Edmonton, June 12, 2025 — The Stanley Cup Final spotlight was shattered today by chilling personal revelations from Chloe Skinner, wife of Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. On the “Breaking the Ice” podcast, she disclosed that their family has faced serious, disturbing death threats that have left them shaken and fearful.

Terrifying Threats Targeting Innocents

Chloe recounted how anonymous social media messages included explicit threats toward her and their two young sons:

“My DMs can be filled with death threats towards the kids, to myself… People wanting, threatening to come if they ever see us… We’ve had to call in security.”

While Stuart stays off social media and seldom sees the vitriol, Chloe endures it daily—and it’s taking a toll. She revealed she even took a break from Instagram over the summer after being overwhelmed by the abuse.

“He Was Too Young to Go Through This”

Expressing anguish and disbelief, Chloe tearfully said:

“It’s terrifying… my husband, he was too young to have to go through this.”

For a 26-year-old goalie who’s led the Oilers through a strong season and into the Cup Final, the personal cost of such cruelty is unimaginable.

Context: When Passion Becomes Threat

Fan passion can be intense, but with the rise of sports betting, lines have blurred. Chloe noted that many of the threats seem to stem not from hockey fans, but from gamblers upset at losing money. Social media anonymity emboldens such behavior, and the Skinner family has been forced to hire private security to protect their home and children.

A Call for Empathy and Accountability

Chloe’s emotional plea is a stark reminder that athletes are human—and their families are vulnerable. She emphasized that “our bullying is working” in the eyes of hateful fans, and that the toll on her mental health is real.

What Happens Next?

With the Stanley Cup Final underway, the last thing the Skinner family needs is a distraction clouded by fear. This situation raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of leagues, platforms, and fans alike.

Should the NHL and teams offer greater protections for players’ families?
Can social media platforms better address harassment and threats?
How can fan culture—and the influence of gambling—be kept in line?

Final Thought

Tonight, as the Oilers face off in Game 4, it’s important to remember the person standing between the pipes isn’t alone. Stuart Skinner is defending his net — but his family is fighting a different battle off the ice. And no athlete—especially one so young—should have to endure this level of abuse at home.

Our thoughts are with Stuart, Chloe, and their boys. May this nightmare end and bring renewed calls for compassion, restraint, and accountability.

Sources

Chloe’s own account on the “Breaking the Ice” podcast
Coverage by CityNews Edmonton and other local media
Community and forum reactions condemning the threats