The Ultimate Guide to Oilers Fan Chants & Songs

Welcome, Oil Country. If you’ve ever felt the electric buzz in Rogers Place or watched from home as the crowd’s roar seems to shake your screen, you know the sound is a huge part of the game. It’s more than just noise—it’s a heartbeat. For the Edmonton Oilers, that heartbeat is powered by you, the fan, through decades-old traditions and spontaneous eruptions of sound that can lift a team and intimidate an opponent.

This isn't just about yelling; it's about speaking the language of Oilers fandom. Whether you're a season-ticket holder who knows every lyric or a new fan looking to join the chorus, this guide is your playbook. From the anthems that echo through the home arena to the specific chants for Connor McDavid and the Stanley Cup Playoffs, we’re breaking down the soundtrack of Edmonton. Let’s make sure your voice is ready for the next Stanley Cup run.

The Foundation: Oilers Anthems & Goal Songs

Every great arena has its signature sounds—the songs that instantly unite a crowd and celebrate the biggest moments. For the Edmonton Oilers, these anthems are a mix of modern energy and nostalgic pride.

"La Bamba" - The Goal Song

Since the 2017 playoffs, the iconic riff of "La Bamba" has signaled one thing: an Oilers goal. Originally a tribute to the late Joey Moss, a beloved locker room attendant, the song has become an inseparable part of the goal celebration. As soon as the puck crosses the line, the entire arena joins in with a thunderous "HEY!" and claps along. It’s a moment of pure, shared joy that connects the current team’s success to the franchise’s heart and history.

"Welcome to the Jungle" - The Opening Anthem

When the lights go down and the team hits the ice, Guns N' Roses' classic rock anthem blares through the speakers. The crunching guitar riff sets a tone of intensity and excitement, perfectly priming the crowd for the battle ahead. It’s a ritual that signals the end of warm-ups and the start of the real show.

"The Hockey Song" & Other Nostalgic Hits

During TV timeouts and intermissions, you’ll often hear Stompin' Tom Connors' "The Hockey Song" or other classic rock staples. These songs tap into the timeless, blue-collar spirit of hockey in Canada and Edmonton, serving as a reminder of the game’s deep roots in the community.

The Chant Playbook: From "Go Oilers Go" to Player Tributes

Chants are the live, reactive dialogue of the game. They encourage the team, celebrate players, and sometimes, good-naturedly remind the opposition where they are.

The Universal Rally Cry: "Go Oilers Go!"

When it happens: Anytime. Period starts, TV timeout, after a big save, when the team needs energy.
The chant: A simple, powerful, and rhythmic "GO OIL-ERS GO!" (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap).
Why it works: Its simplicity is its strength. Easy for everyone to join, easy to build in volume and speed. It’s the foundational chant of Oilers fandom.

Celebrating Excellence: Player-Specific Chants

This is where the crowd gets creative, showing love for the stars and key contributors.

For Connor McDavid: When 97 does something utterly breathtaking—a coast-to-coast rush, a highlight-reel assist—the arena often breaks into a booming "M-V-P! M-V-P!" chant. It’s a direct acknowledgment of his status as a perennial Hart Memorial Trophy candidate and the best player in the world. On the Power Play, you might also hear a focused hum of anticipation every time he touches the puck.
For Leon Draisaitl: The big German center earns his chants through sheer dominance, especially on the man advantage. A roar of "DRAI-SAITL!" often follows a wicked one-timer goal or a clever pass. His connection with McDavid on the PP is a constant threat, and the crowd’s energy reflects that.
For Stuart Skinner: A massive save from the hometown goaltender is often met with a prolonged, respectful chant of "SKIN-NER! SKIN-NER!" It’s a show of support and gratitude for the last line of defense, crucial during any postseason push.
For the Grinders: Don’t be surprised to hear a loud, appreciative roar for a player like Connor Brown after a key shot block or a relentless forecheck. Oilers fans value effort, and the chants reflect that.

The "Ref You Suck" & Other... Colorful Contributions

Let’s be honest, hockey fandom has an edge. A controversial call against the Oilers will almost certainly generate a unified, echoing chant questioning the officials’ eyesight. While we advocate for passionate and respectful support, this reaction is a staple in NHL arenas, a way for 18,000+ people to voice a shared, immediate grievance.

The Playoff Symphony: How the Sound Changes in Spring

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a different beast. The intensity on the ice is matched, decibel for decibel, in the stands. The chants become louder, longer, and more urgent.

Pregame Atmosphere: The buzz outside Rogers Place in the playoffs is palpable, often led by fan marches and singing. This energy floods into the building long before puck drop.
"We Want the Cup": As the Oilers advance through rounds, this chant becomes more frequent and fervent. It’s a direct, hungry declaration of the ultimate goal.
Series-Specific Chants: If the Oilers are facing a key rival in the Western Conference, chants will often incorporate the opponent's name or their goalie’s. It’s a form of psychological warfare, a way for the crowd to become a true sixth skater.
The Overtime Roar: During playoff overtime, every shot, every save, every zone entry is met with a collective gasp or roar. The chanting might be more sporadic, replaced by a sustained, nervous, and hopeful energy that hangs in the air until the winning goal is scored.

How to Be a Part of the Chorus: A Fan's Practical Guide

Want to move from spectator to participant? Here’s how to lend your voice effectively.

1. Listen and Learn: Your first game is a great time to listen. Follow the lead of the fans in your section, especially the long-time season-ticket holders who often act as chant-starters.


2. Timing is Everything: The best times to start or join a chant are during natural breaks (stoppages in play, after a whistle) or immediately after a big positive play. Avoid trying to start something while play is actively moving.


3. Embrace the Classics: You can never go wrong with a hearty "Go Oilers Go!" It’s always appropriate and always welcome.


4. Know the Current Roster: Understanding who Kris Knoblauch is putting on the ice, especially the Power Play units, helps you anticipate plays and know who to cheer for. When you see Draisaitl set up in his office on the left circle, you can feel the "Drai!" chant building before he even receives the pass.


5. Connect with the Community: The chants are just one part of a rich history of Oilers fan traditions and rituals. Engaging with that history makes the experience deeper.

The Cultural Impact: More Than Just Noise

These songs and chants do more than fill airtime. They create a tangible home-ice advantage at Rogers Place, making it one of the toughest buildings for visitors to play in. They show the players—from Connor McDavid to the fourth-line grinders—that the city is behind them, a fact that’s often cited by players as a key motivator during a grueling 82-game season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This shared vocal experience is a core part of the Oilers culture and fan community. It’s a thread that connects the dynasty years of the 80s to the modern era of speed and skill, a way for generations of fans to express their passion in the same, powerful way.

Your Voice Matters

The soundtrack of the Edmonton Oilers isn’t created by the PA system; it’s created by you. From the timeless "Go Oilers Go" to the modern roar for McDavid, every chant adds a layer to the story of the game and the season. It’s a living tradition that you help write every night.

So next time you’re at Rogers Place or even watching from your couch, don’t hold back. Learn the chants, feel the rhythm of the game, and add your voice to the chorus of Oilers history. Want to take your fandom to the next level? Dive deeper into how to connect with the team and its players and become an even more integral part of Oil Country.

Now, let’s hear it. Ready?
GO OIL-ERS GO!*