When two Canadian hockey teams face off in the NHL playoffs, the stakes are always high. But B.C. Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith just raised them a little higher.
On social media Friday, after the Vancouver Canucks finished off the Nashville Predators in their first-round series, Smith challenged Eby to a bet on behalf of the Edmonton Oilers: “loser has to deliver a statement in the Legislature written by the winner while wearing the other’s jersey. Deal?”
Eby fired back with a cheeky response that sought to find common ground between his left-leaning B.C. NDP and Smith’s United Conservative Party.
“In the vast democracy called Canada, we must often set aside our differences to come together. But over the coming weeks, British Columbians and Edmontonians will have to set aside what we have in common (hating the Calgary Flames) for hockey glory,” he wrote. “Bet’s on!”
The bet got ringing endorsements from lots of fans on the social media app X.
“Hey … I’m a Flames fan,” said @louise_koke in mild outrage at the slight against Calgary. “That being said, I will cheer for the Canucks and for any Canadian team to win the Cup!”
“[Ontario Premier] Doug Ford’s gonna be feeling left out pretty soon,” said @Dean_Aucoin, in a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs for yet another early playoff exit.
“I like it. I support the healthy rivalry!” wrote @GrumpsCrypto. “Hockey brings us together! Politics aside, this is a great and fun way to bring people together.”
“Ah finally back to some Canadian normalcy for a little bit. Love it,” said @MikeMac87357499.
