As the Edmonton Oilers enter the Stanley Cup Final once again, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor finds it fitting to reintroduce "Connor McDavid Square" in honor of the star forward from the city. The temporary renaming of the Riverwalk Commons area, along with viewing parties for the NHL championship series, captivated local fans last year and has once again drawn enthusiastic crowds this spring.
“People love it, they love the idea,” Mayor Taylor remarked on Monday, just before Game 3. “They love coming down and sitting together in beautiful weather and watching Connor McDavid on a giant outdoor screen.” Taylor emphasized the communal spirit surrounding the event, stating, “It really is bringing the community together, and the Oilers are bringing the country together.”
Newmarket, a suburb with a population of around 90,000, is traditionally part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' stronghold. However, many locals have temporarily shelved their blue and white jerseys in favor of the Oilers’ orange and blue colors or the well-loved red and white Canada jerseys, many of which prominently feature McDavid's number 97 on the back.
Besides rallying behind McDavid, fans are equally motivated by the hope of ending Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought by cheering for the Oilers to triumph over the Florida Panthers. Local resident Maryann Patterson expressed her excitement, donned in a 4 Nations Face-Off Canada jersey, saying, “It’s great to come out and support the community and support the country at the same time, cheer on Canada.” She added, “The Leafs are gone. All the other Canadian teams are finished. So let’s support Edmonton.”
McDavid is a recognizable figure in Newmarket, often spotted during the off-season as he trains with fellow elite players. He frequents local dining establishments and attractions, having developed deep ties with the community. Early in his career, McDavid played competitively for the York Simcoe Express within the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, later transitioning to the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
Since being selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2015 Entry Draft, McDavid has devoted his entire NHL career to Edmonton. At 28 years old, he has been honored with the league MVP award three times throughout his career. Notably, McDavid continues to engage with and support local charitable events and initiatives.
A win against the Panthers would be monumental, especially after the Oilers' heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of last year’s final, creating an unforgettable moment for McDavid and the town of Newmarket. With the Oilers and Panthers splitting the first two games in Edmonton before the series transitions to Florida, the stakes are high as the team seeks to reclaim the Cup they last won in 1990.
“We’re dealing with tariffs and 51st state nonsense,” Mayor Taylor remarked, underscoring the importance of unity. He believes that having the community rally around the Oilers provides a much-needed source of positivity and collective cheer during challenging times. “A win would really, I think, go a long way right now,” he concluded.
