GENE'S BLOG: Fan-tastic experience

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN --It is has never ceased to amaze me how many Edmonton Oilers fan there are who don't live in Edmonton. I have the pleasure of traveling to the other 30 NHL rinks not named Rogers Place and there are always hundreds if not thousands of people clad in Oilers jerseys. Whether they were born in Edmonton and then moved to another city or maybe their parents were fans and the apple doesn't fall to far from the hockey tree. Whatever the reason or reasons, they show up to watch the Oilers when they aren't playing in the Alberta capital. It's been no different during the Global Series.

It was a great scene in Germany when the Oilers departed their hotel for the game against Cologne on Wednesday night. Fans lined up outside to get a glimpse of Connor McDavid or a signature from Leon Draisaitl. It was like that, literally speaking, from the moment they stepped off the plane. A German-born Draisaitl fan was waiting as the Oilers shuttled from the airplane to the main terminal. There he was and all he wanted was a chance to meet Leon. It was a sign of things to come for the Oilers on their trip through Europe.
This is a travel company's dream. Two great countries (Germany and Sweden), two great cities (Cologne and Gothenburg) and throw in a great player (Connor McDavid), a great homecoming (Leon) along with this team and voila you've got the perfect road trip set up. No surprise Dennis Laliberte and Newwest travel sold out almost as fast as the games in Europe. A 65-person contingent of hockey fans banding together for a trip across the ocean to see their favorite hockey team. This wasn't the only group to gather and fly overseas. The Oilers decided to put the possibility of a European getaway together for some of their Rogers Place faithful and they sold out in about as much time as it takes Connor McDavid to do a lap at the All-Star game.

They are traveling in groups but I have also run into individuals or couples. One husband and wife from London, England. Another from Edmonton's Northside. This isn't to mention all the Oilers fans who are already in Germany or Sweden. People who have either watched the games live on TV thanks to the latest technology or back in the day used to watch the Oilers on tape delay. They are a committed group of hockey lovers who just want the chance to see the team in person. They have been respectful and friendly while wearing their heart on their sleeves and the Oilers logo on their chests.
To be honest when you aren't at the rink it almost feels like you're on vacation. It's a different dynamic to see and to live. You also feel at home because of all the orange clad jerseys that make you believe you're not 7 or 8,000 thousand kilometers from home. There is still a game to be played on Saturday when Edmonton takes on New Jersey. The result might make a difference to the Oilers loyal supporters but either way I expect they'll head home feeling like this was a fantastic experience.