Okay Oilersnation! So since we’re solely getting one hockey recreation per week lately, I’ve had a variety of time to replicate and take into consideration the final a number of months.
As you all know, I got here to Edmonton as a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and the story goes that my fiance (Physio Mike) brainwashed me into turning into an Oilers fan. I can’t affirm or deny this.
In any case, I spent a while going by way of my Twitter feed from a couple of months in the past and I assumed to myself, “I ought to make a timeline of what my expertise has been like,” and growth, right here we’re!
Welcome to the levels I went by way of to develop into an Oilers fan.
Stage 1: Calm earlier than the storm:
The joy and anticipation units in. It is a new journey!
My first official hockey season in Edmonton begins tomorrow !!!!!! 🎉
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 12, 2021
Stage 2: Like not Love
It’s Recreation Day! I’m excited to be right here in Edmonton however the Toronto woman is creeping again in just a bit.
PICK YOUR PLAYER: 1 or 2 pic.twitter.com/19ilJoPgU7
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 13, 2021
Stage 3: PTSD
As somebody who spent her entire life cheering for the Leafs, I’ve a variety of therapeutic to do. This was an ideal instance of my intestine making an attempt to inform me one thing I already knew.
Oilers followers … what is going on ?
As somebody who’s watched the Leafs for years, I assumed third interval collapses had been only a Toronto factor!! 😵💫
Discuss to me !
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 14, 2021
Stage 4: Distracted
Hey, it’s simple to disregard your intestine when you may have one thing just like the BoA to look ahead to! Watching my first BoA as a brand new Edmontonian was a severely cool expertise and made me overlook about all my worries. (Thanks Kassian!)
Use 1 GIF solely to explain the Battle of Alberta:
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 16, 2021
Stage 5: Magic
Okay, so now we’re on the level the place the staff began to do SO properly that I assumed I used to be witnessing one thing a lot greater than hockey occur right here in Edmonton.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/okHgr7SQuN
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 26, 2021
Stage 6: Dedication
I fell in love with town, the neighborhood, the followers and the staff a lot, that I started to maneuver ahead with out hesitation.
However why does it really feel virtually mistaken cheering for the Leafs now?
Hey @OilersNation what have you ever carried out ?! 😂
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 18, 2021
Stage 7: House
This entire, “turning into an Oilers fan” expertise made me notice that Edmonton is house. It could be actually chilly right here however that is the place I’m purported to be.
Cause 7291749 why I really like Edmonton: pic.twitter.com/LPPoP4Xe1Z
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) October 21, 2021
Stage 8: Acceptance into the Donair neighborhood
A real honour and a privilege. However the true query is, with lettuce or with out?
“That is what a Donair ought to appear like” – @Mike_Salame #nolettuce pic.twitter.com/xTx1LNGjWj
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) November 3, 2021
Stage 9: True fan
I’m so invested, excited and amped that getting a Stuart Skinner tattoo on my brow could have crossed my thoughts throughout this loopy recreation towards the Jets.
Tattoo Stuart Skinner on our foreheads pic.twitter.com/GgSomI5eLy
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) November 19, 2021
Stage 10: Crimson Flags
I had heard of those sluggish begins in Edmonton however I selected to consider it could be completely different this season. As a rookie fan, I assumed that the begin to the season was so unbelievable … there’s no means that it may go sideways. At this level, I keep in mind pondering, “how dangerous may it get?”
The Oilers can’t have a sluggish begin
The Oilers can’t have a sluggish begin
The Oilers can’t have a sluggish begin
The Oilers can’t have a sluggish begin*down 1-0 within the first couple of minutes*
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) December 8, 2021
Stage 11: Ache
That is the second the place I noticed I ignored the pink flags…
That is the second the place I noticed sluggish begins (and extra) really had been a factor…
Yooooo these Oilers begins are killing me slowly
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) December 31, 2021
Stage 12: Extra Ache
…that shedding back-to-back video games to the 2 worst groups within the Metropolitan division is certainly attainable! Additionally, simply because one actually dangerous shedding streak was snapped, doesn’t imply it gained’t occur once more.
That’s an unacceptable loss IMO
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) December 31, 2021
6 pictures on internet within the 1st towards the worst staff within the Metro division enjoying with the 2 greatest gamers on the earth pic.twitter.com/VCgpQiA1kg
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) January 1, 2022
However regardless of the ache, I nonetheless have religion as a result of I’m in the most effective firm with the realest followers within the league!
Sitting right here telling Mike how a lot I really like you Oilers followers as a result of y’all are having fun with a broadcast staff that’s chirping your staff bc “they’re talking details” … respect! 😂
— caroline szwed (@caroline_szwed) January 4, 2022
All jokes apart, this has been probably the most entertaining rollercoaster trip I’ve been on and I wouldn’t return if I may! I at all times may have a gentle spot in my coronary heart for the Maple Leafs however I’m right here in Edmonton now for higher or for worse. Thanks to everybody who has accepted me with open arms and for displaying me the best way. The rationale I fell laborious for this metropolis and this staff is due to the neighborhood and the folks! You all rock!
Now, I depart this text on Stage 12: Extra Ache as a result of we’re at present in it (ship prayers). Nevertheless, I hope that there’s some form of mild on the finish of the tunnel. For individuals who have been life lengthy Oilers followers, please let me know what stage I needs to be ready for subsequent (haha).
To Be Continued!
