'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
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Why Canada and the U.S. are seeing a trend of wildfires in recent years
As Los Angeles continues to battle one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, experts say the devastation signals a troubling trend fuelled by a larger climate crisis.
Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence 'obviously' shouldn't be pardoned
Vice President-elect JD Vance says people responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned, as President-elect Donald Trump is promising to use his clemency power on behalf of many of those who tried on Jan. 6, 2021, to overturn the results of the election that Trump lost.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
'Everything is on the table': Joly won't rule out cutting off energy exports to U.S. in face of Trump tariff threat
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is not ruling out any countermeasures when it comes to dealing with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — his threat of significant tariffs on Canadian imports, in particular.
Sault motorist was driving 175 km/h on Hwy. 17, northern Ont. police say
A 20-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with stunt driving and is accused of exceeding the speed limit by 85 km/h.