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David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EIG [message #407104]	Tue, 12 February 2008 22:52

guywhodoesstuff
Messages: 365
Registered: November 2006
Location: Spruce Grove

Starter Out Of Camp

http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/a rchive/2008/02/11/paying-proper-respect-for-cal-nichols-reti re-98-uniform.aspx

Quote:

An Oiler fans, Christopher Spencer, has suggested a fitting way to honour Cal Nichols and the 30-odd other members of the E.I.G. who saved NHL hockey in Edmonton in 1998, sparing us the sad fate of Winnipeg and Quebec City.

Spencer writes: "There's the famous photograph of the original members of the EIG posing on the Oilers bench, backs turned to the camera, all wearing jerseys sporting the number 98. What about retiring 98 (which is not likely to be worn by a player anyway) next fall, complete with the customary ceremony and the traditional raising of the banner? The ownership group did at least as much for hockey in Edmonton as any of the superstars who've been so honoured."

Spencer is right. Save for the contribution made by Wayne Gretzky to the Oilers franchise, I can't think of anyone who did more than Nichols and his crew. Raising that #98 to the rafters would do justice to their contribution.

Nice thought. If they'll raise a banner for 100 sellouts, why not?

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407105 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Tue, 12 February 2008 23:09

halfafrog
Messages: 604
Registered: March 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Alternate Captain

We could...I would probably rather do that than for 100 sellouts. But I worry we are getting desperate to hang a banner. I want to hang one when our power play is #1 in the league too.

Lloyd: Thanks. Hey, I guess they're right. Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose. I'll be right back. Don't you go dying on me!

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They put one up for one hundred sellouts, though [message #407107 is a reply to message #407105 ]	Tue, 12 February 2008 23:14

guywhodoesstuff
Messages: 365
Registered: November 2006
Location: Spruce Grove

Starter Out Of Camp

http://oilers.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=352132&page=New sPage&service=page

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407108 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Tue, 12 February 2008 23:24

nullterm
Messages: 2322
Registered: July 2007
Location: Burnaby, BC

Retired Hockey Player

That would be a super classy act on the part of the new ownership and management. icon_thumbsup

icon_thumbsup

I'd love to see some kind of recognition for what the group did to keep the team alive and in Edmonton.

[Updated on: Wed, 13 February 2008 00:49]

Sherwood 5030 Coffey composite, stick of the gods.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407109 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Tue, 12 February 2008 23:27

CrusaderPi
Messages: 2169
Registered: December 2003
Location: Republic of Alberta

Retired Hockey Player

No bs made up banner anymore. Its embarrassing. Burn that stupid 100 sellout banner while we're at it.

The EIG deserves a statue. A big expensive bronze one in the middle of a nice plaza. A plaza that is located right in front of the main entrance to the new arena.

WACs and GABs. WACs and GABs.

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Yeah... [message #407112 is a reply to message #407109 ]	Tue, 12 February 2008 23:54

AY
Messages: 3138
Registered: December 2000

Hall of Fame

these banner deals should be treated as holy. Their intention is to recognize and celebrate on-ice achievements.

Not thrown aroun' here 'n' there to any worthy, or unworthy cause.

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I'm For It... [message #407117 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 00:41

BTR17
Messages: 668
Registered: December 1997

Alternate Captain

...retiring 98 is the best idea I've heard on the subject of honouring what these guys did for the city.

I dig it.

I'm not sold on that 100 sellouts banner, however. How about raising one of those if/when the Oilers break the NHL record for consecutive sellouts? I assume this means they'll raise a 200 if they get there, and a 300 and so on.

And for the love of god...how about raising # 9 already? Thankfully, it looks like Andy will get his HOF due in the coming year. Ridiculously overdue. Entirely deserved.

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407118 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 01:25

nullterm
Messages: 2322
Registered: July 2007
Location: Burnaby, BC

Retired Hockey Player

I like the point about banners for on-ice achievements.

At the new arena, maybe what they could do is setup an Oilers heritage section that people could visit. Have some kind of tribute in there to the EIG.

