St. Albert seniors cheering on the Oilers with their very own Papa Stanley

CTV News

17-06-2025

Papa Stanley (middle) with Oilers fans at Everitt Gardens, ready to cheer on the team for Game 6 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
A group of Oilers fans in St. Albert is finding their own unique way to support the team without having to go down to the Ice District.
Seniors at Everitt Gardens are known for their Oilers game day videos on TikTok, often dressing up and belting out their best chants.
While many people might know Mama Stanley, a local fan donned in silver sequins and paint in the Moss Pit, Ed Wilkins is taking a spin by dressing up too, with his group dubbing him Papa Stanley.
'First of all, I thought they were kidding me and secondly, I thought I was nuts to do it but it's fun.' Wilkins told CTV News Edmonton.
His outfit consists of a silver face paint, a sequined T-shirt, a silver top hat with tinsel and a glittery skirt to replicate the Stanley Cup. Wilkins says last year Mama Stanley paid a visit and loved his outfit as well.
'He's such a trooper, he doesn't mind putting on the makeup and he wears our glitter skirt and the glitter top and he gets fully dressed as Papa Stanley,' said Everitt Gardens recreation manager Lori Cary on Tuesday.
Cary says it warms her heart to see the seniors build a community during the Oilers playoffs.
'We like to say this is their home and you can really see the love and the fun that they have of shooting these videos and cheering on their favourite team,' she said.
She added making TikTok videos to the seniors' recreation calendar for Tuesday afternoons to ensure they kept the spirit going throughout the season.
Cary says after Mama Stanley's visit, it was only fair that Papa Stanley make his mark and Wilkins volunteered for the role.
Wilkins has no doubt he'll be putting on his silver outfit for a potential Game 7.
'They are a great team, there's no two ways about it.'
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson