This edition of Once Upon a Time in Edmonton tells the story of the Edmonton Oilers, the Stanley Cups they’ve won, the fans who love them and how the city has celebrated them. The story includes a compilation of broadcasts, news stories and coverage done over decades. Not another hockey story Are the Edmonton Oilers the greatest hockey team of all time? They might be. It’s fair to say that the Oilers of the 1980s did something special and earned the right to be considered among greatest of sports dynasties. There have been countless stories told about the brilliance of the team, the skill of the players and the magnificence of their accomplishments. In fact, a new docuseries about this very subject is promised for 2027. This article, although recognizing all this, doesn’t hold the answer. This is simply the story of a hockey team that captured the hearts of its fans — and also won some trophies along the way. But if you are keeping score, when the NHL asked fans to vote on the greatest hockey team of all time, it was the 1984-85 Oilers that came out on top. And of the four teams that joined the NHL in 1979, only the Edmonton Oilers have remained in their original city with their original name. (OK, the Jets returned in 2011 but not the original team.) The beginning: ‘Wayne Gretzky and 2 goaltenders’ In 1979, Superman, Rocky II and The Amityville Horror were some of the top movies playing in theatres. And the Oilers were getting ready to participate in their first National Hockey League draft. John Short was the public relations director for the team then, and part of his job was to put the draft together. In 2010, Short, who was then a sports writer and radio host, described what it was like. “To save money we did it on a massive conference call and now to think about how big the NHL has become on draft day ... that’s ridiculous.” Short said the team was basically starting from scratch. “They had Wayne Gretzky and two goaltenders.” General manager Glen Sather made the last pick of the first round and selected Kevin Lowe. Sather also traded some draft picks with Minnesota allowing him to acquire Dave Semenko. Edmonton made the playoffs their first three seasons in the NHL but had yet to make it to the final… The 1st final In 1983, Every Breath You Take by The Police was the number one single in Canada. Edmontonians held their breath as the Oilers made their Stanley Cup Final debut that year against the New York Islanders. Signs went up around Edmonton and jerseys were donned for game days. Oilers pride was alive in the city. Down 3-0 and with Game 4 in New York, hockey enthusiasts gathered around Edmonton and in bars to watch their team. There were pints of beer, rowdy cheers and applause as tense viewers hoped for a turnaround. But Edmonton lost and New York claimed their fourth Stanley Cup in a row. The Oilers returned home to an airport crammed full of their fans, literally wall to wall. Bearing signs and waving flags, supporters erupted into a roaring cheer as each player made his entrance. The crowd was so thick, the team could barely move as they filed past their admirers. As the players slowly advanced through the throng of back pats and handshakes, the gracious losers stopped to sign autographs and pose for photos. Although the loss stung, the team seemed to genuinely enjoy the warm welcome home. While signing autographs outside, Gretzky told reporters how great Edmonton fans were, even though “it’s tough to lose.” When asked if they would win it the next year, Gretzky said, “We hope,” with a sly smile. Despite returning home without Lord Stanley’s Mug, the city still celebrated its team. Supporters gathered at Churchill Square to recognize the players. Singing “Here we go, Oilers! Here we go!” the boisterous group held up signs declaring victory for next year. 3, but not in a row In 1984, Canadians were wearing a lot of neon, sporting mullets, and donning Hawaiian shirts and “double denim” a.k.a. the Canadian tuxedo. Also, the Oilers won their first Stanley Cup. Game 5 was broadcast on CBC on May 19, 1984. The announcers called it “pandemonium” as fans began to jump onto the ice before the game was even over. “Five, four, three, two, one,” the home crowd counted down the clock as their team defeated the Islanders, their Finals nemesis from the year before. The president of the NHL, John Ziegler, was there to hand the Cup over to captain Gretzky, who proudly lifted the trophy to a roar of applause. In the locker room after the game, Gretzky exclaimed, “There’s