- 1972
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Alberta Oilers Team Formation
After the newly founded Calgary Broncos folded prior to the commencement of the inaugural WHA season, the Oilers have renamed the Alberta Oilers as it was planned to split their home games between Edmonton and Calgary. Possibly for financial reasons or to allow for a less complicated return of the WHA to Calgary, though, the team ultimately played all of ...
History of the Oilers
The Alberta Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta. The Oilers have been members of the National Hockey League since 1979 and have enjoyed considerable success. In 1984-1985, they won their first Stanley Cup championship under head coach Glen Sather and star players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Grant Fuhr. This began a period of sustained excellence for the franchise that lasted until 1990, when they won five championships in seven seasons—a feat unmatched by any other NHL team before or since.
The early years saw many changes to both personnel and management within the organization; however, this did not stop them from establishing themselves as one of hockey’s most successful teams on ice over this period, with multiple division titles being earned along with numerous individual awards for players like Gretzky who was named MVP eight times between 1981-1982 through 1989–1990 season which is a record for any player regardless if it's NHL or another sport altogether.
Throughout its history, the Oilers have had some fantastic moments, including winning five Stanley Cups from 1983 to 1990, having legendary hall-of-fame players such as Wayne Gretsky, Mark Messier & Grant Fuhr play together on one line known famously as " The Triple Crown Line." Also, having current stars Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl lead them into the modern era, where they're looking forward to making deep runs into playoffs every year.
In conclusion, despite experiencing periods where success eluded them due to various factors beyond their control (such as financial difficulties), today’s version of ‘Oilers Nation’ can be proud that its beloved franchise remains among Canada's top sporting entities — something which will likely remain true well into future generations thanks mainly to its rich history full memorable feats achieved by great athletes wearing orange & blue jerseys throughout decades past present-day alike.
Established
1972
City
Alberta - Edmonton
League History
1980 – Present / National Hockey League
1972 – 1979 / World Hockey Association
Team History
1973 – Present / Edmonton Oilers
1972 / Alberta Oilers
Nickname
Oilers – The Alberta Oilers are one of the most beloved teams in the NHL, and their nickname has a long and exciting history. The team was founded in 1972 as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA), which merged with the NHL in 1979. The name “Oilers” derives from an oil boom during Alberta’s early years as a province.
Many people were arriving to work on various oil extraction and refining projects throughout Alberta. As these workers moved around looking for jobs, they became known colloquially as “oilers” due to their involvement with petroleum-related activities. Hence, it made sense for Edmonton's professional hockey team to adopt this nickname when they joined WHA in 1972!
In addition, there is also some symbolism behind choosing an animal mascot associated with oil: Oilsands mining operations often involve large machinery such as bulldozers or excavators working together like ants or bees. So by using an antlered creature (the official logo features a deer), it pays homage to those who worked hard within Alberta's booming economy at that time while also representing strength through unity among its players on the ice!
Furthermore, since then, Oilers have become synonymous not only with Albertan culture but Canadian pride too; no matter where you go across Canada, you'll find fans wearing jerseys proudly displaying "Oil Country" across them – showing just how much love there is out there for our beloved hockey team from up north!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
1990, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1984
Avco Cup 0
Arena
2016 – Present / Rogers Place
2003 – 2016 / Rexall Place
1998 – 2003 / Skyreach Centre
1995 – 1998 / Edmonton Coliseum
1974 – 1995 / Northlands Coliseum
1972 – 1974 / Edmonton Gardens
Owner
2008 – Present / Daryl Katz
1998 – 2008 / Edmonton Investors Group Limited Partnership
1979 – 1998 / Peter Pocklington
1972 – 1979 / Bill Hunter
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
3 / Al Hamilton
7 / Paul Coffey
9 / Glenn Anderson
11 / Mark Messier
17 / Jari Kurri
31 / Grant Fuhr
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history