Sherwood 5030 Coffey composite, stick of the gods.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407119 is a reply to message #407118 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 07:38

MrOiler
Messages: 727
Registered: March 2006
Location: Calgary

50 Goal Scorer

The retirement banner is a good idea. In reality, the EIG did as much for Oiler hockey as Gretzky or Messier. Without them, the Oilers were gone.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407120 is a reply to message #407118 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 07:42

Ofer
Messages: 380
Registered: March 2001
Location: Guelph, ON

Starter Out Of Camp

nullterm wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 03:25

At the new arena, maybe what they could do is setup an Oilers heritage section that people could visit. Have some kind of tribute in there to the EIG.

Definitely...this is something that they absolutely MUST do. Compared to the other NHL rinks, there is not nearly enough memorabilia from the past at Rexall.

But retiring non-player numbers? Raising banners? This is one of the most storied franchises in hockey.

The team doesn't need to generate publicity and it doesn't need to fill space up there.

The 100 sellouts thing should have been the TVs (great idea) and a couple of other promotions and if they really were concerned, a presentation at centre. The banner is ridiculous.

Same with 98....information/pictures/stories about these fine gentlemen can go up in the new arena in an Oilers 'museum' of sorts.

But the rafters above THAT ice surface? #99 leads a very distinguished and unique group. We just raised our SEVENTH conference championship banner in 2006.

This isn't Miami or Raleigh or Tampa.

"And the fans do not like this one bit"

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407121 is a reply to message #407120 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 08:19

Beerfish Revisited
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Retired Hockey Player

100 sellouts banner......cheesy beyond belief. No they shouldn't retire a jersey.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407122 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 08:32

Bobble
Messages: 1034
Registered: July 2001
Location: Edmonton

Team Captain

That's just a stupid idea.

The 100 sellouts banner was bad enough. Banners are meant to celebrate on-ice achievement. Especially retired numbers. There's no way the team could justify retiring a number that had never been used. I respect the EIG and what they did as much as anybody else but this just doesn't make sense. Thank them with a statue or a hall or a mini-museum in the new arena but in no way do they deserve a retired number.

What next, we retire #79 to honour Glen Sather and his leading us into the NHL and to championships?

Retire numbers for Rod and Morley?

For David Reid and Ken Lowe?

Draw the line people.

Why did Calgary host the Olympics?

So Calgarians could have a flame to look up to.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407123 is a reply to message #407121 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 08:32

Rocksteady
Messages: 1140
Registered: March 2007

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...Katz already said that he will be honouring the EIG and previous owners by the creation of the founders lounge in the new arena.

god Praise Be Quinn. god

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407124 is a reply to message #407122 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 08:41

rollinginoil
Messages: 163
Registered: July 2007
Location: Edmonton

AHL Regular

Bobble wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 08:32

That's just a stupid idea.

The 100 sellouts banner was bad enough. Banners are meant to celebrate on-ice achievement. Especially retired numbers. There's no way the team could justify retiring a number that had never been used. I respect the EIG and what they did as much as anybody else but this just doesn't make sense. Thank them with a statue or a hall or a mini-museum in the new arena but in no way do they deserve a retired number.

What next, we retire #79 to honour Glen Sather and his leading us into the NHL and to championships?

Retire numbers for Rod and Morley?

For David Reid and Ken Lowe?

Draw the line people.

You're cold as Ice Bobble, but then again, so is the weather...

I'm in complete agreement though, within these past 10 years I've only seen one player be deserving of a retirement and that is Smyth when he finally decides to hang it up here. The retirement of numbers are for ON ICE achivements only. I think they should do sometimething like you mentioned, a statue, a wall mural, a big honking plaque, but not a jersey.. Your examples were perfect:

Does Glen Sather get 79 retired for bringing hockey to Edmonton?

if so... then Pronger should get one

06 - The year Chris Pronger killed the Oilers

Bettman, damning the NHL since 1993...

The E-System was devised with the intelligent hockey fan in mind - Eklund

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EIG [message #407131 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 09:44

K.McC#24
Messages: 1260
Registered: March 2004
Location: ALBERTA

Consistent 100 Point Scorer

guywhodoesstuff wrote on Tue, 12 February 2008 22:52

http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/a rchive/2008/02/11/paying-proper-respect-for-cal-nichols-reti re-98-uniform.aspx

Quote:

An Oiler fans, Christopher Spencer, has suggested a fitting way to honour Cal Nichols and the 30-odd other members of the E.I.G. who saved NHL hockey in Edmonton in 1998, sparing us the sad fate of Winnipeg and Quebec City.

Spencer writes: "There's the famous photograph of the original members of the EIG posing on the Oilers bench, backs turned to the camera, all wearing jerseys sporting the number 98. What about retiring 98 (which is not likely to be worn by a player anyway) next fall, complete with the customary ceremony and the traditional raising of the banner? The ownership group did at least as much for hockey in Edmonton as any of the superstars who've been so honoured."

Spencer is right. Save for the contribution made by Wayne Gretzky to the Oilers franchise, I can't think of anyone who did more than Nichols and his crew. Raising that #98 to the rafters would do justice to their contribution.

Nice thought. If they'll raise a banner for 100 sellouts, why not?

NHL hockey in Edmonton in 1998 was on the brink of oblivion. The group of Northern Alberta business leaders that was EIG stepped up and ensured that the team continued to operate viably. The group needs to be recognized in some regard, that's for sure.

The 100 sellout banner was dumb, and should be discretely removed at the end of the season. No more sellout banners. Banners really should be for championships and retired jersey #'s, that's all.

The retirement of jersey #98 would be a very distant second choice for me, as although the EIG's inception was critical in the team's history....jersey retirements should be reserved for players. I prefer some sort of small monument at the new facility with the names of members of the EIG inscribed on it, as well as a description of the circumstances that that led to the formation of the EIG to purchase the team from ATB. It would also be nice to have the surviving members of the EIG be recognized at a pre-game ceremony.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EIG [message #407134 is a reply to message #407131 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 10:00

Adam
Messages: 3421
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB

Hall of Fame

K.McC#24 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 09:44

NHL hockey in Edmonton in 1998 was on the brink of oblivion. The group of Northern Alberta business leaders that was EIG stepped up and ensured that the team continued to operate viably. The group needs to be recognized in some regard, that's for sure.

The 100 sellout banner was dumb, and should be discretely removed at the end of the season. No more sellout banners. Banners really should be for championships and retired jersey #'s, that's all.

The retirement of jersey #98 would be a very distant second choice for me, as although the EIG's inception was critical in the team's history....jersey retirements should be reserved for players. I prefer some sort of small monument at the new facility with the names of members of the EIG inscribed on it, as well as a description of the circumstances that that led to the formation of the EIG to purchase the team from ATB. It would also be nice to have the surviving members of the EIG be recognized at a pre-game ceremony.

I agree entirely. Recognition for the EIG is well-deserved...but jersey retirements are for players that wore the jerseys. I don't even like the idea of hanging up suit jackets for GMs/coaches like they've done in some rink (LA maybe?).

I hadn't heard about the 100 sellout banner, but that's just terrible. Take that down and burn it.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407139 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 10:16

Longcat
Messages: 709
Registered: June 2002

50 Goal Scorer

Banner is a dumb idea.

I know people want to recognize the EIG for stepping up and keeping the team in Edmonton, but I think the millions they've made on their investment is thanks enough.

CrusaderPi wrote on Tue, 12 February 2008 14:57

I'm just going to say it, this Longcat fellow is quite possibly the best poster on Oilfans.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407146 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 10:45

MyBestGuess
Messages: 2651
Registered: March 2004

Color Analyst

I do feel that some type of special ceremony should be done for the EIG this fall, possibly even at the opening home game. Katz has already stated that a new facility would have an owner's lounge with a permanent spot for all EIG members, and he'll also keep on Nichols and a few others from the EIG as advisors. All in all, it looks like they'll be well taken care of on top of the profits they've made on this. Perfect fairytale ending for these guys who should be seen as Edmonton heroes (most of them anyways).

Oilers Goal Horn
http://skreemr.com/link.jsp?id=6B5D44535654

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407147 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 11:15

Wyntermute
Messages: 471
Registered: January 2006
Location: Victoria, BC

Hotshot Rookie

I have no problem with recognizing them with a banner, but don't put a number on it - numbers belong to the players, period.

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Re: Yeah... [message #407159 is a reply to message #407112 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 13:09

Paul Fistinyourface
Messages: 203
Registered: February 2006
Location: Oil Country

AHL Goal Scoring Machine

AY wrote on Tue, 12 February 2008 23:54

these banner deals should be treated as holy. Their intention is to recognize and celebrate on-ice achievements.

I agree completely. A memorable, highly visible plaque would do the trick. Otherwise, the Oilers will be retiring "79" for the year they entered the league, "5" for the number of cups they won, "78" for the year they first signed Gretzky...

"We are number one. All others are number two or lower."

The Sphinx

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407183 is a reply to message #407122 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 14:50

Tupper
Messages: 55
Registered: November 2004
Location: Edmonton

Drafted Prospect

Bobble wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 08:32

What next, we retire #79 to honour Glen Sather and his leading us into the NHL and to championships?

Since we're honoring owners now shouldn't Peter Pocklington get a banner too?

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Couldn't Disagree More - No Way 94 Goes Up... [message #407184 is a reply to message #407124 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 14:58

BTR17
Messages: 668
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Alternate Captain

...why on earth would 94 be raised to the rafters?

Not in a million years should 94 go up.

A guy that has one 39-goal season to his name? A non-PPG player?

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Considering... [message #407185 is a reply to message #407134 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 15:03

BTR17
Messages: 668
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Alternate Captain

...this town is Winnipeg sans the EIG, I think they're absolutely worthy of a banner.

Pretty unique situation here folks. And these guys are the only reason why we're not discussing the Edmonton AHL affiliate right now.

Perspective, I say.

No EIG = No Oilers. Simple as that. As someone pointed out, these guys have had as much, if not more, of an impact on NHL hockey in EDM as any player who has ever sported the crest.

Much, much deserved to go above and beyond the normal tip of the cap for this group.

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Re: Couldn't Disagree More - No Way 94 Goes Up... [message #407186 is a reply to message #407184 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 15:11

nullterm
Messages: 2322
Registered: July 2007
Location: Burnaby, BC

Retired Hockey Player

BTR17 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 13:58

...why on earth would 94 be raised to the rafters?

Not in a million years should 94 go up.

A guy that has one 39-goal season to his name? A non-PPG player?

That's a tough one. I wouldn't be pushing for his number to get raised, but I wouldn't complain about it either.

I can't think of anyone since the dynasty days of anyone that should get their number retired. But that might change depending on how things go in the next few years. If the Oilers manage to raise the cup in the next 5/6 years while keeping some of our key players, then maybe.

Sherwood 5030 Coffey composite, stick of the gods.

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Re: Considering... [message #407188 is a reply to message #407185 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 15:21

Paul Fistinyourface
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BTR17 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 15:03

...I think they're absolutely worthy of a banner.

Banner perhaps, but "retiring" the number? That's what Staples is advocating.

"We are number one. All others are number two or lower."

The Sphinx

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407189 is a reply to message #407147 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 15:22

hemskyfan99
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That is retarded even mentioning retiring smyths number here, i would sell my season tickets if they did that. The 100 sell out banner was bad enough.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407191 is a reply to message #407183 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 15:29

Adam
Messages: 3421
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB

Hall of Fame

Tupper wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 14:50

Bobble wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 08:32

What next, we retire #79 to honour Glen Sather and his leading us into the NHL and to championships?

Since we're honoring owners now shouldn't Peter Pocklington get a banner too?

Pocklington did set things up to guarantee he kept Gretzky as an Oiler when we entered the league and was the owner through the greatest period in team history after all...

Or Bill Hunter who founded the franchise. Or Nelson Skalbania, who sold the team quickly after he got it, and then did us an even better favour by selling us Mio, Driscoll and some kid named Gretzky...

All the previous owners have made a big contribution to the team. None should get banners.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407226 is a reply to message #407191 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 17:40

CrusaderPi
Messages: 2169
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Location: Republic of Alberta

Retired Hockey Player

Pocklington should be in the HHOF. No more banners. Who are we? The Flames? In reference, of course to the #1 FANS banner they hung a few years back, and thankfully took down.

WACs and GABs. WACs and GABs.

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Re: Considering... [message #407228 is a reply to message #407185 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 17:53

Bobble
Messages: 1034
Registered: July 2001
Location: Edmonton

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BTR17 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 15:03

...this town is Winnipeg sans the EIG, I think they're absolutely worthy of a banner.

Pretty unique situation here folks. And these guys are the only reason why we're not discussing the Edmonton AHL affiliate right now.

Perspective, I say.

No EIG = No Oilers. Simple as that. As someone pointed out, these guys have had as much, if not more, of an impact on NHL hockey in EDM as any player who has ever sported the crest.

Much, much deserved to go above and beyond the normal tip of the cap for this group.

So you call opening an in-arena museum for the people a "normal tip of the cap"?

Come on man.

Nobody here is saying we shouldn't thank them and celebrate them. Nobody is disregarding their impact on the franchise. People are saying that retiring a jersey/number is just a stupid way to do it.

Think outside of the box on this one. Why does it need to be a banner? Because a guy that writes for the journal suggested it? There are options here. Its not banner or nothing.

Why did Calgary host the Olympics?

So Calgarians could have a flame to look up to.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407237 is a reply to message #407189 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 18:39

Nitty_Gritty_Smytty
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hemskyfan99 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 15:22

That is retarded even mentioning retiring smyths number here, i would sell my season tickets if they did that. The 100 sell out banner was bad enough.

Well his number will be hanging from the rafters one day whether it be at Rexall or elsewhere so be prepared to cough up those season tickets.

"Oil is thicker than blood." - The Great One (99)

"I'm gonna go there...make my best to make the playoffs and win that cup so I can bring it down here to Edmonton...because that's where my heart is." - Ryan Smyth (94)

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Re: Considering... [message #407241 is a reply to message #407228 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 19:14

David Staples
Messages: 14
Registered: February 2008

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Well, this is my first post on this board, so let me introduce myself. I'm David Staples, an author and veteran feature writer at the Journal and novice hockey blogger.

I followed the trackback on my blog to this discussion (and will do so in the future, if there are other trackbacks to threads, as I can't resist a discussion), so here's my two cents.

I can see that the idea of retiring #98 is a hit with some fans, but not so much with others, and that's fair enough. I like it, but for this kind of thing to fly, lots and lots and lots of people have to like it.

I'm also in favour of a statue to Oilers builders, Hunter, Pocklington, Nichols, at the new rink, (though I personally don't have much time for Puck, those five Cups and the Gretzky acquistion are on his resume).

Of course, statues are expensive, so perhaps it's unlikely to happen. . . . . . Indiana's basketball arena, Conseco Fieldhouse has a great museum section with Indiana basketball history, I hear, and this would be a brilliant addition to any new arena.

One other thought -- it would be a credit to the Hockey Hall of Fame to select Nichols in the builders category. His record is unique in the modern NHL, the fan who became a ticket salesman who became an owner, saving the team and NHL hockey in Edmonton each step of the way.

The Cult of Hockey
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Re: Considering... [message #407250 is a reply to message #407241 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 20:50

Bobble
Messages: 1034
Registered: July 2001
Location: Edmonton

Team Captain

David Staples wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 19:14

Well, this is my first post on this board, so let me introduce myself. I'm David Staples, an author and veteran feature writer at the Journal and novice hockey blogger.

I followed the trackback on my blog to this discussion (and will do so in the future, if there are other trackbacks to threads, as I can't resist a discussion), so here's my two cents.

I can see that the idea of retiring #98 is a hit with some fans, but not so much with others, and that's fair enough. I like it, but for this kind of thing to fly, lots and lots and lots of people have to like it.

I'm also in favour of a statue to Oilers builders, Hunter, Pocklington, Nichols, at the new rink, (though I personally don't have much time for Puck, those five Cups and the Gretzky acquistion are on his resume).

Of course, statues are expensive, so perhaps it's unlikely to happen. . . . . . Indiana's basketball arena, Conseco Fieldhouse has a great museum section with Indiana basketball history, I hear, and this would be a brilliant addition to any new arena.

One other thought -- it would be a credit to the Hockey Hall of Fame to select Nichols in the builders category. His record is unique in the modern NHL, the fan who became a ticket salesman who became an owner, saving the team and NHL hockey in Edmonton each step of the way.

