Q&A: In conversation with Stuart Skinner's father about cheering on a hometown hero

It's a momentous day for the Edmonton Oilers, especially the team's Edmonton-born and raised goaltender, Stuart Skinner. 

The team is in Florida getting ready for Game 7, which gets underway at 6 p.m. MT. Skinner's performance has been instrumental in helping the Oilers claw its way back from a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers.

The 25-year-old goaltender is the youngest in his family of nine children. (According to the Oilers website, each of their first names start with the letter S.) His father Sam Skinner talked to CBC's Edmonton AM on Monday about his son's performance, the family's passion for hockey and the love they're feeling from fans.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What has it been like for you to watch your son play through this playoff run?

It's been stressfully exciting. Just watching him do his thing, he is very focused, very ready for the next shot. He doesn't get upset. He just focuses. And when I see him doing his little dance on the ice, I know he's in the right space.

How would you describe his performance throughout the series as well?

You know, it's a team effort as he'll tell you too. But I felt very, very proud of him, how he's been working.

As I say, you can't rattle him. He doesn't get upset. You're not going to get him out of his space. He looks determined and excited to see the outcome tonight. 

The Oilers have been working with a sports psychologist. Have you heard much about what that's been like?

No, Stuart's pretty closed down during the playoffs. He always has been, even when he played in the WHL and even way back playing minor hockey. 

But as far as psychologists, they would be good for therapy for the parents.

How big was hockey for your family?