Why Do Oilers Play La Bamba
Every time the Edmonton Oilers win at home, the same song fills Rogers Place. Fans jump to their feet as "La Bamba" plays through the speakers. But why do Oilers play La Bamba? The answer reveals a beautiful hockey story about honoring someone special and inspiring a community.
Joey Moss: The man behind the music
Joey Moss spent decades with the Edmonton Oilers as a dressing room attendant and devoted super fan. He was part of the team's fabric for longer than most players stayed in the organization. "La Bamba," a traditional Mexican folk song, was Moss's personal favorite. When he passed away in 2020, the Oilers made a meaningful choice. They decided to play his favorite song after every home victory. The tradition keeps Moss's memory alive through the music he loved (something the team felt was really important to do).
How a six-year-old made it famous
The song might have stayed a quiet tribute, but then six-year-old Ben Stelter changed everything Ben was fighting cancer while serving as an Oilers playoff ambassador His father posted videos of Ben enthusiastically shouting "Play La Bamba, Baby" after wins The videos went viral Fans loved Ben's energy and passion Soon the catchphrase spread throughout the fanbase like wildfire A giant orange sign mysteriously appeared near the Walterdale Bridge Fans created their own way to celebrate Ben's words and made it part of the game day experiance.
What the tradition means to Edmonton
The song represents far more than entertainment. It connects two powerful stories Joey Moss's decades of dedication and Ben Stelter's courage facing illness. The Oilers Foundation created a 50-50 draw dedicated to Moss's memory. Game nights became moments where fans celebrated together. They remembered someone who loved the team. They cheered for a child fighting hard. The music became a symbol of community, you know?
Why hockey culture needs this
Most sports traditions come from marketing departments and focus groups. "La Bamba" came from real people and real hearts. Joey Moss gave everything to the Oilers organization. Ben Stelter showed incredible strength and joy. These stories matter more than any commercial could. Hockey fans connect deeply with genuine human experiences. When players and fans hear "La Bamba" after a win, they're not just celebrating a victory. They're honoring people they care about. They're part of something bigger than the game.
For Edmonton, the song sounds like community. It sounds like memory. It sounds like hope.