Edmonton Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels had to take an unusual verbal detour while calling the game on Saturday. That’s because during the second period of the Oilers’ game versus the Vegas Golden Knights, a fan was giving birth in the arena.
The unusual situation unfolded live during the “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcast from Rogers Place in Edmonton. Michaels made the announcement as Sportsnet came back on air for the start of the game’s third period.
“Breaking news, we have word that someone has gone into labor here tonight,” Michaels said. “There’s a baby being born on the seventh floor at Rogers Place as we speak.
“So, someone is going to have a great story to tell. It would be nice to have them join us on After Hours to describe what’s happened, but that could be asking a bit much.”
It turns out that it was, because the mother did not appear on the post-game show with host Scott Oake. Nor were any further details given during the broadcast about the mother and baby’s status.
However, with five games still remaining on Edmonton’s regular season schedule before the NHL playoffs begin, there is still time for the Oilers to bring her back to drop the ceremonial puck before one of the games.
If that does happen, perhaps they will get her some seats a little closer to the action than on the seventh floor?
NHL fans react to a baby being born in the Edmonton Oilers’ arena during a game
Naturally, something as unusual as a baby being born in the arena during an NHL game quickly became a hot topic among hockey fans on social media.
“At least someone is delivering, McDavid sure ain’t,” one fan commented on X.
“Did she make it back for the 3rd period?” another fan asked.
“If it’s a girl, Elle, to celebrate gettin’ that L tonight,” someone else wrote, referring to the Oilers losing 5-1 to the Golden Knights on Saturday.
“That’s going to be something that kid’s going to be proud of for his whole life,” read another comment from a fan. “Best wishes to the parents.”
“I think this family deserves season tickets for life. That’s dedication you can’t match, lol,” read another comment, while another wrote, “Free tickets for life, right?”