N.B.ers pin hopes on Oilers to bring cup back to Canada
The Edmonton Oilers want to be the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup in 32 years as they embark on a finals rematch with the Florida Panthers.
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Winnipeg Free Press
24 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Panthers look to even the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers in Game 2
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Trailing the Stanley Cup Final after losing the opener in overtime, the defending champion Florida Panthers look to even things up in Game 2 at the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Winning on the road has not been a problem for them so far, going 8-3 away from home, the third loss coming Wednesday on Leon Draisatl's power-play goal following a puck-over-the-glass penalty on Tomas Nosek. The task of going into a packed, loud arena is just another challenge the Panthers are embracing. 'It's that 'us against the world' mindset, but you really feel it especially being down in a series,' winger Matthew Tkachuk said. 'Us against the 20-plus guys you're playing against, the 20,000 that are in the rink, the 20,000 that are outside the rink. It's just us against everybody. That's what makes playing on the road so fun and rewarding when you can get a win.' If they do, it will wrestle home-ice advantage away from the Oilers with play shifting to Sunrise for Games 3 and 4 next week. One of the toughest parts of being on the road is trying to defend Draisaitl and Connor McDavid when they're on the ice together. Coach Kris Knoblauch did that some late in Game 1, and it's difficult for Paul Maurice to counter without the last line change to control matchups. 'When they play together, they're obviously very creative players and they'll make everyone around them better,' Florida defenseman Seth Jones said. 'They like to look for each other, especially when they play together, little give-and-goes, things like that, and then they're dangerous off the rush, too. Whether they're playing together or apart, it's a five-man unit defending.' The Oilers remain without Zach Hyman, out for the remainder of the playoffs after his right wrist got dislocated on a hit during the last round. The Panthers could be close to full strength if A.J. Greer can return, and Maurice said fourth-liner Jonah Gadjovich is good to go after missing part of Game 1. ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
‘Forget about the past': Fans weigh in on criticism of Wayne Gretzky over Trump ties
Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky, right, and his wife Janet Jones arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP) EDMONTON — It wasn't long ago that some Canadians were up in arms about hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's ties to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. But as the Edmonton Oilers skate their way through the Stanley Cup final, hockey fans say it's time to let bygones be bygones. 'I don't think it matters,' said Craig Hiscock, a longtime Oilers fan, as he posed Wednesday for a photo with a statue of Gretzky outside Rogers Place in Edmonton ahead of Game 1. 'Let's forget about the past. What he did here was a lot for the city, a lot for hockey.' The statue was vandalized in March and smeared with what appeared to be and strongly smelled like feces. On Wednesday, a hip-high metal fence was up around the bronze figure. An online petition started in February calling for a new name for Wayne Gretzky Drive also has about 14,000 signatures. Gretzky, the Ontario-born hockey star who led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories in the 1980s, recently drew the ire of Canadians for his public support of Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire for Canada to join the U.S and become its 51st state. The Great One was photographed with Trump several times at the president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. In January, Gretzky and his wife, Janet, attended Trump's inauguration in Washington. Frustrations grew after he appeared as honorary captain for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off final with the United States. Video footage showed him giving the U.S. team a thumbs-up as he walked to the ice. Gretzky also congratulated Dallas Stars players in their locker room last month, after they advanced to the Western Conference final. The Oilers eliminated the Stars in five games and now have one win against the Florida Panthers in the Cup final. Game 2 is Friday night. Brian Foulken, who became a fan during the Gretzky era and collects Oilers merchandise, said Gretzky's accomplishments, including multiple scoring records that stand to this day, still resonate with people. As for the criticism, Foulken said people are going to have their own opinions. 'At the end of the day, (Gretzky) played here for a long time. The diehard Oilers (fans), we love him,' he said outside the arena before Game 1. 'He's an amazing player.' Foulken added that current Oilers captain Connor McDavid is inching closer to Gretzky-level greatness. Darren Rogers, a Gretzky fan since the Oilers' inception into the NHL in 1979, said Gretzky's leadership led the team to win multiple Stanley Cups. Politics aside, that accomplishment should matter more to people in the grand scheme of things, Rogers said. Gretzky was in Edmonton for Wednesday's game. And as storied as Gretzky is to the Oilers franchise, he appeared to still be catching up to this new generation's fan base. On an American sports network, he sat side by side with commentators, as they discussed the Oilers' new tradition of playing the pop song 'Pink Pony Club.' Players have been tight-lipped about the significance of the Chappell Roan hit, typically heard after the team plays 'La Bamba' by Los Lobos following a win. 'Pink Pony — is that a band or is that a song?' the 64-year-old Gretzky asked TNT Sports co-host Paul Bissonnette following the Oilers' 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1. '(Roan) sings a song, 'Pink Pony Club,' and it's famous. It's on the radio,' Bissonnette answered. 'It's the new generation, Wayne,' he added. Gretzky appeared disappointed to learn Roan isn't Canadian, but still seemed eager to check out the song. 'I gotta get that (as) my ringtone,' Gretzky said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: June 6-8
