Fans outraged as Sportsnet snubs Oilers media crew

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Finnegan Frost
November 4, 2024 (10:39)

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The Edmonton Oilers managed to keep the ball rolling last night, but fans are now calling out Sportsnet for a less than enjoyable viewing experience on television.

Last night, the Edmonton Oilers took on their provincial rival for an epic BOA (Battle of Alberta), but for whatever reason, the Oilers media didn't come along for the ride. Games between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton are taken extremely seriously in our great province, attracting national wide interest by fans across the NHL.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, the Oilers are a much bigger team than the Calgary Flames by every metric. The Oilers were just named as a top ten valued franchise in the NHL and they're a perennial playoff team, while the Flames were in the bottom half of league values and are in a rebuilding year.

Oilers analyst Alan (LoweTide) Mitchell noticed this disparity, and wondered why it's the Flames broadcast crew instead of Edmonton's.

I get it, the Calgary Flames were playing at home, therefore, it only seems natural Sportsnet would broadcast the game from the Flames point of view. But at the same time, Alan Mitchell makes a great point.

Yes, the Calgary Flames are an important organization with a rich history, but they generate nowhere near the same level of interest the Edmonton Oilers do. Even as an Albertan, most residents of our province, (excluding as small portion of the south) are die hard Oilers fans.

Fans are now taking to social media, calling Sportnet out for the lack of diversity regarding oilers and Flames broadcasts.

This may sound extremely biased (and probably is), but Jack Micheals and Louis DeBrusk are top tier colour commentators and make the game far more interesting. Sportsnet should find a way to cater to all Albertan's, broadcasting the Battle of Alberta from both cities stand points.