Those that had any doubts about the Oilers hockey team can put that to rest. To come from behind a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup playoffs is extremely difficult and the Oilers have now done it twice which qualifies them as a very good team. On Monday the Oilers will play another good team, the Florida Panthers for one last time this year and for the Stanley Cup.The Oilers run for the cup has created so much buzz around the city and should they win on Monday, it will be remembered and talked about for years.

As exciting as the Oilers run for the cup has been the Global News article below covers another Oilers story to be remembered and talked about. The story is about something greater than hockey and the Stanley Cup....the Oilers outreach and recognition of the First Nations and Indigenous community in central and northern Alberta. Since the 2021 season every Oilers game begins with a video message from Chief Willie Littlechild which ends with Chiel Littlechild saying " The recognition of our history on this land is an act of reconciliation, and we honor those who walk with us." The video is getting major airtime across North America with the Oilers on national television in the U.S. and Canada in the Stanley Cup Final against Florida.

Chiel Littlechild who has served on the team’s community foundation board for nine years says “We’ve had significant progress and the Oilers have really been pioneers in the country, and I would say in the whole National Hockey League, in terms of inclusion and access for Indigenous peoples.”

The Oilers are to be commended for their efforts towards reconciliation between peoples. Not only is it an example to others but it is at the heart of God's love for all mankind.

2 Corinthians 5:19 God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and He has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others.

RECONCILIATION

1. The act of reconciling parties at variance; renewal of friendship after disagreement or enmity.

2. Agreement of things seemingly opposite, different or inconsistent.