Welcome week 3 of our fan experience series. This week, I talked to Andy Babic about his history as a fan and just how close he was to cheering for the Penguins
How long have you been an Oilers fan?
I have been an Oilers fan since 1997. I’ve been a fan as long as Connor has been alive!
What prompted you to start cheering for the Oilers?
That famous Todd Marchant Game 7 goal against the Stars in the 1997 playoffs. It was unbelievable. That’s when the whole “rooting for the home” really stuck with me.
What is your first real memory of the Oilers?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t around during the glory years of the 1980s. I remember in the early 90’s when they struggled a lot. I would have imagined it would be something like the last 10 years but on a smaller scale.
Did you have a favourite player when you first started cheering for them? Who was it, and why did you pick him?
I loved all the players from the late 90’s. My first favourite Oilers player was Curtis Joseph (CUJO). Fun fact: In grade 4, I had a art project where I had to draw a Egyptian Sarcophagus but instead I drew a CuJo mask. I got in lots of trouble but it was worth it!
Has it been hard maintaining enthusiasm for the team over the last few years?
I’m not going to lie, it has. It’s been really hard watching this team finish bottom of the barrel and missing the playoffs while telling everyone “just wait, you’ll see” for the last 10 years.
What also has been tough was seeing other teams go through their rebuilds in less time as the Oilers.
I want to support the team through thick and thin. I don’t want to me known as some flaky fan that only cheers for the team when they’re good. But every year, something inside tells me that it will all be worth it, someday…
What’s your favourite memory of seeing the Oilers live?
Sam Gagner’s eight point night. I don’t think I’ll ever see a player get the first, second and third star ever again. Best part that it was against the Blackhawks. Rexall was electric that night. Someone even threw a shoe when he scored one of his points!
Do you think the Oilers are on the path to a Stanley Cup, or do they have more work to do to get there?
They have more work to do. In the last few years, I have learned to manage my expectations with the Oilers. Even “I” thought this team was going make the playoffs right after we drafted Taylor Hall. Look how THAT turned out.
This team is short a few players (mainly defensemen) from becoming a real contender. Although some might disagree, I think Chiarelli knows what it takes to put this team on the right track and has proved it in the past with the Bruins.
This season, I see them hanging around for a wildcard spot but don’t expect them to make the playoffs either. My goal for them is to play meaningful games from January onward.
What transaction (since 2006) would you change if you could? Why?
From the top of my head, the Ryan Smyth trade in 2007. I didn’t see why they couldn’t keep him. I was really happy when he came back a few years later, but it was in the near the end of his career and wasn’t the player he used to be. I also think we got the short end of the stick on the Pronger deal. Should have asked for more, in my opinion.
What’s the best part about being an Oilers fan?
Because I am a sucker for punishment? Kidding..
But for real, I feel like I am representing my city cheering for the Oilers. They play a big part in the identity of the community. At this rate I don’t see myself changing allegiance to another team.
I also love Oilers Twitter. I don’t know if it’s the best or worst thing I ever signed up for, but over the years, I’ve connected with some great people. I love how (most of us) can make fun of our team when we lose and celebrate when we win.
If you had to pick another team to cheer for, what would it be and why?
When I was a kid, I was a big Mario Lemieux fan. So naturally I was a Penguins fan. When he retired in 1997, that’s when I transitioned to cheering for the Oil. They went through a similar rebuild after Lemieux retired. Had it not been for the Oilers playoff appearances in the 90’s, I might have been accused of being a front-running Pens fan to this day.
There you have it. Super Oilers fan Andy Babic was converted from a Pens fan by Todd Marchant.
Next week, we’ll hear from Dan Gallant, who stayed a fan despite living in a Halifax for years.
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