nothing better than winning it at home.” Marti Hiniuk was an usher at Northlands Coliseum and was there that night. She remembered it as “magical” and how excited the fans were. Edmontonians piled out of the Coliseum and spilled onto the streets of downtown. Chugging beer and Champagne, honking horns and screaming, the party was just getting started. Sheila and James got married while the game was on. They had a TV on at their reception and had a double celebration for their nuptials and the Oilers. As is tradition, the city held a parade to celebrate its team. In 1985, Canadians were buying a lot of Hyundai Ponys. And the Oilers cruised to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, this time against the Philadelphia Flyers. Game 5 was broadcast on CTV as part of a consortium deal with CBC. Surrounded by media and excited fans, Gretzky received an exuberant cheer from his team as he raised Lord Stanley’s Mug. Fans on the ice crushed around the Oilers, reaching out to get a touch of the majestic Stanley Cup. Gretzky had to hang on tight as he attempted to lead his team through the mass of reporters and well-wishers. Eventually freed from the melee, the Cup was passed from player to player as they skated around the ice. The crowd, a full house, clamored and clapped. Gretzky and Mark Messier shared a hug and a laugh. “They came by the thousands, cheering, screaming, drinking beer and smoking marijuana,” John Barry read as he opened his broadcast the next day. According to reports, more than 35,000 people spent the night partying on Jasper Avenue to celebrate the Oilers’ second Stanley Cup. Approximately 75 police officers observed the antics but only three people were arrested. The cheers and chants carried into the early hours of the morning. When asked why police didn’t intervene more, Edmonton police spokesperson Joy-Lynn Dorash said, “It’s going to be very difficult to arrest 30,000 people for drinking in the streets.” On June 2, the city held a motorcade and celebration at Commonwealth Stadium. Daphne Little and Al McCann hosted a special broadcast, and they estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people attended. While waiting for their idols to arrive, Oilers faithful were treated to a replay of the Game 5 victory. Gretzky and Paul Coffey arrived first and raised the Stanley Cup as their convertible drove into the stadium. The rest of the team followed, all in convertibles. They drove around the track waving, smiling and blowing kisses. In return, fans waved orange and blue balloons and showered them in riotous applause. The SkyHawks attempted to parachute into the stadium, but the wind was too gusty and they ended up in the parking lot. Gretzky, Coffey and Messier ran across the grassy field in their suits with the Stanley Cup above their heads. Bill Tuele, the Oilers’ public relations director, thanked the crowd, the coaches and other staff. Tuele then did a roll call of the entire team. As their name and number were called, each player stepped forward to wave and smile. In 1987, Canadians may have seen Three Men and a Baby, Robocop or The Princess Bride in movie theatres. Edmontonians watched their Oilers win their third Stanley Cup in four years, again against the Flyers. Jari Kurri scored the game winner in Game 7. The whole team dog piled in front of their net in triumph. When the Stanley Cup was brought out to present to the players, it was barely visible through all the cameras trying to capture the moment. Encircled by his teammates, Gretzky accepted the trophy and together they pushed their way clear. The Oilers skated their victory lap together, taking turns holding the Cup. Those loyal to the Oil also performed a three-peat. The party once again filled the streets of Edmonton, but this time, as Jasper Avenue absorbed another raucous night, some took the celebrations too far. Injuries and arrests were reported, and police used hoses to disperse the crowd around 2 a.m. Joy-Lynn Dorash, again commenting on behalf of Edmonton police, called it “very ugly.” “It’s unfortunate this had to happen. It’s never happened like this before.” A few days later, a police escort led a small parade down Jasper Avenue. This time, the team rode in the backs of trucks as they waved to those lined up along the street. Make it 4 In 1988, Guns N’ Roses and Def Leppard were enjoying popularity on the music video scene. And the Oilers poured it on for a sweet victory over the Boston Bruins to win their fourth cup. The second time they captured