Why the Oilers play ‘La Bamba’ after wins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, explained

Play La Bamba, baby!

The Edmonton Oilers have made it to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006 and things look — and sound — a bit different.

For some time now, the Oilers have used Ritchie Valens’ 1958 hit song “La Bamba” as their victory song. So, how did it come about? Well, it all started with Joey Moss, an Oilers superfan and long-time locker room attendant for the team who passed away in 2020. Moss, who had Down syndrome, passed away at age 57 and made a lasting impact on the Oilers franchise. According to Wayne Gretzky — yes, that Wayne Gretzky — Moss loved singing and dancing to “La Bamba” at the team’s Christmas party.

And from there, the rest is history. The Oilers adapted “La Bamba” as their win song in honor of Moss and “play La Bamba, baby!” has become a rallying cry for the Edmonton faithful these last few years. A non-traditional victory song but an epic one nonetheless!

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