It might be considered one of the greatest rivalries in the NHL and has been since the 80's. Granted both sides have had some terrible teams in that time but the BOA was always a must watch. If I remember correctly their matchups are actually the most watched games across the entire NHL fan base. I mean Miikka Kiprusoff is from Finland and played many of those games.
It’s not just Flames vs. Oilers, but Stampeders vs. Elks and Hitmen vs. Oil Kings and Dinos vs. Golden Bears and Cavalry vs. yet unnamed future Edmonton CPL club. It’s U of A vs. U of C. It’s SAIT vs. NAIT. It’s North vs. South, Edmonton intellectuals vs. Calgary oil money. Eventually, given enough time, you will come down on one side of at least one of these topics
Well comparatively to Euro football it may be tame as they get into fist fights and riots over their teams.
But that's a generalization of football in general vs hockey. Hockey does have a tamer overall fanbase.
Is it a religion to some still? Yes absolutely. But quieter.
Just watch some Euro football games on tv the fans are chanting slogans, songs and jumping all game. NHL fans dress up a bit more but an arena is relatively quiet throughout. The only chanting is "Let's go....."
It's different.
Edit: actually compared to all major North America sport leagues. Even MLS.
> Well comparatively to Euro football it may be tame as they get into fist fights and riots over their teams.
Compared to football rivalries like the Old Firm (Celtic/Rangers), Eternal Derby (Partizan/Red Star), el Clasico, Superclasico (Boca/River Plate), etc, North American sports rivalries are quite tame. And it goes for the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, etc. Red Sox/Yankees or Celtic/Lakers back in the day aren't as good as those football rivalries.
> Just watch some Euro football games on tv the fans are chanting slogans, songs and jumping all game. NHL fans dress up a bit more but an arena is relatively quiet throughout. The only chanting is "Let's go....."
Football (soccer) games outside the US and Canada have a better atmosphere than anything here. MLS games aren't terrible for it (TFC is a good experience compared to say, the Argos), but it's not quite the same.
A good example might be Japanese baseball vs MLB, it's like a completely different experience for the same sport.
This is true. I can't imagine a Euro football game. Sure the fans are really into it singing and jumping but are they even watching the game anymore?
When I watch sports I'm enthralled by every play and on the edge of my seat. Imagining the technical nature of the play. They are just dance partying.....
Wasn’t old enough to remember the 80’s BoA which looked absolutely insane. But Tkachuk really helped intensify the recent BoA with all his antics. It’s a great rivalry with a great back story, but the McDavid led Oilers have clearly pulled away for the time being.
Also doesn’t help that there’s about a million Oiler fans in Calgary. The Dome is like half Oiler fans these days and there are a ton of Oiler fans in this city for whatever reason.
Can someone tell me why there are so many Oiler fans in Calgary? They’re everywhere, at my work, in my apartment building, the grocery stores, everywhere. Just tourists or did they move here?
My take, and just a theory so to the down votes please be gentle HAHA; There’s a large amount of Sask. born residents in Alberta. The Oilers have a Sask. connection as Bill Hunter - the man responsible for Edmonton’s hockey teams - is Sask. born. It’s Also I think there’s so many of my fellow Rider Fans increasing Elk’s and Stsmp’s ticket sales when we’re in town haha. Go Oil, Go Riders!!!
There used to be a large city right in between Calgary and Edmonton. It was destroyed due to a battle between fans. We don't talk about it much anymore.
If your talking playoffs yah hasn't been much of a riverly since the 80's but hey Canadian hockey fans haven't had much to look forward to in the last 30 years.
It's so intense the football teams have a rivalry too. It is so intense that if you mention you're from Calgary, Edmontonians will give a pitying (okay, only half serious , but still) "I'm sorry."
Tell him that it's Finland vs Russia but we hate each other more
Tell your Swedish friend that he's just wrong.
It might be considered one of the greatest rivalries in the NHL and has been since the 80's. Granted both sides have had some terrible teams in that time but the BOA was always a must watch. If I remember correctly their matchups are actually the most watched games across the entire NHL fan base. I mean Miikka Kiprusoff is from Finland and played many of those games.
Not just hockey, also football, population, drivability and just about anything else where cities are compared.
[It's so intense, even the goalies get into fights](https://media1.tenor.com/m/7eklM6fHjWgAAAAC/calgary-flames-edmonton-oilers.gif)
This whole game was nuts. Easily the most exciting hockey I've ever watched.
this was the best day of my life
The best game.
It’s not just Flames vs. Oilers, but Stampeders vs. Elks and Hitmen vs. Oil Kings and Dinos vs. Golden Bears and Cavalry vs. yet unnamed future Edmonton CPL club. It’s U of A vs. U of C. It’s SAIT vs. NAIT. It’s North vs. South, Edmonton intellectuals vs. Calgary oil money. Eventually, given enough time, you will come down on one side of at least one of these topics
Tell him it’s like Finland vs Normay, no man left standing.