two in a row. On paper, the Oilers swept the Bruins to win in four games; however, they actually played five times. Game 4 was played at the Boston Garden. During the second period, the power went out with the game tied 3-3. Because of an NHL rule, the game was stopped. So Boston went to Edmonton down 3-0 in the series. The Oilers won Game 5 and the team hoisted their fourth Stanley Cup on home ice. Rowdy fans repeated their celebration ritual, crowding onto the streets. Jasper Avenue was a mass of people once again, with fans waving flags and signs, shouting “Let’s Go Oilers”. Prepared for the after-hours festivities, Edmonton police were more visible and managed to keep the party mostly in check. On May 30, the team drove through downtown with their prize. The parade included a roaring dragon and ended at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Approximately 1,000 people gathered on the chilly day. They were entertained by the Gold Nuggets, a group of city employees who performed the can-can. Klondike Kate was there, too. The voice of the Oilers, Rod Philips, hosted the main event. Messier blew kisses to the crowd as the team filed onto the stage. Edmonton Mayor Laurence Decore used the opportunity to call out his southern counterpart, Calgary Mayor Ralph Klein, after the Oilers swept the Flames on their quest to the Cup. Don Getty, the premier of Alberta, recognized the team‘s character, “They play like champions, they act like champions … they’ve taken the time to be part of our community." Gretzky also spoke, thanked the fans and said, “Hopefully next year we can be back here at the same time.” Little did he know… The trade There was no next year with Gretzky. On July 16, 1988, Wayne Gretzky married Janet Jones. Three weeks later, in August, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Fans did not take the news well. Many blamed Oilers owner Peter Pocklington and his money troubles for the loss of their beloved captain. To make matters worse, the Stanley Cup stayed in Alberta in 1989, but it was not won by the Oilers. The 5th one In 1990, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney got his bill passed and Canada got the GST. And the Oilers got their fifth Stanley Cup. The Oilers beat the Bruins in five games. Messier hoisted his first Stanley Cup as captain and started the victory skate around the rink. Lord Stanley’s Mug was passed down the line. Winning in Boston meant there was no home crowd to flood the ice. This didn’t faze the victors, whose joy and pride was evident as they poured champagne on each other and posed for photos on centre ice. You know the formula by now. Overjoyed with a fifth victory, Edmontonians once again hit the streets. Loud and rowdy, the party went late. And Edmonton held another daytime celebration for their champions. This time, following his team into Commonwealth Stadium, Messier carried the Stanley Cup above his head. Convertibles full of the heroes did a lap around the stadium while the crowd roared its approval. Mayor Jan Reimer called the team “absolutely astounding athletes.” In 1991, Messier was traded to the New York Rangers. The legend continues It’s now 2025 and a lot has changed in the 35 years since the Oilers won their last Stanley Cup. Music, TV shows and movies are streamed. Self-driving cars are a reality. So is space tourism (at least for the wealthy). Pot is legal. You can ask your smartphone to translate a foreign language or order your dinner. We watch TikToks instead of music videos. And the Oilers play at Rogers Place now, a shiny new arena that opened in 2016. The team‘s colours of orange and blue became copper and blue then went back to orange and blue. The Moss Pit and Fan Park at Ice District are the party spots on game night. Media and fans are no longer allowed on the ice after hockey games. Sparklers turned into sparkly pom-poms, this year orange towels are waved at the rink. But some things will never change. And some things are the same. The mullet is hip again. Canadians still pay GST. You can still tell it’s a game day because everyone in the city is wearing a jersey. You know the Oilers are in the playoffs because you’ve lost count of the number of car flags you’ve seen. Edmonton still loves its hockey team. And regardless of how things go this year (no jinxes here), the fans will show up next year. Some will paint their faces, some will dye their hair, and some will put on elaborate costumes. Some will just show up. But they’ll all be chanting, “Let’s Go, Oilers.”
