The Edmonton Oilers were founded on November 1, 1971, with the team playing its first season in 1972 as one of twelve founding franchises of the major professional World Hockey Association (WHA). Notably, the Edmonton Oilers were temporarily renamed the Alberta Oilers when the Calgary Broncos (a fellow WHA founding franchise in Alberta) relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. However, the team returned to the Edmonton Oilers name the following year. The Edmonton Oilers subsequently joined the NHL in 1979 as one of four franchises introduced through the NHL merger with the WHA. The Edmonton Oilers are now the sole remaining WHA team playing in their original city.
After joining the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers quickly went on to win the Stanley Cup on five occasions: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990. As one of the dominant NHL teams of the 1980s, the Oilers team of this era has been honored with "dynasty" status by the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame.
One of their greatest success stories away from the dynasty years was their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006.
As part of the Battle of Alberta that has manifested throughout Alberta sports history, the Edmonton Oilers continue to maintain a rivalry with the Calgary Flames. |
