NEWMARKET – With the Oilers within the Stanley Cup closing once more this 12 months, the choice to carry again “Connor McDavid Sq.” within the hometown of Edmonton’s star ahead was a no brainer for Newmarket Mayor John Taylor.
The non permanent renaming of the city’s Riverwalk Commons space and viewing events of the NHL championship sequence have been fairly well-liked final 12 months. Native followers and McDavid supporters have been out in pressure once more this spring.
“Individuals adore it, they love the thought,” Taylor stated Monday earlier than the beginning of Recreation 3. “They love coming down and sitting collectively in stunning climate and watching Connor McDavid on an enormous outside display screen.
“It truly is bringing the neighborhood collectively and the Oilers are bringing the nation collectively.”
The Toronto suburb of about 90,000 is within the Maple Leafs’ heartland. Many locals have put their blue and white jerseys away although — at the least for this fortnight — in favour of Oilers’ orange and blue or the all the time well-liked purple and white Canada uniforms, many that includes No. 97 on the again.
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Whereas McDavid is a fan favorite, many spectators are additionally desirous to see the Oilers beat the Florida Panthers in order that the nation will finish its 32-year Stanley Cup drought.
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“It’s nice to come back out and assist the neighborhood and assist the nation on the similar time, cheer on Canada,” stated Newmarket resident Maryann Patterson, who was sporting a 4 Nations Face-Off Canada jersey. “Why not?
“The Leafs are gone. All the opposite Canadian groups are completed. So let’s assist Edmonton.”
McDavid can typically be noticed round city through the low season. He typically trains within the space with different prime gamers and may typically be seen at native eating places and sights.
As a teen, he performed competitively with the York Simcoe Categorical of the Ontario Minor Hockey Affiliation earlier than becoming a member of the Toronto Marlboros of the Larger Toronto Hockey League.
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McDavid was chosen by the Oilers with the primary total choose of the 2015 Entry Draft and has spent his whole NHL profession with Edmonton. The 28-year-old centre has been named league MVP on three events.
All through his profession, McDavid has continued to dedicate time to area people charity occasions and applications.
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“I feel everyone is aware of who he’s, everyone needs to assist him, and everyone needs Connor McDavid and his crew to win this 12 months,” Patterson stated. “It’s their flip. He’s put a whole lot of effort and time into the Oilers and it’s time.”
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McDavid recorded 100 factors (26 objectives, 74 assists) in 67 video games this previous season. He additionally scored the successful aim in Canada’s extra time victory over the US within the closing of the 4 Nations Face-Off.
A victory over the Panthers although, significantly after falling in Recreation 7 of final 12 months’s closing, would function the last word hockey second for Newmarket’s favorite son.
The Panthers and Oilers break up the primary two video games in Edmonton earlier than the best-of-seven sequence shifted to the Sunshine State for 2 video games. The Oilers haven’t gained the Cup since 1990.
“We’re coping with tariffs and 51st state nonsense,” Taylor stated. “To have this to rally round proper now’s what we want, to positively cheer collectively as one nation.
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“A win would actually, I feel, go a good distance proper now.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 9, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