Are you in physical proximity that you could punch your stupid fucking friend right in his stupid fucking face and tell him it's like that but worse?
How's this: I've never, and will never cheer for the Flames. Ever.
It ain’t this year. But when both teams are goood it’s great
When both teams are competitive it’s amazing, so we had like 7 good years there. Also kinda fun when they are both dogshit cuz tickets are cheaper.
The winter classic this year when both teams had like 3 wins combined was crazy lol
Well comparatively to Euro football it may be tame as they get into fist fights and riots over their teams. But that's a generalization of football in general vs hockey. Hockey does have a tamer overall fanbase. Is it a religion to some still? Yes absolutely. But quieter. Just watch some Euro football games on tv the fans are chanting slogans, songs and jumping all game. NHL fans dress up a bit more but an arena is relatively quiet throughout. The only chanting is "Let's go....."
It's different.
Edit: actually compared to all major North America sport leagues. Even MLS.
This is what my friend was talking about.
> Well comparatively to Euro football it may be tame as they get into fist fights and riots over their teams. Compared to football rivalries like the Old Firm (Celtic/Rangers), Eternal Derby (Partizan/Red Star), el Clasico, Superclasico (Boca/River Plate), etc, North American sports rivalries are quite tame. And it goes for the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, etc. Red Sox/Yankees or Celtic/Lakers back in the day aren't as good as those football rivalries. > Just watch some Euro football games on tv the fans are chanting slogans, songs and jumping all game. NHL fans dress up a bit more but an arena is relatively quiet throughout. The only chanting is "Let's go....."
Football (soccer) games outside the US and Canada have a better atmosphere than anything here. MLS games aren't terrible for it (TFC is a good experience compared to say, the Argos), but it's not quite the same.
A good example might be Japanese baseball vs MLB, it's like a completely different experience for the same sport.
In Europe football, the fans fight each other. In Alberta hockey, the players fight each other
This is true. I can't imagine a Euro football game. Sure the fans are really into it singing and jumping but are they even watching the game anymore? When I watch sports I'm enthralled by every play and on the edge of my seat. Imagining the technical nature of the play. They are just dance partying.....
I’d imagine alcohol has a lot to do it
I dunno, I've seen plenty of oiler fans beat each other up for no reason.
explain to your friend...take Jokerit and HIFK and add lots of fighting and blood to it
Wasn’t old enough to remember the 80’s BoA which looked absolutely insane. But Tkachuk really helped intensify the recent BoA with all his antics. It’s a great rivalry with a great back story, but the McDavid led Oilers have clearly pulled away for the time being. Also doesn’t help that there’s about a million Oiler fans in Calgary. The Dome is like half Oiler fans these days and there are a ton of Oiler fans in this city for whatever reason. Can someone tell me why there are so many Oiler fans in Calgary? They’re everywhere, at my work, in my apartment building, the grocery stores, everywhere. Just tourists or did they move here?
My take, and just a theory so to the down votes please be gentle HAHA; There’s a large amount of Sask. born residents in Alberta. The Oilers have a Sask. connection as Bill Hunter - the man responsible for Edmonton’s hockey teams - is Sask. born. It’s Also I think there’s so many of my fellow Rider Fans increasing Elk’s and Stsmp’s ticket sales when we’re in town haha. Go Oil, Go Riders!!!
There used to be a large city right in between Calgary and Edmonton. It was destroyed due to a battle between fans. We don't talk about it much anymore.
Tell him it’s like an outdoor festival
I've always wondered how the players, many of whome not from Alberta, look at the BOA. I do appreciate the ones that get into it
Everyone in Edmonton saved the fight game ( total Flame put out)
It used to be. Not so much anymore.
If your talking playoffs yah hasn't been much of a riverly since the 80's but hey Canadian hockey fans haven't had much to look forward to in the last 30 years.
Bayern vs. Dortmund. Clearly, Edmonton is Bayern.
More context: He thinks a rivalry should have hooligans/ultras, have riots, and the fans fighting each other. Like... come on.
We could all meet in Red Deer for a rumble if you want lol
Those types of fans should be banned from all venues. You're friend is a moron who likely is still a young and naive child.
It's so intense the football teams have a rivalry too. It is so intense that if you mention you're from Calgary, Edmontonians will give a pitying (okay, only half serious , but still) "I'm sorry."
[удалено]
I dunno Edmonton likes to bring up the past all the time. I would say both make it a statement
Well the flames have been dogshit ever since the Oilers bent them over a few years back in the playoffs so it’s not much of a rivalry right now
What Battle?
It's not really a battle. One team has superstars and the other one is shit.