'Still can't believe it': 1st period proposal makes Game 4 victory that much sweeter for Oilers fan
Even though they cheer for opposite teams, a proposal by a Flames fan at Game 4 of the Battle of Alberta received a resounding "yes" from the Oilers-loving bride to be.
Tessa Monias and Payden Partaker were at Rogers Place Tuesday night, for their respective teams when Partaker said he was approached by a cameraman.
"He says, 'Hey buddy, I see your girlfriend is an Edmonton fan, when the Oilers score I'm going to point the camera at you and they're going to haze you," he said.
Partaker said at that point he whispered in the cameraman's ear, "when the Oilers score I'm going to propose to my girlfriend."
With a shocked nod from the cameraman, the plan was in place. Little did Partaker know, he didn't have to wait long. Just 21 seconds into the first period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins opened up the scoring, causing Partaker to drop to one knee much earlier than expected.
"She was so busy watching and cheering for her team," he said. "She didn't even notice me go onto my knee."
"I was like, in shock and I couldn't believe it, it was just amazing," said Monias. "I still can't believe it."
Partaker expected a heckler here and there, but there were no naysayers in the vicinity.
"I was expecting to get hazed at least by one Edmonton Oiler fan saying, 'Don't do it, he's a Calgary Flames fan,' but the fans around us actually just felt like family," said Partaker. "They were congratulating us and they were happy for us."
The team rivalry between the couple is deep seeded, each cheering for their dad's favourite team. Calgary for Partaker, Edmonton for Monias.
"It made us strong, because we had to hear hazing from both sides," laughed Partaker.
Partaker said his plan if the Oilers didn't score was to propose in the dying seconds of the third period.
"It was going to happen no matter what," said Partaker.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Carlyle Fiset
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Nearly half of Canadians have no plans to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A new survey found that 48 per cent of Canadians say they won’t be taking any specific action to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
'Stories of resilience and survival': Indigenous-led tourism is one way to support communities in Canada
A growing number of businesses popping up across Canada are offering unique experiences that invite tourists to dive into the history, language and culture of Indigenous communities.
What do Indigenous Peoples across Canada really need and want?
The federal Liberal government has made a lot of promises to Indigenous Peoples. But do those promises line up with what communities on the ground really want and need, or reflect their diversity?
Canada’s greenhouse gas emission up 2.3 per cent from last year due to oil and gas production, cold winter: report
New data from the Canadian Climate Institute shows that emissions from the oil and gas industry and buildings continued to climb in the previous year, undercutting Canada's overall emissions reduction progress.
Here's how a U.S. government shutdown could impact Canadians
Economists warn both Canada's economy and individual Canadians could suffer from impacts of a U.S. government shutdown, and that those impacts will deepen and broaden the longer it lasts.
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
Walking just this much more per day can lower your blood pressure: study
A new study finds walking an additional 3,000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults with hypertension.
India's foreign minister says Canada has 'climate of violence' for Indian diplomats
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Friday there was a 'climate of violence' and an 'atmosphere of intimidation' against Indian diplomats in Canada, where the presence of Sikh separatist groups has frustrated New Delhi.
Defence minister insists $1B spending reduction is not a budget cut
The country's top soldier and outside experts say that finding almost $1 billion in savings in the Department of National Defence budget will affect the Armed Forces' capabilities, although the defence minister insisted Friday the budget is not being cut.