The Big League—Events (1979-1983)

The year was 1979. Edmonton had a strong professional team but did not have a league. The World Hockey Association, reduced to six teams, had announced it was folding.

Rumours swirled that the National Hockey League (NHL) would adopt the Oilers and three other WHA refugee clubs. Instead of being a time of hope, Edmontonians soon realized that they would have to fight to get their team admitted to the NHL.

In the end, the NHL reluctantly agreed to let the Oilers into the league. Upon entering the league, the Oilers would bring more than a solid fan base and a new, state-of-the-art arena; they brought with them a new up-tempo game, and a desire to prove the city's love for pro-hockey.  They would also bring Wayne Gretzky to the NHL.

This section will trace the history and struggle for the Oilers move from the WHA to the NHL.

[back] [top]