Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates with the puck as Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) defends during the first period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
In NEWMARKET, Ont., Mirella Alves donned an Oilers jersey atop her blue Maple Leafs hoodie, showing support for hometown hero Connor McDavid. Over 100 spectators gathered at Riverwalk Commons, renamed Connor McDavid Square, to watch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final.
"Connor McDavid grew up in this town and he's a big part of the community," said Alves, a former resident. "Our children grew up with him, young hockey players look up to him and Connor is the face of hockey. We have to be here."
Newmarket, with a population of around 90,000, has deep-rooted loyalty to the Maple Leafs. However, the town's allegiance shifted temporarily as McDavid, their hometown favorite, played his first NHL final.
Oilers jerseys, mostly bearing McDavid's No. 97, dominated the viewing party outside the local community center. Children clad in Edmonton gear played around the big screen, while fans waved blue and orange towels to express their support.
"When you take the local pride and the connection to Connor and you add a Canadian team in the Stanley Cup final, it brings a lot of commitment, a lot of excitement, and a lot of energy," said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. "So people are excited."
McDavid, born nearby in Richmond Hill, spent his formative years in Newmarket, shining as a player with the York Simcoe Express before joining the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Drafted first overall by the Oilers in 2015, McDavid has consistently excelled, earning three Hart Trophies as league MVP.
Despite the Oilers' Game 1 loss in Florida, McDavid's stellar playoff performance, entering Game 2 with 31 points in 19 games, heightened excitement in town.
Thomas Cooke, a Newmarket resident, noted the buzz around town, arriving early for a prime seat to watch the game. Viewing parties were scheduled for the remaining games in the series at Riverwalk Commons, except for Game 4, which will be hosted at the nearby Ray Twinney Recreation Complex.
Edmonton's last Stanley Cup final appearance was in 2006, with their last Cup victory dating back to 1990.
