Edmonton Oilers anthem singer touched by warm ovation after revealing cancer diagnosis
Edmonton Oilers anthem singer Robert Clark was feeling the love from the crowd at Rogers Place on Thursday night.
Clark, who has been the Oilers’ anthem singer since the 2013-14 season, sang the national anthem for the first time on Thursday night since recently revealing that he had been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia, a form of cancer that affects the body’s white blood cells.
Clark received well-wishes from many after revealing his diagnosis, and word spread throughout the city of Edmonton. After making his way onto the ice ahead of Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, Oilers fans gave him a roaring ovation, one which he was very appreciative of.
“Thank you, Oil Country,” Clark wrote on X shortly after singing the anthem. “You all made me feel pretty damn special tonight.”
Thank you, Oil Country. You all made me feel pretty damn special tonight 💙🧡💙🧡🥹🙏🏻
— Robert Clark (@RobClarkTenor) October 24, 2025
The scary diagnosis was revealed earlier this week by Clark, who said he had begun feeling symptoms back in August. After a series of tests, he was delivered the horrible news, but assured Oilers fans that it’s nothing he can’t overcome.
“It’s a very, very treatable type of leukemia, and the treatment that I am going to be going through will put me into remission almost indefinitely,” Clark said. “What comes with this type of leukemia is a giant spleen, which I have, and a whole lot of tiredness. I am tired all the time.”
A little personal life update for everyone. Send positive vibes if you can! #HairyCellLeukemia #Leukemia #PositiveVibesOnly #FuckCancer #IGotThis pic.twitter.com/TXvT2Hawvm
— Robert Clark (@RobClarkTenor) October 20, 2025
Clark is not only well known amongst Oilers fans but also among hockey fans in general, thanks to his outstanding performances year after year in the playoffs. Throughout each and every postseason, he gets the crowd to help him sing the words to O Canada.
ANOTHER PERFECT O CANADA FROM OILERS FANS 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/uGiBwVCd71
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2025
Clark did reveal that his treatment, which is set to begin in November, could force him to miss some Oilers games. That said, he’s determined to step away for as little time as possible.
“Treatment for this is likely going to start on Nov. 10, and it lasts for about eight to 10 weeks,” Clark said. “That may mean that I’m missing some Oilers games. I am trying to time it so that I don’t really miss too much.”