Connor McDavid and other Oilers speak on the passing of Ben Stelter
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
August 12, 2022 (5:01 PM)
On Tuesday, the world lost a little angel when Edmonton Oilers' super fan Ben Stelter passed away at just six years old.
We got to know Ben's story throughout the Oilers' 2021-22 season. Unfortunately, Ben passed away due to his brain cancer, but he will never be forgotten.
Oilers forward Evander Kane sent out his love and support to the Stelter family:
In an interview with TSN, Connor Mcdavid says:
''Any time the Edmonton Oilers win at home, they'll think of Ben Stelter.''
''There's that video of him saying 'Play La Bamba, baby.''
(McDavid, referring to the old Ritchie Valens song that serves as the Oilers' victory anthem)
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Two days after Ben passed away from glioblastoma (a form of brain cancer), McDavid, along with Zach Hyman and head coach Jay Woodcroft, shared how they felt about Ben and the impact he had on the Oilers and their fans.
McDavid remembered first meeting Stelter in September:
''He was an amazing little guy who lit up every single room he was in ... He certainly lit up our room any time he walked in there.''
Ben became the good luck charm for the Oilers at the end of the season and their 2022 playoff run. The club even went on a 10-game home winning streak at one point with Stelter in attendance and continued to cheer them on all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
There's an image of Ben and McDavid on the ice at Rogers Place, and Upper Deck made it into a hockey card, something Ben always wanted.
Hyman recalled on how Ben had a chance to tour the Oilers' dressing room:
''Most kids his age would be nervous, or even players nervous in front of media.''
''That was a really cool moment to share with him.''
Oilers head coach Woodcroft would have this to say about Ben:
''Not only did he walk into a dressing room or arena and light up our team, but I thought he lit up our fan base.''
''What I found most interesting about my time with Ben was the impact that a child had on a team and organization in the city.''
Find the entire press conference below:
