Proposed lawsuit files allege Oilers games led to delays in bail-hearing paperwork by police
We know people all across Canada love to watch their hockey, but this might be taking it too far if the allegations are proven. A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in an Edmonton court includes paperwork regarding delayed bail hearings for those facing charges in that area. The lawsuit, if it is approved to go forward, has been filed on behalf of people who allege they waited longer than 24 hours for a bail hearing, the maximum amount of time allowed under the Criminal Code of Canada.
This is where it gets very interesting. In papers filed by the Alberta government in court, assistant chief Crown prosecutor Travis Stang blames Edmonton Police Service for the delays, and believes Edmonton Oilers games are the reason behind it.
"One source of frustration for the CBO (Crown bail office) has been the late delivery of electronic bail packages, or the mass delivery of electronic bail packages late at night and close to the end of business hours,» Stang states. «We noted a delay in the submission/receipt of bail packages from EPS that we observed seemed consistent with and mostly coincided with the televised playoff game times in 2018, most notable [sic] the Edmonton Oiler games."
According to MacLean's, "Stang was wrong in saying the relevant games were playoff contests (he is based, incidentally, in Calgary). But his office has otherwise done its homework, submitting as a court exhibit a graphic showing when packages were uploaded to the bail office and when Edmonton game periods fell in late March and April [of 2018].
In a written statement to MacLean's, EPS flatly denied the allegations.
"The EPS firmly rejects the assertion made by Mr. Stang, and finds it to be unfounded," said spokesperson Carolin Maran.
Maran argues Stang's graphic shows no link between late bail-hearing paperwork and Oilers games. We're certain there will be more on this story in the coming months.
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JUNE 9, 2026
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