Connor Mcdavid Speaks After The Passing Of Ben Stelter

Published August 12, 2022 at 4:03 PM
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Tuesday the world lost a little angel when Edmonton Oilers Super fan Ben Stelter passed away at just six years old.

We got to know Ben through out the Oilers 2021-22 season where we would all Learn his story. Unfortunately Ben passed away due to his brain cancer, but will never be forgotten.

In a interview with TSN Connor Mcdavid says: "Any time the Edmonton Oilers win at home, they'll think of Ben Stelter."

"There's that video of him saying 'Play La Bamba, baby'" said McDavid, referring to the old Ritchie Valens song that serves as the Oilers' victory anthem.


Two days after the six-year-old died from a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, McDavid, along with Oilers forward Zach Hyman and head coach Todd Woodcroft, would share how they felt about Ben and the impact he had on the Oilers and their fans.

McDavid remembered first meeting Stelter in September.

"He was an amazing little guy who lit up every single room he was in," McDavid said. "He certainly lit up our room any time he walked in there."

Ben became a visible part of the Oilers' 2022 playoff run as their good luck charm. The Oilers went on a 10-game home winning streak at one point with Stelter in attendance, and continued to cheer them on all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they would have their playoffs ended by the Colorado Avalanche.

Hyman recalled a day in late March when the Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-2. Ben skated onto the ice at Rogers Place that Connor Mcdavid and Upper Deck would get made into a hockey card something Ben always wanted.

Hyman would also talk about Ben having a chance to tour the Oilers' dressing room.

"Most kids his age would be nervous, or even players nervous in front of media, "Hyman said. "That was a really cool moment to share with him."

Ben's father, Mike Stelter, revealed the news of his son's passing in a tweet on Tuesday night. Ben was first diagnosed with glioblastoma before his fifth birthday.

Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft would have this to say on Ben:

"Not only did he walk into a dressing room or arena and light up our team but I thought he lit up our fan base," Woodcroft said. "What I found most interesting about my time with Ben was the impact that a child had on a team and organization in the city."

Credit:TSN
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