Erlinda Tan, a Filipina Canadian residing in Vancouver and an avid Edmonton Oilers supporter, shares her experience with hockey in Canada. Her journey began during the 2010 Winter Olympics, where she witnessed Sidney Crosby’s golden goal that united the nation in jubilation.
Moving from the Philippines to Canada shortly before this momentous event, Tan was captivated by how hockey could bring people together. Over time, she observed the sport becoming an integral part of Canadian culture, sparking her curiosity and leading her to embrace it as a newcomer to the country.
Attending her first live hockey game in 2014, a match between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks, Tan felt the electric atmosphere of the arena and the passion of the fans, solidifying her connection to the sport. She discovered the significance of hockey in Edmonton, where it was not just a game but a cultural phenomenon that permeated daily life.
As Tan settled in Vancouver in 2016, she met Mike, a devoted hockey enthusiast, reigniting her love for the sport. They bonded over shared hockey nights and immersed themselves in the hockey culture, embracing their differences and finding joy in their shared experiences.
Through Mike’s guidance, Tan deepened her understanding of hockey terminology and the nuances of the game, despite initially finding aspects like physicality puzzling. Their relationship blossomed, blending their diverse backgrounds and interests, with tennis becoming a mutual passion that they explored together.
Today, Tan and Mike enjoy attending hockey games in Vancouver, proudly supporting both the Canucks and Oilers. Their love for sports and each other transcends team loyalties, symbolizing the unity and harmony that love brings in the face of differences.
From her initial exposure to hockey in the 2010 Winter Olympics to her present-day embrace of the sport, Tan’s journey reflects the profound impact hockey has had on her life in Canada. It symbolizes unity, patriotism, cultural integration, and the power of shared experiences, shaping her love story with the country she now calls home.