Brad Richen remembers the Oilers’ last playoff run. And the one before that. And the one before that.
His father-in-law bought four season tickets 44 years ago in 1973. The Oilers weren’t in the NHL yet and still played at Edmonton Gardens.
“It’s been a long run,” Richen said about the games, playoffs and Stanley Cup wins he has witnessed since.
Richen, now 62, cheered through Game 6 with his own children on Sunday — a satisfying 7-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks.
“They’re totally hooked and I can’t give up the season tickets,” Richen said.
Brad Richen (right) is passing the season-ticket torch to his son (left). (Supplied/Brad Richen)
They all remember 2006, the last time the Oilers fought for the Stanley Cup but lost in Game 7 of the final.
“It’s one reason why we kept the tickets, hoping for more,” Richen said. “So it’s been an expensive 11 years but now we’re really enjoying it.”
Unlike his children, Richen also remembers the championships the Oilers did win. He watched his team hoist the Stanley Cup during the 80s championship teams.
“It makes owning season tickets a lot more fun,” he said. “Everybody’s hoping they can continue because it’s way too much fun to stop now.”
And though the venues and players have changed, Richen said it’s still the same team and game he fell in love with nearly half a century ago.
“It’s still just hockey and it’s super exciting,” he said. “It’s always been hockey and it always will be.”