Yahoo Sports 
Hockey world mourning the loss of beloved young Oilers fan Ben Stelter
“La Bamba” will be ringing through the halls of Rogers Arena for a very long time.
Ben Stelter, a six-year-old boy and massive fan of the Edmonton Oilers, sadly passed away on Tuesday, his father announced on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.
You truly changed the world and did so much good in your short time here. Mom and I are so proud of you. You had a bigger heart than anyone we’ve ever met. Our hearts are left with a Ben sized hole in them and life will never be the same without you. We are absolutely crushed.
— Mike Stelter (@m_dan25) August 10, 2022
Stelter was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, before he turned five years old. As news of his fight with the disease spread throughout Edmonton and the hockey world at large, he became a visible part of the Oilers season and playoff run.
The team invited him and his family to several games, and he became famous for his “play La Bamba, baby” catchphrase whenever he wanted to celebrate his favourite hockey team.
On Wednesday, the Oilers along with players past and present sent their condolences.
We are mourning the passing of our dear friend, number one #Oilers fan, good luck charm & inspiration, Ben Stelter.
Although small in stature, Ben's impact on our team & community were massive.
Play La Bamba, baby. 💙🧡— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 10, 2022
Ben you’re a true warrior and are such a inspiration to all of us. Your strength, determination, courage and love beamed through the hockey world and especially our team. I’m going to miss your fist pumps before the games. To the Stelter family we send our love and support. https://t.co/x2ohXLA7OS
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) August 10, 2022
Our most sincere condolences brother, he will be missed!!! RIP Ben! @EdmontonOilers https://t.co/rCoQgFRGzS
— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) August 11, 2022
In addition to Stelter’s Oilers, teams around the league — including the archrival Calgary Flames — mourned the loss of such a passionate and inspiring person and hockey fan.
Our deepest condolences go out to Ben's family and friends. Ben was an incredible source of inspiration to everyone who knew him and his story, epitomizing courage, kindness, and bravery.
Rest in peace Ben 💙 https://t.co/Un0bRjDvWG— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 10, 2022
We join the hockey world in mourning the loss of young @EdmontonOilers fan Ben Stelter. pic.twitter.com/G95mwEc5uT
— NHL (@NHL) August 10, 2022
Hockey fans also shared condolences as they mourned a fellow fan that was taken way too early but will leave a giant, lasting impression on the sport.
Rest In Peace Ben 🤍 pic.twitter.com/wVvxxmo8AO
— 🔪 (@oilygifs) August 10, 2022
Ben Stelter was more than a hockey fan.
He was an inspiration in life, showing tremendous courage in the face of his struggle and bravely helping raise awareness and funds for others like him.
Even though he’s gone, he remains a reminder of the best we can be. #yeg #oilers https://t.co/kZBXhjAkUU— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 10, 2022
I feel very fortunate that we were able to meet Ben in LA back in May and see how excited he was for the game. He brought this city together in a way that I've never seen before and our hearts are with the Stelter family. Thank you, Ben. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/mikj29obTW
— Baggedmilk (@jsbmbaggedmilk) August 10, 2022
Rest easy, Ben.
