By Hayley Wickenheiser, The Globe and Mail, Thursday, July 1, 2010
As a Calgarian, I will risk life and limb and state unequivocally that the Edmonton Oilers are the country’s most iconic sports team because they epitomize all things Canadian to me. The spirit of Canada runs powerfully through the veins of the organization, from the team’s fans to the franchise and the city of Edmonton itself. Edmonton is northern and cold – precisely the locale intended for my sport. The team is engaged with the community and slugs through its fair share of controversy, as well as a gruelling travel schedule – they are tough. And Oilers fans are fiercely loyal and optimistic. All of these traits are quintessentially Canadian. And how could the Oilers not be the most iconic sports team when they have produced the most iconic players of the game? Just to name a few: Coffey, Anderson, Lowe, Fuhr, Messier and, of course, Gretzky. Most of their names are instantly recognizable whether or not you are a hockey fan. I grew up idolizing and emulating these men. (Read more…)