ST. LOUIS (AP) – St. Louis Blues forward Scottie Upshall has numerous family members who live in Fort McMurray, Alberta, including a brother and his fiancé, plus aunts, uncles and nieces.
Playing Game 3 against the Dallas Stars in the second round of the playoffs was a welcome diversion from thoughts about the devastation wrought by a raging wildfire that has forced the evacuation of about 88,000 residents from the city surrounded by wilderness in the heart of Canada’s oil sands region.
“Most of my family was trying not to overplay it at all, but there was nothing to really overplay when something like that happens,” Upshall said.
Upshall’s nieces were among those evacuated, although his brother and fiancé were in St. Louis to watch the game. Officials have said hundreds of structures were damaged or destroyed.
“It’s been a great city, a city that’s survived for many years through some tough times and for me, growing up there doesn’t seem too long ago,” said Upshall, who is 32. “Places that probably aren’t standing anymore will be really, really tough to take. But as long as everyone’s OK, that’s the main thing.”