Stanley Cup replica roaming Alberta while Edmonton Oilers fans await the real thing
Like many Oilers fans, Shane Osepchuk has fond memories of the 1980s and 1990s teams that won the Stanley Cup. Unlike most fans, he was a part of those Stanley Cup celebrations.
Osepchuk’s father, Dwayne, was a member of the Oilers' equipment personnel. He was in the dressing room with Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier and worked hand in hand with Edmonton’s beloved Joey Moss. He also brought Lord Stanley home after the 1988 and 1990 celebrations.
Shane Osepchuk, left, holds the Stanley Cup with his father Dwayne, who worked on the Edmonton Oilers' equipment team during the 1980s and 1990s, including when the team won the cup in 1988 and 1990. (Credit: Shane Osepchuk)
Osepchuk says he didn’t know how lucky he was to have that experience as a teen.
“As a kid going to games in the ‘80s, all the people used to say to me, ‘You’re a very lucky kid.’ But we didn’t know what kind of hockey we were watching. It was dynasty hockey,” he told CTV News Edmonton in a recent interview.
It’s been more than 30 years since then. To keep those memories alive, and to pass them on to his own kids, Osepchuk bought a replica of the cup.
At 35 pounds of resin and wood, instead of stainless steel, “it’s an exact replica with the same weight and size as the one we know today,” Osepchuk said.
However, he says his kids didn’t react to holding the cup how he expected, so he sold it this spring. It landed in Drayton Valley, southwest of Edmonton.
“We just want this to go to a good home,” Osepchuk said. “It’s sort of a sentimental thing because we did have it in the ‘80s.”
Shane Osepchuk, left, drinks out of the Stanley Cup as his father Dwayne holds it. Dwayne worked on the Edmonton Oilers' equipment team during the 1980s and 1990s, including when the team won the cup in 1988 and 1990. (Credit: Shane Osepchuk)
Now, he’s hoping the real Stanley Cup will return to Edmonton for a sixth time.
“It’s a first-class organization so I’m a fan for life.”
The Oilers will continue their quest for the cup on Wednesday in Vancouver.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Beef on and off the ice: Who has the best steak between Alberta and Texas?
As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Western Conference Finals, there's some beef brewing off the ice as well.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.