The Battle of Alberta BOA), between the Edmonton Oilers and the team 300 kilometers (180 miles) south starts tonight. This is the first time that these two teams have faced each other in the playoffs, since 1991. This will be my first time experiencing the BOA, while living in Alberta. Back in the 1980’s, when this rivalry blossomed, I was living in Ontario and a supporter of the much hated, in the West, Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Laffs, as they are called out here. I have since left the darkside. There are some similarities between the Oilers of back then and now. Then it was Gretzky. Now McDavid. Then, it was the Finn, Kurri. Now, the German, Draisaitl. Then, Messier. Now, Kane.. As for similarities for that team down South, who cares.
The bars in both cities and in the entire province will be packed. Frienships will be strained, families will be broken, allegiances will be tested.
It is going to be a wild ride.