Police brace for Game 7 aftermath

Edmonton police are asking hockey fans to stay home after tonight's Stanley Cup final, the deciding match between the Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Police spokesperson Jeff Wuite said officers will be ready to make arrests for violations such as drinking in public and mischief.

Wuite said he has little sympathy for those who complain about the strict police presence. Police are trying to prevent major crime by strictly enforcing small violations like drinking in public, he said.

"I heard the same argument today earlier, some guy being arrested saying, 'Oh, all I did is walk down the street with a beer.' Guess what, Chuckles? That's illegal. That's not going to get you a ticket, that's going to get you a night in jail," he said.

Whyte Avenue was again the site of raucous celebration on Saturday night after the Oilers won Game 6, forcing the winner-take-all final.

Officials estimate between 15,000 and 30,000 people crammed onto the kilometre-long strip. Hundreds of officers patrolled Whyte Avenue, which was left open to traffic, forcing crowds onto the sidewalks.

Police arrested nearly 400 people, mostly for minor liquor infractions. There were no serious injuries or major property damage.

Most of those arrested spent the night in jail. Only half a dozen people were charged.