PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a crucial game against the Florida Panthers, Local 10 News ventured into the heart of South Florida’s Pembroke Park community, where a few Oilers fans remain vocal and confident.
Agathe and her husband, Luc, of the city’s Park Lake community, are among the last of the Canadian snowbirds still in the area.
“Let’s fight,” said Agathe.
“It’s going to be the Oilers,” said Luc with a chuckle.
Despite being far from Edmonton, the couple proudly displayed their allegiance.
“How does it feel to be an Oilers fan in South Florida today? Are you in hiding?” asked Local 10 News reporter Christian De La Rosa.
“Hiding!? Oh, but no!” said Agathe.
When asked what makes the Oilers superior, Luc said, “Faith, maybe. Edmonton people believe.”
In this predominantly Oilers-friendly enclave, there are still some who support the Panthers, bringing a glimmer of hope for the home team.
Gules Cantin, a dedicated Panthers fan, said. “I wish the Panthers would win. “They work more for it. It’s their home, their fans.”
As the game approaches, the Park Lake community remains a battleground of loyalties, with both teams’ fans passionately defending their sides.
“It’s worth it once-in-a-lifetime experience,” an Oilers fan told Local 10 News’ Alexis Frazier at Amerant Bank Arena. “We hope the Oilers pull it off tonight.”
I have to be at work in 30 minutes, so don’t tell anybody I’m here, but I’m so excited,” another fan said.
Game 7 airs at 8 p.m. Monday right here on Local 10.
Hockey fans can also tune in to Local 10′s Chasing the Cup pre-game show starting at 7:30 p.m.
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