For over 30 years, the winner of the National Hockey League’s top prize has gone to an American team. It’s a sorry legacy for a country where ice hockey is not just a sport, but part of the national identity. About 40% of players in the NHL, across all teams, are Canadian - more than any other country.
Last year, the Oilers flopped during the final game of the seven-game series against the Florida Panthers.
It’s a sore point for many Canadians that the league’s most die-hard fans have gone so long without a trophy, and yet remain willing to spend big money and travel big distances to support their team.
Eh hockey is becoming and well become less dominate in Canadian culture. It is getting to expensive to play both financially and time wise and as less people grow up playing it less well care about the NHL.