Oilers file complaint against Canucks’ Green Men over controversial sign: report
By Jagraj Lalli
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The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly lodged a complaint against the two Vancouver Canucks fans known as the Green Men. According to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali – The Team, the complaint was sparked by a sign displayed during Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs. The sign, directed at Oilers forward Evander Kane, read: “Evander… What’s the parlay tonight?” referencing Kane’s past with gambling.
“We were told the Edmonton Oilers complained to the NHL in the last round about the Green Men because the Green Men had an Evander Kane sign about gambling,” Dhaliwal said on Thursday’s edition of Donnie and Dhali – The Team. “The Green Men were then told you couldn’t go to any more games in Round 2, maybe in Round 3.”
The Green Men, known as Force (Adam Forsyth) and Sully (Ryan Sullivan), returned to Rogers Arena earlier this year during a game against the Boston Bruins. Initially intended as a one-off appearance, they reappeared in the playoffs, targeting Oilers players in the penalty box.
Their antics have a history of causing a stir. In 2011, NHL teams complained about their handstands and interactions with the glass, leading to a directive for them to end those activities. The Green Men, dressed in green full-body spandex suits, had been a notorious fixture at Canucks games for many seasons, known for their humorous and often provocative behaviour towards opposing players.
Despite retiring at the end of the 2014-15 NHL season, Forsyth and Sullivan re-emerged this season, again making headlines with their antics. Their sign targeting Kane quickly went viral on social media, prompting the Oilers to take formal action.
The Green Men’s influence has extended beyond the rink. In 2012, they were inducted into the ESPN Hall of Fans. And despite their controversial tactics, many Canucks fans were pleased with their return on February 24th.
The series between the Oilers and Canucks saw the two cities and fan bases going back and forth not just on the ice but on social media. Fans had opposing opinions on the Green Men’s signage as well.
The Edmonton Oilers currently lead the Dallas Stars 1-0 in the best-of-seven Western Conference Final after an overtime victory on Thursday night.
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