It’s no secret that an intense hockey rivalry can bring out the fanatic in anyone. That begs a fundamental question – where can we find the greatest ongoing grudge match in the history of Canada’s national sport?
That’s easy – it lives right here in Alberta! Ever since the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames joined the NHL in 1979 and 1980, the iconic Battle of Alberta has entertained fans in both cities with classic playoff series and memorable regular season dustups.
It’s true that the playoff version of the Battle of Alberta took an extended hiatus after 1991, but that all changed when the two provincial rivals met for the first time in 31 years in the second round of the 2021-22 NHL postseason. The series opened with a wild, 9-6 barnburner victory for the Flames, but the Oilers completely turned the tide, sweeping the next four games and securing a 4-1 series win.
A new NHL campaign has just begun, giving the two proud franchises another chance to reignite the rivalry. The Flames were victorious in the first meeting with a 4-3 win in the season’s opening week. However, I’m sure the Oilers would love some payback this weekend in Cowtown.
Oilers Fans – Make Some Noise at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 29th
If Oilers fans need a lift from the land of orange and blue to cheer on their team on Saturday night, Ebus can be your ride to the big game.
We offer multiple departures to the Stampede City from Edmonton, starting at just $55.71, with an additional 5% off when you enter the EBUSONLINE promo code at checkout. So, what are you waiting for? Ebus is the most cost-effective way to see these heated rivals get down to business for the latest chapter of the Battle of Alberta.
Getting to the home of the Flames in time for the big game is a snap with Ebus. Departing from our downtown Edmonton ticket office at 11:15 AM will get you into downtown Calgary at 3:50 PM, leaving you plenty of time to grab dinner and get to the Scotiabank Saddledome for an 8:00 puck drop.
Flames Fans – You Can Take in the Final Battle of Alberta of the Regular Season At Rogers Place on December 27th
The Flames and Oilers only face off three times in the 2022-23 NHL season, so don’t miss your last shot to see these divisional rivals butt heads in Edmonton in late December.
Calgary riders can also take their pick of multiple departures to the City of Champions, starting at just $55.71, with an additional 5% off when you enter the EBUSONLINE promo code at checkout. Hopping on our 11:15 AM bus to Edmonton will get you to the game a couple of hours before puck drop, giving you ample time for pre-game festivities.
Ebus’ Smooth Ride Gets You to the Game Refreshed and Ready to Cheer
You and your buds could squeeze into a car to get to the latest Battle of Alberta, or you can save money or gas, kick back, relax and let Ebus do the driving. We offer cushy, adjustable seats with ample legroom and plenty of storage space.
Instead of focusing on the road, travelling on Ebus gives you and your friends a few hours to socialize and get pumped up for the big game! And, don’t forget that our professionally trained drivers will expertly navigate the very busy QE2 highway to get you there and Safely Home – so you don’t have to.
This Classic NHL Rivalry Always Fires Up Our Offices in Calgary and Edmonton
The Flames and Oilers have passionate fanbases, and that rivalry extends to our offices in Calgary and Edmonton. Ebus employees always have a lot of fun when Alberta sports teams renew their annual hostilities, so it’s no surprise we see a little friendly rivalry between our Passenger Experience Representatives across the province.
These two teams really don’t like each other, so when they face off on the ice, you can bet Ebus’ co-workers are also getting in on the action. During the playoff series between the Flames and Oilers last spring, our staff represented their respective teams by proudly donning their jerseys.
You can bet our two biggest provincial offices will be squarely behind their respective home teams when these Pacific division rivals faceoff again next week.
Battle of Alberta Fun Facts
- The first regular season Battle of Alberta was Oct. 22, 1980, at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton. The Oilers beat the Flames 5-3, led by a pair of goals from Dave Semenko.
- In the 1986 Flames/Oilers playoff series, Edmonton defenceman Steve Smith attempted a back pass to his defensive partner, but it hit the leg of Oiler goalie Grant Fuhr instead, and the puck trickled into the net. The own goal broke the 2-2 tie, and the Flames would go on to win the game and the series.
- In 2003, the Flames mascot decided to mock the Oilers bench after the home team went up by four goals midway through the game. Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish was so fed up with the antics that he reached up and ripped out Harvey the Hound’s tongue, tossing it into the crowd.
- In just the fifth game of his professional career, rookie Connor McDavid played in his first Battle of Alberta in 2015. The young phenom put up two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Flames, which was a hint of what would come in the rivalry’s next chapter.
- The Battle of Alberta saw a significant revival in early 2020. During a game on January 11, Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk and Edmonton’s Zack Kassian began a fiery feud that grabbed headlines and made the next meeting of the two teams must-see-TV.