Hockey world mourning the loss of beloved young Oilers fan Ben Stelter

The hockey world is mourning the death of Ben Stelter, a six-year-old boy with brain cancer whom the Oilers rallied around during their recent playoff run. (Photo via Twitter / Mike 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.

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.

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.

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 easy, Ben.