Why is La Bamba the Oilers Song? Why do the Oilers Play La Bamba?
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Updated Jun 22, 2024
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton, Alberta, is home to the Edmonton Oilers, a professional ice hockey team. They play for the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the NHL. Rogers Place, officially opened in 2016, is the team's home field. As of November 2023, Ken Holland will serve as general manager, and Kris Knoblauch will serve as head coach. The Oilers and Calgary Flames engage in an intense battle known as the "Battle of Alberta."
Established in 1971 by Dr. Chuck Allard and W.D. "Wild Bill" Hunter, the Oilers began play in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before entering the NHL in 1979. Five Stanley Cup victories have been achieved by them: in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. Despite their early success, the team underperformed and missed the playoffs 10 times in a row after losing the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006. The Oilers have been competitive again and will win the Stanley Cup in 2024 thanks to the play of important players like Connor McDavid.
Why is La Bamba the Oilers Song?
Because of a unique tale involving Joey Moss, the Edmonton Oilers adopted the song "La Bamba" as their victory anthem. For many years, Joey Moss worked as a locker room attendant and was an avid Oilers fan. Everyone on the team adored him, despite his Down syndrome.
Joey Moss enjoyed dancing and singing along to "La Bamba" at team gatherings, particularly around the holidays. Joey, unfortunately, died in 2022. The Oilers made 'La Bamba' their winning song in remembrance of him. They now perform "La Bamba" to honor Joey and commemorate their victories every time they do.
For the squad and their supporters, the tradition has grown in significance. It keeps Joey Moss alive and demonstrates their unique relationship. "Play La Bamba, baby!" is a popular shout that is a key part of their festivities and makes everyone happy.
Why do the Oilers Play La Bamba?
The reason the Edmonton Oilers use "La Bamba" as their victory song is due to superfans Ben Stelter and Joey Moss. At team functions, Joey Moss, a cherished Oilers supporter with Down syndrome, enjoyed belting out "La Bamba" and dancing. The song was adopted by the Oilers in remembrance of Joey upon his passing in 2022. Ritchie Valens made the song famous, and the band Los Lobos sang it in a 1987 motion picture. Saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos talked about how unique it is that the song has become the Oilers' anthem. The song is a means to commemorate and remember Joey Moss and Ben Stelter, and it has brought Edmontonians together.
Play La Bamba Oilers Meaning
The Edmonton Oilers celebrate Joey Moss, a devoted superfan and longtime locker room attendant with Down syndrome, by playing "La Bamba" following victories. At team gatherings, Joey enjoyed belting out the song and dancing to it. "La Bamba" became the Oilers' winning song after he passed away in 2020. "Play La Bamba, baby!" has become a rallying cry that unites the supporters and the squad in commemoration and joy.
