In a heartwarming and unexpectedly viral story, one Edmonton woman has become a local hero after creating crocheted emotional support chickens—each themed after the Edmonton Oilers—to help fans deal with the ups and downs of the hockey season. What started as a personal project to bring comfort to herself and a few friends has exploded into a feel-good trend that’s capturing the hearts of Oilers fans across the globe.
The Birth of the Emotional Support Chicken
It all started with an idea born from the stress of hockey season. As the Edmonton Oilers faced intense highs and lows on the ice, one fan, Sarah Thompson, found herself searching for a way to cope with the rollercoaster emotions that came with each game.
Sarah, a self-proclaimed crocheting enthusiast, decided to combine her love for knitting with her passion for hockey by creating little crocheted chickens, each dressed in Oilers colors and designed with various team-themed accessories. “I just needed something to help me get through those stressful game nights,” she said. “It was more of a fun, personal project at first, but I had no idea it would blow up like this!”
The chickens, each adorably small and sporting either a mini Oilers jersey or team scarf, are meant to provide comfort, a bit of humor, and a reminder to fans to stay positive, even when their team is down.
How It Went Viral
What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger when Sarah posted a picture of her first batch of crocheted chickens online. A simple Instagram post quickly went viral, with fans commenting and tagging friends who were looking for a little “emotional support” to get them through the highs and lows of the hockey season.
“I thought maybe a few people would find it funny or cute, but I never imagined it would catch on like this,” Sarah admitted, laughing. “Now, people are messaging me asking to buy them or to make them custom chickens with their favorite player’s number or specific team colors.”
As the requests poured in, Sarah started a small Etsy shop where she now offers custom crocheted Oilers-themed emotional support chickens. Fans quickly embraced the concept, using the chickens as a source of comfort during the tense playoff race, celebrations after a big win, or even as a way to stay positive after a tough loss.
A Symbol of Community and Resilience
The chickens, which are now popping up at Oilers games and fan meet-ups, have become a symbol of community and resilience for the team’s fanbase. Whether it’s a personal stress reliever or a good-luck charm, these cuddly creations have helped bring fans together in a way that few could have predicted.
“It’s something small, but I think it’s a reminder that sometimes you need to laugh and not take things so seriously,” said one fan who bought a chicken. “The Oilers are a big part of our lives, but it’s also important to stay grounded and keep perspective. These chickens are like little reminders to stay positive.”
The Future of the Emotional Support Chicken
As Sarah continues to create these beloved birds, she has big plans for the future. She’s already started offering themed chickens for other sports teams and even personalized versions featuring fans’ favorite players or mascots. However, no matter how far her business grows, she’s committed to keeping the spirit of community and humor at the heart of her creations.
“It’s really about the people,” Sarah said. “Seeing fans post pictures with their chickens, sharing stories, and laughing about it together has been so rewarding. I just wanted to bring a little joy and comfort during a time when we all could use it.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting her next batch of chickens, with many already placing custom orders as the NHL season continues. One thing is clear: Sarah Thompson’s crocheted emotional support chickens have found a special place in the hearts of Oilers fans, one stitch at a time.