Welcome David, mighty big of you to come and defend your article. I can respect that.

Now I think I've been the person that's been the harshest in criticizing your piece (and I think its justified), so I figure its prudent for me to respond to you.

I like how you're trying to think of ways to honour the EIG. They deserve it, no doubt about it. They are a group of Edmontonians who stepped up to save a team. They didn't do it completely altruistically though. All throughout their "reign" there were subtle, yet present, benefits for them ("Skyreach" instead of a sponsor with out-of-town business, McFarlane getting the contract to make the jerseys, the controversial "these are the businesses that support the Oilers so you should support them" mail-out to name just three). Add that they made a tidy profit on their investment and you can see how I'm hesitant to hand them a trophy.

They deserve recognition without a doubt. However to take an existing medium that already has a definite set of criteria (retiring a player's number) and extending it to them does not work. The Oilers have maintained that they only way to have your number retired (with the exception of Al Hamilton, who was previous to this) is to be in the Hall of Fame as a player. I agree with this and would prefer for them to maintain the integrity of the institution of number retiring by not extending it.

A museum, a statue, a series of plaques or even a commemorative DVD set to honour them would make me much happier.

On a similar note, I don't think many/any of the former owners care for the recognition. They do so much in the community that goes unrecognized already. If we really want to say thank you to them for this, shouldn't we thank them as well for the dozens, or even hundreds, of other projects they contribute to? Not to nit pick, but several other Edmonton institutions that are practically everyday names could not exist without them. Why pigeon-hole them in the community as "those guys that saved the Oilers" when they are so much more?

Why did Calgary host the Olympics?

So Calgarians could have a flame to look up to.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407251 is a reply to message #407105 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 20:55

ChasinStanley
Messages: 1616
Registered: December 2003
Location: in the shadow of a large ...

Stanley Cup Workhorse

I like the idea of honoring the EIG, I don't even mind a banner (not close to as gay and cheesy as the 100 sell out one) but don't retire a #. Just put up and EIG banner, have a wall on the concourse.

Regulator wrote on Tue, 11 December 2007 20:41

Even Stevie Wonder can see that Staios is terrible!!

Opportunity lost

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Bob? [message #407281 is a reply to message #407250 ]	Wed, 13 February 2008 23:31

AY
Messages: 3138
Registered: December 2000

Hall of Fame

Is that you Big Spenda?

Yeesh, world class response.

I'm literally shocked.

I might have trouble falling asleep! ; )

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Arena Museum... [message #407294 is a reply to message #407228 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 01:29

BTR17
Messages: 668
Registered: December 1997

Alternate Captain

...for the EIG? Or are you speaking about Oiler Heritage in its entirety? I like the idea of an Oiler Heritage walk-thru of some kind, sure. I'd advocate that too. Did I say there wasn't more than one way to celebrate their contribution?

I'd have zero problem with #98 being retired for that group.

Worthy, I say. I like the banner idea.

People can say whatever they want re: the idea of the banner, Bobble. Stupid or swell. That's what this thread is for. A Journal writer proposed the idea, yes, you're absolutely correct. Your point here? What, am I not allowed to like the idea because an Edmonton Journal guy thought it up? Huh? Did you just finish reading a Noam Chomsky essay? Am I a victim of the propaganda model?

Think outside the box? I think a 98 banner is plenty creative.

Is the museum idea you call for 'thinking outside the box?' Pretty standard fare actually. Yankee Stadium, a sport cathedral of some notoriety, has had quite the 'museum' set-up for years (and will expand upon it moving into their new building in 09). And the NYY are but one example.

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Wow... [message #407295 is a reply to message #407250 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 01:36

BTR17
Messages: 668
Registered: December 1997

Alternate Captain

'Why pigeon-hole them in the community as "those guys that saved the Oilers" when they are so much more?"

I don't think there's one person in that group that would feel 'pigeon-holed' based on their contribution to the Oilers. Do you think Bruce Saville will feel 'pigeon-holed' if the team chooses to honour the EIG in a unique, thoughtful way? Gimme a break.

