Upper Deck is proud to announce this year’s 2024-25 Ultimate MVP winner, Dale Steil aka BanjoGuy55!
Dale hails from Alberta, Canada and has an undying love for his favorite NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers. When it comes to being a super fan, Dale is the prime example of someone who loves his team on and off the ice, and during all the highs and lows.
For anyone who attends an Oilers game, the odds are high that you’ve spotted Dale in his gameday fit, Banjoguy. With his fully painted face, custom boots, and overalls covered in pins and patches, he’s hard to miss and often gets stopped for photos. But more importantly than that, when Banjoguy isn’t attending Oilers games at Rogers place or on the road, he’s giving back to the community. Having raised over $20,000 for local charities, he volunteers with the Ben Stelter Foundation and runs his own toy drive for the Ronald McDonald House of Edmonton.
Keep an eye out for Banjoguy during the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs, because Upper Deck will be sending him to a playoffs game of his choice!
To learn more about our recent MyMVP winner, read the full interview below.
How does it feel to be this year’s MyMVP winner?
“I feel very honored to be selected as Upper Decks Ultimate MyMVP Contest Winner. I feel that this is a North American award, that brought some friendly competition to fellow Super Fans of our various teams. I want to thank all of my Instagram followers of Banjoguy55, friends, family, and fellow super fans for all the support and votes throughout the past couple weeks.”
What does it mean to you to be recognized in this way?
“I feel very humbled to know that all of the hard work, passion, dedication and time put into Banjoguy is being recognized at this level. So many heartfelt messages of support from across North America have been very heartwarming! My passion for the game, fellow fans and helping our community will definitely continue to grow!”
You were a runner up in last year’s contest, is there anything you did differently this time around?
“My Instagram followers since last year have nearly doubled, that and the increase in support online was definitely a huge factor. I’m sure everyone is tired of seeing my stories or messages for votes by now [laughs]. Finishing 3rd last year definitely left me wanting to come back and win it all. I always believed in my Banjoguy platform that I would come back and push to win this amazing prize. I would also like to thank last year’s winner Darrin Quigley and Golden Knights superfan Mandy Veith on Instagram who finished 2nd last year for all the support as well! The superfan community is full of amazing people!”
Let’s talk about Banjoguy! Your game day costume is very unique and intricate. Are there any cool behind the scenes details or stories you can tell us?
“My hats started their journey on a beach in Mexico. My fleet of hats has expanded to 6 different variations, all hand painted and having their each uniquely different look. LED lights and duct tape under the brims help my look, and really stand out when the lights are off. Easy to spot Banjoguy in the stands pregame and during the anthems blinking away.”
- Who painted your boots? – how many pairs do you have?
“I have 2 pairs of custom Cowboy boots. Each pair was hand-painted by my friend and local artist Melanie Jill. Each boot has a unique look including Oiler stars Connor McDavid (which I got hand-signed in LA before a game in the 2023 playoffs), Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman and Stuart Skinner. As well as Oilers Legends Joey Moss and Ben Stelter. I often catch myself feeling sorry for wearing them out to games, but they are too cool not to wear and show everyone the amazing artwork!”
- Was anything gifted to you?
“From fan chains, lapel pins, drum handle and the exchange of stickers, gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Special thank you to Mike Stelter for my Ben Stelter Fan Chain! Fan Mail is also very appreciated with some gifts coming from Florida to Massachusetts. Each game I hand out unique Banjoguy55 stickers to kids and adults who want selfies and pictures. I would also like to thank Wendolynlamchop on Instagram for designing all of my stickers. She is working on a special MVP sticker to signify this honor. It’s awesome to bring smiles to all ages at the games when I hand out my stickers!”
- How long did it take you to collect all those pins and patches?
“My coveralls currently have over 350 lapel pins and over 50 patches. They weigh in at over 30 lbs. So they definitely go in my carry-on backpack when I go traveling. I have been collecting the pins and patches for 4 years, buying from various sites whenever anything cool or different would pop up. I would like to give a shoutout to my mom for all the sewing and repairs. Each game, it’s almost guaranteed that I lose a couple… Super glue has definitely been a major help in stopping them from breaking off or falling out.”
- Where do you get inspiration for your different face paintings? – how long does it take?
“Having now painted over 140 different faces I’m definitely running out of ideas slowly. Each face paint takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the level of detail. I paint all of my own faces in a mirror with some brushes and a steady hand. I usually look to some sort of theme dependent on who the Oilers are playing that night. Oil drop designs, old school wrestling faces, Marvel characters, different variations of my “Original” face paint design and special theme nights. People also ask how I get it off and it really isn’t too crazy, blue dish soap helps get the paint and beard dye out after a night at the rink. The key is to moisturize! [laughs] It’s crazy to see how much more face paint has been showing up at the rink since I have started painting and being spotted on TV. Orange and Blue were sold out in Edmonton this past playoff run. I’ve got enough stock for another deep playoff run this year.”
- Do you wear Ben Stelter’s Upper Deck card around your neck at every game?
“Every game Ben gets to come along with me for the ride! The Ben Stelter card is a staple of Banjoguy’s outfit each and every game, home and away. Ben was such an inspiration for Oilers fans! I feel honored to wear the card and be able to call the Stelter family friends.”
You have done a lot for the Oilers and the local community, what has been a favorite memory of yours?
“This December I was able to help out and volunteer at Ben’s Cup, a U13 and U11 hockey tournament in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation. An incredible event that helped raise over $600,000! Having spent the weekend with all the amazing kids and community was incredible!
Also, before Christmas I held my 5th Annual Toy Drive In Support of the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton, it is always heartwarming to be able to deliver toys to the house and kids! A very special place in our community. Having my face on the walls of Rogers Place for an ad for the Oilers and Apple was definitely a standout moment for me! Seeing a 60-foot picture of Banjoguy was a surreal experience.”
Banjoguy volunteering at the 2024 Ben’s Cup, a U-11 / U-13 hockey tournament that raises money for the Ben Stelter Foundation
Banjoguy visits schools in October during their annual “reading week” to read Oilers forward, Zach Hyman’s, books to grade 3 students
Do you have any goals that you would like to achieve with the team or in the Oilers community/fan base?
“I’m very excited to continue to travel and take Banjoguy on the road. Having currently been to 12 away arenas, my goal is to eventually visit every team in the NHL. We currently have a NY trip planned for March to be able to watch the Oilers play in all 3 games out east. Keep an eye out for Banjo!”
What advice do you have for other superfans around the league?
“Just be authentic and to be yourself. The amount of crazy looks and chirps I get when visiting other arenas will always happen. You can’t let the negativity of others affect you in having a good time and bringing passion to the rink. Keep cheering, smiling, and having a good time. “
How has your experience been with this contest?
“Last year was the first year I heard about the contest. Being now the 3rd winner from Edmonton, it shows the passion Oilers Fans have for both the game and their fellow fans. Having lost to Florida for the Stanley Cup, it was good to be able to come out on top of this battle against Florida’s Muscle Fan. This contest will only get bigger and better, and I am very proud to be an MVP! Thank you, Upper Deck, from us superfans to have a platform to be able to express ourselves in a friendly competition.”
“…Just 1 more thing… I would like to thank my wife for all the pictures taken for fans, patience, time and love!”
