Oilers fan Mark Carney skates with team before Thursday’s home game against Jets
Prime Minister Mark Carney Joins Edmonton Oilers on the Ice
Prime Minister Mark Carney laced up his skates and hit the ice with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday as the NHL team geared up for a game against the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets. Carney, who was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on March 14, showed his support for the Oilers by sporting a No. 24 jersey and an Oilers ballcap at Rogers Place.
“It’s a special moment for the organization to have the prime minister here with the team,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch remarked. “Not many prime ministers are known to be Oilers fans, so it’s great to have one cheering for our team.”
Carney, who is 60 years old, grew up in Edmonton during the Oilers’ successful era in the 1980s when they clinched five Stanley Cups. Despite his busy schedule, Carney has always been a loyal fan of the team and has been spotted in various Oilers gear on social media.
Aside from being a fan, Carney also has a background in hockey. He played at the varsity level, serving as a third-string goaltender at Harvard and co-captain of the Oxford University Blues hockey team.
During his visit to the Oilers, Carney took to the ice as a skater, drawing attention with his goalie skates. Captain Connor McDavid jokingly remarked, “He looked like a goalie out there with those skates. It’s nice to have him here, and it’s clear he’s a lifelong Oilers fan.”
When asked about his skating skills, Carney laughed and replied, “You may not think I still know how to skate after watching me with the Oilers, but at least I didn’t fall down.” Despite his goalie skates, Carney did not step into the net for a few shots, as McDavid noted that the security detail might not approve.
Interestingly, Carney was a teammate of former Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli during his time at Harvard. His visit to Edmonton coincided with a meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
As Carney prepares for a potential federal election, where his Liberal Party faces challenges in Alberta, his support for the Oilers serves as a reminder of his roots and connection to the community. Whether on the ice or in politics, Carney continues to show his dedication to his passions and commitments.