A door outside the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel reads 'Jail Entrance.' (HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel) looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend. CHEO Telethon The 2025 CHEO Telethon is on CTV Ottawa on Saturday. The telethon showcases how your donations support CHEO, the CHEO Research Institute and the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. To donate, visit Doors Open Ottawa Take a behind the scenes look at many iconic buildings in Ottawa this weekend. Doors Open Ottawa runs Saturday and Sunday across Ottawa. For a list of buildings to explore, click here. On Sunday, the city is hosting the Public Works Big Wheels Expo at 300 Coventry Road. Check out city vehicles, including a garbage truck, sidewalk sweeper, a hydraulic crane and a snow plow. Ottawa Titans The Ottawa Titans host the Sussex County Miners for a three-game series at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium. First pitch Friday night is at 7 p.m., followed by games at 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. There will be fireworks following Friday night's game. Saturday is Pride Night and Sunday is Cappy's Birthday Party. For tickets, visit Volleyball Nations League Some of the top women's volleyball teams in the world are in Ottawa this weekend for Volleyball Nations League. Canada, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Japan, Netherlands and Serbia will play at TD Place. For tickets, visit Rhythmic Gymnastics Canadian Championships The Rhythmic Gymnastics Canadian Championships run this weekend at Algonquin College. Witness the beauty, grace and athleticism of Canada's best rhythmic gymnasts. For tickets, visit Dickinson Days Don't miss Dickinson Days this weekend in Manotick Village. Events run all weekend, including a pancake breakfast and Kiwanis Craft Market on Saturday, a scavenger hunt and entertainment. There will be a fireworks show in Centennial Park at 9:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, click here. Ottawa Italian Festival Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy during Ottawa Italian Festival. Head to Preston Street and explore the Ottawa Ferrari Festival, Italian Car Parade, Preston Street Market and the Preston Street Bicycle Races. Blackburn Fun Fair The first weekend of June means it's the Blackburn Fun Fair this weekend in Blackburn. The Blackburn Community Association invites you to enjoy a weekend of fun activities, including a movie night, parade, dog show, softball tournament, music and more. There's a fireworks show at 10 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit Ottawa Firefighter Day The Ottawa Fire Service invites you to Firefighter Day at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Touch a fire truck, learn how to use a fire extinguisher, take part in the children's firefighter challenge, and check out the bucket brigade, a vehicle extrication and a grease fire simulator. Firefighter Day runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Orléans Craft Beer Festival The Orléans Craft Beer Festival runs Friday and Saturday at the Centrum Plaza. Enjoy two days of the best craft breweries, local food and live music. Guitars and Gasoline The Guitars and Gasoline music festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Calabogie Motorsports Park. The lineup includes Blue Rodeo and The Trews Friday night, and Josh Ross and Theory of a Deadman on Saturday night. NCC bike days National Capital Commission's weekend bikedays continue all weekend. The NCC will close the parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use. Here is a look at what's open for cyclists, runners, walkers and other active use: Kichi Zībī Mīkan (Vimy Place to Carling Avenue): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Somerset Avenue to Fifth Avenue): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday National Arts Centre Here's a look at what's happening at the National Arts Centre this weekend. Friday: Summer Indigenous Art Market Saturday-Sunday: Le Potager, a rock concert for kids Saturday: Jennifer Castle Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe Here's a look at what's happening at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe this weekend: Friday-Sunday: The Music Man Sunday: The Barrhaven Community Concert Band Shenkman Arts Centre See Anne of Green Gables this weekend at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The presentation by the Ottawa School of Theatre runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 613flea 613flea returns to Lansdowne Park on Saturday. Check out 150 vendors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free. Lansdowne Farmers Market The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday. Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street Farmers Market The Main Street Farmers Market is open for the season. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grande Allee Park. Carp Farmers Market The Carp Farmers Market is open every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This week is Market Day, with an educational display in the Rotunda featuring pioneer artifacts. Metcalfe Farmers Market The Metcalfe Farmers Market has kicked off a new season. The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds. Westboro Farmers' Market The Westboro Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is located in Byron Linear Park. Museums Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario: Parliament of Canada Tours Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block. For tickets and tour times, visit Parliament: The Immersive Experience Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience. Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019. The self-guided tour is 45 minutes. Tickets are available at no cost at visit Events Happening in Kingston this weekend Friday-Sunday: Decrepitude Blues at the Domino Theatre Friday: Bloom into You at the Kingston Grand Theatre Saturday: Bloom in my garden at the Kingston Grand Theatre Saturday: Night at the Opera at the Spire Inclusive Fun Fair The second annual Inclusive Fun Fair is Saturday in Kingston. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shannon Park. Brockville Street Fair The Brockville Street Fair runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Brockville. Enjoy amusement rides, midway games, treats and more, while supporting the Shriners. For more information, click here. Knickers! See Knickers, a 'brief' comedy, this weekend at the Seaway Valley Theatre. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit Unleashed Pet Fest Bring your furry friend to Unleashed Pet Fest on Pitt Street in Cornwall on Saturday. Admission is free. Brockville Ontario Speedway Saturday night is race night at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. Racing starts at 7 p.m. Cornwall Motor Speedway Sunday is race night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway Enjoy racing around the quarter-mile dirt track, with the first race at 6 p.m.
