For many of our residents and team members across B.C. and Alberta, hockey isn’t just a sport, but a source of fun, excitement, and connection with one another. Whether you grew up watching your favourite NHL team, or simply love the excitement of the playoff season, hockey has a way of bringing Optima Living communities together.
While residents across every Optima Living community enjoy the fun of the Playoffs, none are quite so tenured as the residents at Everitt Gardens – Optima Living’s independent living and assisted living community in St. Albert, Alberta.
In fact, The Oilers are such a big deal to these residents, their team spirit has caught the eye of local news, with Everitt Gardens residents boldly declaring: this is where Oilers Fans live for their next chapter!
Over the years, Everitt Gardens has celebrated the NHL playoffs with spectacular team spirit, creating multiple TikTok videos that have gone viral, even earning a thumbs up from Canadian music legend, Justin Bieber.
Beyond Bieber, Everitt Gardens’ social media loving seniors have also become local celebrities in their own right, garnering attention from Edmonton’s CTV News.
Resident Sylvia Helton even noted she was recognized at her local Walmart as “one of the video gals!”
In 2026, NHL Playoff fever also spread to other Optima Living seniors residences in the Edmonton area, including Laurel Heights, Summerwood Village, and Aster Gardens, which scored some big smiles (and a lot of laughter) with playoff fun at their own communities.
“You feel more part of the community if you are contributing to the excitement”
explained resident Joan Walsh.
At Optima Living, we’re here to provide home-style living for seniors, and what could feel more home-like than watching a game and cheering for your team with friends?
Every Optima community has its own unique charm, along with friendly and attentive teams who support seniors, no matter their unique needs. This allows residents to age in place in a home that’s welcoming, fun, and filled with joy. Whether you’re an Oilers fan or not!