said. “This victory is giving the idea of a speed mural.”

Senanayake has had help from his son Don, who took time off school to assist with the project. Rain or shine, the pair has worked between two and eight hours a day to get the job done.

“Adding more support and adding more cheer to the team,” said Don. “It feels amazing to have lots of appreciation from people who like these paintings. A lot of hard work and effort went into this.”

“Big impressions—better for the community,” added Lalith. “Warm up… warm up for the people. I think it motivates the people, and it motivates the community.”

The co-owner of The Cabin, Pankaj Sor, said he joined the project to give back and show appreciation for the Oilers, whose playoff success has helped boost local business over the past two years.

“This is something—a small contribution to honour and show support towards the Oilers,” Sor said.

Though the mural is nearly complete, Senanayake hopes to add one final detail: the Oilers players hoisting the Stanley Cup in victory.