HURRY SUNDOWN, COME ON WINTER

Over the years, the Edmonton Oilers have provided us with tremendous on and off ice entertainment. Although there are dark skies on the NHL horizon, the relationship between the Oilers and Oilers Nation shines on.

I had some fun at Klondike Days in the 70s and 80s, saw the Beach Boys and Chicago (don’t remember the year for either concert). I’ve seen some wonderful football, the Eskimos have been excellent entertainment for most of my life. The really good rock bands always seem to come here, even in the beginning.

My favorite shows? Hmmm. Elvis Costello don’t remember the year, Genesis was amazing the time I saw them and even though they were exactly 100 years old, the Rolling Stones rocked Commonwealth the night I was there in a big way. Only band on the planet that can boast Keith Richards throwaway line “here’s one” and then back it up with the alltime “Happy.” Man, that was a night to remember.

When it comes down to putting a footprint on a community, the Edmonton Oilers are kings. In my day job, driving around talking to people in the city, the subject has gone from “where will they play the Russian?” to “how long will we have to wait?” with very little time for anger, rage or threat.

Oilers Nation will stand vigil until the heroes return. Whatever the issues keeping Edmonton and their Oilers apart, the fanbase will return stronger than ever. Hockey is part of the fabric, like beer, Jill Hennessy, blue jeans and donair.

Hurry Sundown, come on winter.