This isn't Screech and his stint on Saved By The Bell here - we're not talking about a role that killed a career.

We're talking about selfless, civic-minded individuals who went above and beyond on behalf of the city, with little guarantee of success/restitution.

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Why Would 94 Be Raised Though? [message #407296 is a reply to message #407237 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 01:59

BTR17
Messages: 668
Registered: December 1997

Alternate Captain

...based on service time? Service time doesn't guarantee you anything, except a seat beside Bucky for the Oilumni game.

The guy played with heart and courage while an Oiler, yes. That we can all agree on.

He contributed to the community during his time here, yes. Again, total agreement.

But a banner-raising?

Dougie Weight was a superior player to Ryan Smyth while an Oiler. He was also wore the C, too. And was a huge contributor in the community.

Does 39 go up too? If 94 goes up, then 39 should certainly be raised, well before 94's I might add. Oilers don't raise jerseys based on the number of Team Canada appearances, so that eliminates that potential plus on 94's resume.

Curious to hear your reasons why 94 is going to have his sweater retired alongside Gretzky, Messier, Kurri et al.

I don't think he has a hope of having his number retired obviously, but am curious as to hear your reasoning why you feel it's a no-brainer to raise...

"The Oilers are playing like they'd rather die than lose."

Mike Emerick, on-air, after the Game 3 win over Anaheim in the 2006 Western Conference Final.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EI [message #407300 is a reply to message #407237 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 07:01

gretzky2kurri
Messages: 4456
Registered: January 2003
Location: Failmonton Failberta

Rookie Oilers Coach

Nitty_Gritty_Smytty wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 18:39

hemskyfan99 wrote on Wed, 13 February 2008 15:22

That is retarded even mentioning retiring smyths number here, i would sell my season tickets if they did that. The 100 sell out banner was bad enough.

Well his number will be hanging from the rafters one day whether it be at Rexall or elsewhere so be prepared to cough up those season tickets.

You're kidding right?

Smyth may never have his # retired anywhere in North America. And certainly not in Edmonton, unless by some miracle he ends up back here. Miracle that is......

No hf99, I think your season tickets are safe.

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Re: David Staples: Retire #98 for Cal Nichols & EIG [message #407302 is a reply to message #407104 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 07:06

North East J
Messages: 110
Registered: August 2006
Location: Oil Country

AHL Regular

What if they name a small area section of the arena after the EIG, and make sure that they have those seats designated for donations to charities?

I am not talking about a lot - maybe 98 seats?

Or 1 of the luxury boxes even.....

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Re: Wow... [message #407303 is a reply to message #407295 ]	Thu, 14 February 2008 07:08

Bobble
Messages: 1034
Registered: July 2001
Location: Edmonton

Team Captain

Civic-minded yes, selfless though? Not by a long shot. You don't get millions of dollars by being selfless. If you think they bought the team for altruistic reasons then you are sadly misguided. Each and every one of those men had some sort of ulterior motive (and I'm sure each and every one of them would admit to it).

Let me draw a bit of a parallel here, but on a smaller scale. Every time a major city attraction has a grand opening (ie The Winspear, Edmonton Art Gallery, Telus World of Science, etc...) all of these same people attend a gala event. They get invited to this gala event because they have "selflessly" donate money to the project. Do you think they spend the evening looking at the results of their work and admiring it? Not a chance. They spend the whole damn time talking to other rich businessmen trying to sniff out potential for deals.

Owning the Oilers was a similar situation magnified hundreds of times. They got free publicity. They got all the right invites. They got public acceptance. They got a healthy return on their investment (a return, I might add, that was pretty much guaranteed as the value on NHL teams was skyrocketing at the time with no sign of slowing down). If you want to think that they saved the Oilers because they are a bunch of huge fans that couldn't bear to see their team leave town, well good for you for buying into the marketing campaign. I'm not saying that its not part of the reason. They are fans and they didn't want the team to leave but if that was their prime reason for the investment then they aren't very good business people (and from looking at their individual net worths, I'm willing to say that they are, indeed, good business people).

Like I said its a good idea to honour them but lets not raise them up to savior status for this one act.

Why did Calgary host the Olympics?

So Calgarians could have a flame to look up to.

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