Oil enthusiast adorns hundreds of spectator visages at each Edmonton Oilers game, enjoying the spectacle simultaneously
Edmonton's Colorful Crusader:
Meet Jacob Golka, The Ink-Slinging Oilers Fan
Edmonton, AB - Step into the heart of Edmonton's vibrant sports scene, and you're likely to stumble upon a whirlwind of colors, cheers, and the infectious energy of lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan, Jacob Golka.
Golka, a striking figure adorned in every shade of the Oilers palette, can often be seen busy at work during game nights—brushes dipping and swapping at record speed. His aim? Give fellow fans a splash of team spirit before taking their seats.
With a knack for painting faces with a stunning accuracy honed by years of practice, Golka has got it down to a science. All while keeping up with the long line of eager fans lining up for a dash of Oilers blue or orange (or both) at the Oilers' watch parties outside Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton.
"I've painted around 250-300 faces today," Golka shared after Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final, a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.
This zealous volunteer, footing the bill out of his own pocket and without charging a penny, offers a variety of designs for fans to choose from. Fans often go for the eye black, but for Monday's game, Golka introduced a new twist - painting fans' favorite players' numbers on their cheeks, an instant hit that he plans on adopting for every game to come.
But Golka's real joy lies in painting facial hair. Whether it's decorating a clean-shaven 14-year-old's face with a fanfare of blue or a whimsical peach fuzz, the artist finds delight in infusing some Oilers fervor into the crowd.
Though his love for the game may often blind him to the action on the screen, Golka's passion for his team and his fellow fans can be traced back 30 years to the Oilers' earlier years. His game-day tradition of painting fans' faces took root during the Oilers' second-round playoff matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, after a friend decided to paint his face blue. Since then, Golka's style has evolved, and his enthusiasm for his craft knows no bounds.
A hardworking oil rigger by trade, Golka's fandom extends beyond his face—the Oilers bandana, the orange pompom wig, and the tray full of Oilers gear completing his ensemble. Though he may miss some of the game action, the joy he finds in energizing the Oilers' young fans, ensuring that their love for the team remains strong—even during hard times like Game 3—is what drives him to continue his vibrant tradition.
"The kids are first and foremost," Golka says, emphasizing his dedication to fostering a lasting love for the Oilers in the hearts of future fans. "This could be their first memory of being an Oilers fan, and if I can create a positive experience for them to grow up to be future great Oilers fans, that's what I want to do."
With the Oilers eyeing a comeback in Florida, the fun and colors of Jacob Golka's face painting tradition will surely continue to enthrall the Edmonton Oilers fanbase, one brushstroke at a time.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
[1] Golka, a dedicated Oilers fan, has been wielding his paintbrushes in support of his beloved team since the Oilers' earlier days. His vibrant appearance, including a colorful beard and orange moustache, embodies the spirit of the Oilers' fanbase—a testament to his enduring loyalty to the team.
[3] Incorporating his own interpretation of the Oilers' iconic colors, Golka's face painting tradition has become an essential part of the energetic atmosphere at Oilers games in Edmonton, fostering a sense of community and excitement among fellow fans.
- Despite hailing from Edmonton, Golka's enthusiasm for sports extends beyond his hometown's Oilers, as he also demonstrates a keen interest inToronto sports-analysis, especially football.
- After the exhilarating Oilers game, Golka plans on delving into the world of Toronto football, analyzing the teams' strategies in a series of sports-analysis blogs he's been considering, inspired by the spirit and camaraderie of sports fandom.
