Edmonton, June 12, 2025 â The Stanley Cup Final spotlight was shattered today by chilling personal revelations from Chloe Skinner, wife of Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. On the âBreaking the Iceâ 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:
âMy DMs can be filled with death threats towards the kids, to myself⌠People wanting, threatening to come if they ever see us⌠Weâve had to call in security.â
While Stuart stays off social media and seldom sees the vitriol, Chloe endures it dailyâand it’s taking a toll. She revealed she even took a break from Instagram over the summer after being overwhelmed by the abuse.
âHe Was Too Young to Go Through Thisâ
Expressing anguish and disbelief, Chloe tearfully said:
âItâs terrifying⌠my husband, he was too young to have to go through this.â
For a 26-year-old goalie whoâs 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
Chloeâs emotional plea is a stark reminder that athletes are humanâand their families are vulnerable. She emphasized that âour bullying is workingâ 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 cultureâand the influence of gamblingâbe kept in line?
Final Thought
Tonight, as the Oilers face off in Game 4, itâs important to remember the person standing between the pipes isnât alone. Stuart Skinner is defending his net â but his family is fighting a different battle off the ice. And no athleteâespecially one so youngâshould 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
Chloeâs own account on the âBreaking the Iceâ podcast
Coverage by CityNews Edmonton and other local media
Community and forum reactions condemning the threats