Calgary's former mayor is trying to make the Oilers a thing in Alberta

Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is trying to get everyone in Alberta on board with the Edmonton Oilers, but to no avail.

After Edmonton destroyed the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 last night, Nenshi took to social media to announce that he is officially on the Edmonton team and that beating the Canucks is a surefire way to bring Albertans together.

But is it?

What a game – congratulations @EdmontonOilers! I am now fully on my way. Nothing brings Albertans together like beating the Canucks.

— Nahid Nenshi (@nenshi) May 21, 2024

Oilers and Calgary Flames fans have a mutual hatred for the Canucks, but it's hard to believe that either fan base would root for the other in a playoff series. In contrast, Flames fans may have been actively rooting for the Canucks to destroy their provincial rivals.

That's what several Calgary fans said in responses to the post.

Real Flames fans would never root for the Oilers, so no…it doesn't “unite” Albertans

— Chris (@schwet11) May 21, 2024

I was rooting for VAN, but the Oilers deserved to win.

— Henry W (@HenryW37551784) May 21, 2024

Yes. No.

— Roble (@chmelle) May 21, 2024

This is the latest in Nenshi's transformation into an Oilers fan this postseason. The former mayor of Calgary decided to announce his support for the Oilers before Game 5 of the series, which is a strange place to suddenly announce his support for the team.

As a Calgarian, I won't lie, it hurts a little. But… nothing happens here. OILS! It's sure to be an interesting game 5. Good luck @edmontonoilers! pic.twitter.com/PdFZjGPtk1

— Nahid Nenshi (@nenshi) May 16, 2024

It's also a very different tune from when he was at Calgary mayor's office. If you go back to Nenshi's profile, you'll find several posts that make the oilmen laugh.

… “Let's go oil workers!” despite chanting. It was disturbing as we stayed to see the end of the game.

— Nahid Nenshi (@nenshi) April 8, 2015

Tom is an Oilers fan (boo!), but New Brighton is his role model #yyc neighbor. Everyone brought out their barbecue. pic.twitter.com/fGIVF1CZAP

— Nahid Nenshi (@nenshi) June 20, 2015

In the end, this is an innocuous post, but one that will raise a few eyebrows if you're an Alberta sports fan. Did the Oilers beating the Canucks in the playoffs really unite Flames fans with the Edmonton faithful?

Maybe for some, but not for most.

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