The Oilers' Effect on Alberta—Page 2

1 | Page 2

Dare To Dream

Current Oiler Scott Ferguson says the 1980s Oilers were inspirational to young Alberta hockey players. His best memory as a fan was watching Edmonton win its first Stanley Cup in 1984.

"We were all sitting around watching it on TV," recalls Ferguson, who has also lived in Lac La Biche and Barrhead. "It was so exciting that my two brothers and I had to go out and play street hockey in between periods."

The conscious effort to ice a lineup with local talent began with franchise founder Bill Hunter. "Wild Bill" drafted many players who were either Albertan or had played their junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Hunter believed looking locally would create a strong fan base, and the Oilers proved him right by setting WHA attendance records.

Hunter had created the Oilers for the entire province. In fact, prior to 1972-73 season, Hunter called his team the Alberta Oilers, intending to split home games with Calgary.

When that plan failed to materialize, the team’s name officially changed to the Edmonton Oilers before the 1973-74 campaign. The mere thought of Edmonton sharing a team with Calgary seems downright strange today. That is because the Oilers and Calgary Flames have waged war over the years in the Battle of Alberta. Regardless of where either team sits in the standings, it’s hockey’s fiercest rivalry.

Alberta Ownership

Provincial pride for the Oilers was especially evident in March 1998, when it looked as though Edmonton might lose its best-loved hockey team to an American investor.  A group of community and business leaders came together under the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG) banner and raised $70 million (US) to help preserve the franchise.

The EIG’s bid to buy the Oilers defeated Houston-based investor Les Alexander’s efforts to purchase the club. EIG shareholders spend over $3 million a season in ticket purchases, suite rentals and advertising/sponsorship.

[back] [top]