Oilers Lose One Of Their Own

The Edmonton Oilers shared some very sad news over the weekend. They confirmed the passing of former owner Cal Nichols. He was a man who was instrumental in shaping the franchise we see today.

Nichols’ early life began in Saskatchewan. In 1969, he moved to Edmonton and became a successful entrepreneur. A decision that would unknowingly alter the fate of the franchise. Nichols became a fan of the Oilers and was even a season ticket holder. When it was announced that owner Peter Pocklington was trying to sell the team, the threat of relocation to the United States was very real. That is when Nichols stepped in.

Nichols didn’t initially move to buy the team; instead, he would be instrumental in something known as the Friends Of The Oilers ticket drive. Nichols, who co-chaired the movement, was trying to demonstrate to the NHL that the Oilers and the city of Edmonton were a viable match. The drive was a huge success, with Nichols and company selling over 13,000 season tickets. That was more than double the previous season’s total.

Oilers Wouldn’t Exist Without Nichols

The team would still go up for sale in 1997, and it was at that moment that Nichols became an NHL owner. Nichols was viewed as the tip of the spear for what would become the Edmonton Investors Group, or simply EIG. It was a collection of local investors who were looking to keep the team right where it was.

Former Oilers forward Kevin Lowe put it best.
“Lots of people deserve acknowledgement, but Cal for sure,” said Lowe. “The Oilers aren’t there, Rogers Place is not there, and Connor McDavid is not there. None of that happens without Cal’s leadership.”

Nichols’ impact on the city of Edmonton goes beyond just saving the Oilers. He was also a major contributor to the city through his creation of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. An organization that has raised $559 million since 2001 and has supported more than 1,059 charities through its efforts.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Nichols family, the Edmonton Oilers, and everyone impacted by the loss of Cal Nichols.