A Look at the Edmonton Oilers

Jan 20, 2009; Edmonton, AB, Canada; Retired numbers of former Edmonton Oilers players hang from the rafters after the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rexall Place. From left to right are center Mark Messier (11), defenseman Paul Coffey (7), goalie Grant Fuhr (31), right wing Jari Kurri (17), center Wayne Gretzky (99) and defenseman Al Hamilton (3). Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

I have been exploring teams in my Team History Series on another site, so I decided to start exploring them on The Canuck Way.  The team that all-time great Wayne Gretzky helped win numerous Stanley Cups is the Edmonton Oilers” href=”http://oilers.nhl.com/” target=”_blank”>Edmonton Oilers.

The team was founded in November 1971 as one of 12 hockey franchises that started playing in the World Hockey Association (WHA).  The team started play as the Alberta Oilers, and did so from 1972-1973.  In 1973, the team was renamed the Edmonton Oilers, and played in the WHA until 1979.  The WHA merged with the NHL in 1979.  Three other teams, plus the Oilers, started play in the NHL in 1979.

The Oilers have won 5 Stanley Cups in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990.  The team of this era have been honoured with dynasty status by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The team won two President Trophies in 1986, and 1987.

Seven Conference Championships in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, and 2006.

Nine Division Championships  were won in 1979 (in WHA), 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992.

Steve Tambellini is General Manager, Ralph Krueger is Head Coach, and Shawn Horcoff is Captain. Daryl Katz is Chairman and Owner of Rexall Sports.  The arena where the Oilers play is Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.

The Oklahoma City Barons are the AHL affiliate.  The Stocton Thunder are the ECHL affiliate.