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The Edmonton Police Service is prioritizing “proactive” work in preparation for Stanley Cup Final crowds, but says the city has handled the excitement well to date.
“Obviously, we’re going to have people everywhere. The reality is this is something that, to this point, Edmontonians have been pretty good,” said EPS Chief Dale McFee.
As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the first game of the Stanley Cup Final this weekend, the EPS is doing its own preparations ahead of the series. While hockey fans will be glued to their screens Saturday evening, EPS is already looking ahead to Game 3 when the matchup is back in Edmonton.
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Speaking to reporters Thursday at the eighth annual Woodall Cup, McFee said local fans have been well behaved so far.
“I’m pretty proud that Edmontonians have been pretty good overall, and we hope that they continue to enjoy the game, celebrate, but do it between the whistles,” he said.
Since the playoffs started, McFee said officers haven’t had many bad occurrences, except some physical altercations. As such, EPS communications adviser Cheryl Voordenhout said via email that the service wouldn’t be altering its approach to the series for home or away games.
For its part, the RCMP said its top priority remains public safety.
“We know with the playoffs this year, Albertans will be going to and hosting functions where alcohol will be consumed,” said Troy Savinkoff, Alberta RCMP public information officer, in an email.
“Detachment and traffic units across the province will be out in full force both as a deterrent to promote safety and to interdict those impaired and dangerous drivers that put everyone’s lives at risk.”
Savinkoff reminded those heading out to cheer on the Oilers to plan a safe ride home.
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