The Edmonton Oilers, a team synonymous with NHL excellence and five Stanley Cup championships, often overlook a vital part of their origin story: their years in the World Hockey Association (WHA). Founded in 1971 by "Wild Bill" Hunter and Dr. Chuck Allard, the Oilers were one of the twelve founding franchises of the WHA, beginning play in the 1972-73 season. For seven seasons, the Oilers, initially named the Alberta Oilers, battled for recognition in a league that dared to challenge the established NHL. While the Oilers have etched their name in NHL history, a conscious effort to acknowledge and celebrate their WHA roots would enrich the team's identity and connect with a broader fanbase.
The WHA was incorporated on June 10, 1971, and it quickly became a rival to the NHL, luring major players away from NHL teams. Hunter, who also owned the Edmonton Oil Kings, invested in the Edmonton-based WHA team. Intended as a team for both Edmonton and Calgary, it was initially named the Alberta Oilers, but the Calgary Broncos' relocation led to the name change to the Edmonton Oilers in 1973. In their first WHA game on October 11, 1972, the Oilers defeated the Ottawa Nationals 7-4. Despite frequent coaching changes and high player turnover, the Oilers managed to build a competitive team, making the playoffs several times.
The WHA years were not just a footnote in Oilers history; they were formative. In 1976, Peter Pocklington joined as a partner, and Glen Sather became the coach. A key moment occurred when Skalbania signed Wayne Gretzky to the WHA, and Pocklington later purchased Gretzky's contract, marking the beginning of an era. Gretzky's first and only WHA season was in 1978-79, where he scored 43 goals and 104 points. That season, the Oilers finished first in the WHA standings but lost the Avco Cup final to the Winnipeg Jets. Dave Semenko scored the final goal in WHA history during that game.
In 1979, the WHA merged with the NHL, and the Oilers, along with the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets, joined the NHL. Of these teams, the Oilers are the only one to remain in their original city with their original name. After joining the NHL, the Oilers achieved unparalleled success, winning five Stanley Cups between 1984 and 1990. The team's fast-paced, offensive style, led by Gretzky, revolutionized the game.
Despite this remarkable NHL run, the Oilers' WHA past is often underplayed. While the team rightly celebrates its Stanley Cup victories and the legends who wore the Oil Drop, acknowledging the WHA era provides a more complete picture of the franchise's journey. The WHA provided the platform for future Hall of Famers like Gretzky, Sather and Norm Ullman to begin their careers. Recognizing the contributions of players like Al Hamilton and Dave Dryden, who were prominent figures during the WHA years, would honor a significant chapter in team history.
The Oilers' new alternate jersey, while evoking nostalgia, features a shoulder patch that declares "Oil Country" was established in 1979, the year they joined the NHL, effectively erasing their WHA history. This detail highlights the team's tendency to overlook their origins. A more inclusive approach would be to incorporate WHA imagery, logos, or even a "WHA Night" to celebrate the team's complete history. This could involve inviting WHA alumni to games, showcasing memorabilia from the WHA era, and sharing stories about the team's early years.
Acknowledging the WHA past connects the team to its roots and differentiates the Oilers from other NHL franchises. It would also resonate with long-time fans who remember the WHA days and attract new fans interested in the team's unique history. By embracing their WHA legacy, the Oilers can create a more inclusive and engaging team identity, honoring all those who have contributed to the team's story.
