Edmonton cancer-fighting anthem singer was so touched by ovation from Oilers fans
The Edmonton Oilers may have lost Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild, but at least one person left Rogers Place feeling on top of the world.
It was an emotional start to the game, as anthem singer Robert Clark made his return to the rink for the first time since undergoing cancer treatment. The return came one home game after he was recognized during the Oilers’ Hockey Fights Cancer night, which took place last week.
As he was introduced, the crowd gave Clark a rousing ovation to show him just how much support he had in his ongoing fight. A visibly emotional Clark waved to the crowd and gave a fantastic rendition of both the Canadian and American anthems.
We LOVE @RobClarkTenor #letsgooilers pic.twitter.com/ZITQAGeyx7
— Buzzer Beater (@EilishMorrison) December 3, 2025
After the fact, the anthem singer took to social media to let fans know just how much the moment meant to him.
“Thank you for that, Oil Country. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more supported or more emotional than I did tonight,” Clark wrote. “You all made this fight more than worth it for me.”
Thank you for that, Oil Country. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more supported or more emotional than I did tonight. You all made this fight more than worth it for me. 🥹 🙏🏻 🧡💙🧡💙
— Robert Clark (@RobClarkTenor) December 3, 2025
In October, the veteran anthem singer announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia, a form of cancer that affects the body’s white blood cells.
In a video describing the situation, Clark explained that he had started feeling ill back in August and underwent tests, which led to the cancer diagnosis. Luckily, he revealed that this was a very treatable form of cancer, and he was optimistic that he could overcome this and get healthy once again.
Clark did undergo treatment in November, causing him to miss a few Oilers games in the process. He announced before Tuesday’s game that he was feeling well enough to make a return to Rogers Place.
Oilers fans have become accustomed to Clark performing the anthem, as he’s been doing it for over a decade at this point. Aside from his fantastic renditions, he has also claimed notoriety for his tradition of enlisting the Rogers Place crowd to sing “O Canada” during playoff games.
ANOTHER PERFECT O CANADA FROM OILERS FANS 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/uGiBwVCd71
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2025
As he continues his fight against cancer, the hope is that fans will once again see him back in the playoffs later this season.