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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #788346 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 28 June 2021 09:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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You win credit as a true old school hard core Oiler fan if you can remember even one of today's three birthday boys:


Howie Colborne
Born: June 28, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Peace River, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 73-74 season.

There's almost nothing online about Colborne. He played from about 1970 to 1978 in mostly low level minor leagues. He was somehow able to get in two games with the WHA Oilers in 1973-74, but there would be no other appearances at a major league level. Wikipedia tells he his still alive, so I'll wish you a happy 71st today Howie.


Murray Kennett
Born: June 28, 1952 (turns 69 today) in Kamloops, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Indianapolis (with future considerations) for Ron Buchanan, January 23, 1975.
Oilers Career: 1974-75 to 1975-76; 78 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Not much info on Kennett either. After playing with Victoria in the WCHL, he played a couple of years in the minors before getting a shot with Indianapolis in the WHA in 1974. Halfway through the year he was traded to the Oilers and his numbers actually seemed to improve (4 points in 28 games with the Racers; 18 in 50 with the Oilers). He would split the 75-76 season between Edmonton and the minors, and then spend the entire 76-77 in the minors, after which he ended his playing career. I can find no other info on him--like Colborne he appears to still be alive, so happy 69th Murray.



Lance Nethery
Born: June 28, 1957 (turns 64 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for Eddie Mio, December 11, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1981-82; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Germany in 1982.

Nethery was a center drafted in the 8th round by the Rangers in 1977. After tearing up Cornell University over two season (148 points in 53 games) he entered the Rangers' system playing in the AHL and eventually getting the call up for 33 games with New York in 80-81 (getting 23 points). He found himself on the bubble the next year, and was dealt early in the season to the Oilers. He only played in 3 games with the strong 81-82 Oiler squad and was demoted to their CHL Wichita team for the rest of it. When he couldn't crack the Oilers in 82-83 either, he decided to head for Germany. He seems to have quit in 1983, but came back in 85-86, finishing his career in the Swiss league before retiring in 1988. After retiring, Nethery has coached and managed for the past thirty years, mostly in Germany. He started coaching in Switzerland, but moved to Germany in 1993 where he has coached and managed many different teams. Most recently he coached in Fuchse Duisburgh during the 18-19 season. Happy 64th Lance--you're the baby of today's group.

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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #788361 is a reply to message #788346 ]
Mon, 28 June 2021 11:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently online welcometotheOC
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I do remember Lance Nethery, not for his play per se, but because I thought his name was funky/leathery ;-)

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 June 29 [message #788405 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 29 June 2021 08:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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We continue to go old school with the single alumnus today:


Peter Morris
Born: June 29, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 21st overall, June 1975.
Oilers Career: 1975-76 to 1976-77; 78 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 76-77 season.

Morris was an undersized forward, drafted by the Oilers in 1975. He had local ties with his father Frank having played for the Edmonton Eskimos, and his older brother Bill having played previously with the Oilers (discussed a few post up). He jumped right into their line up and played the full 75-76 season with the team. The next year he only got into three games (likely injuries were a factor--he only played 15 in the minors). He never got back to the big leagues, playing the rest of his career with the Spokane Flyers in the WIHL until he retired in 1979 came back in 1982 and retired again in 1985. Wherever you are now Peter, happy 66th.

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 June 30 [message #788459 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 30 June 2021 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We close out the month of June with a Swedish defenseman you may have forgotten about:



Bert Robertsson
Born: June 30, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Sodertalje, Sweden.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 19, 1999.
Oilers Career: 1999-2000; 52 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Columbus in expansion draft, June 23, 2000.

Robertsson was a Swedish stay-at-home blueliner. Who came over to North America in 1995 to try to make the NHL. He spent four years in the Canucks' org, playing mostly in the AHL but getting 69 games in the NHL. The Oilers signed him in 1999, and he would spend almost the entire 99-00 season with them playing 52 games plus all 5 playoff games. In the offseason they left him unprotected in the expansion draft, and Columbus made him their pick. He spent his last two years in North America going through five different organizations, and playing only 2 NHL games. He returned to Sweden in 2002 and finished his career there before retiring in 2008. He made a smooth transition into coaching which he did in the SEL from 2008 to 2020. He has just taken a job (to start in 21-22) in the Swiss league SC Papperswil-Jona Lakers. Happy 47th Bert.

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 July 1 [message #788516 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 01 July 2021 10:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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It's a new month and it's Canada Day. Three Oiler alumni to discuss today; hey one of them is even Canadian:


Hannu Kamppuri
Born: July 1, 1957 (turns 64 today), in Helsinki, Finland.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 1979.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 2 games (0 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 78-79 season.

Kamppuri was a Finnish goalie who made two short forays into North America. His first was in 1979 when he joined the Oilers for the end of the season (after four years in the Finnish league). He played in only two games for the Oilers, and his stats (6.67 GAA, .792 Sv%) left a lot to be desired. The Oilers cut him loose after the season and he spent 79-80 in the minors before returning to Finland in 1980. He would return to North America in 1984 and played a season in the Devils' organization. Subpar play had him back in Finland again the next year to finish his career where he retired in 1990. No sign of him since--hope the last thirty years have been good Hannu; happy 57th.


Dan McGillis
Born: July 1, 1972 (turns 49 today), in Hawkesbury, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for Kirk Maltby, March 20, 1996.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1997-98; 140 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with 2nd round pick) for Janne Niinimaa, March 24, 1998.

McGillis was a promising defensive prospect in the Wings organization in 1996 when he was traded to the Oilers for Kirk Maltby. He immediately became a regular top six blueliner with the Oilers playing 140 games over two years. At the 1998 the Oilers dealt him to the Flyers for the more seasoned Janne Niinimaa. McGillis played nearly five years with the Flyers, before going to San Jose for a bit and then Boston and New Jersey. After a couple of years in the AHL he went to Germany to finish his career before retiring in 2010. For the last ten years.. I don't know what he's been doing; happy 49th Dan.


Rob Schremp
Born: July 1, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Fulton, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 25th overall, June 26, 2004.
Oilers Career: 2006-07 to 2008-09; 7 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by NY Islanders, September 29, 2009.

I don't think any player in Oilers history has been more discussed with so little actual contribution. From being drafted by the team in 2004 to finally being lost on waivers in 2009, Schremp was the source of endless debate by Oiler fans with split opinions on whether he was a saviour or a bust. He was a hugely talented scoring centre with some perceived attitude problems which caused him to fall in the 2004 draft. He never did get a serious chance with the Oilers getting only seven games in (much to the chagrin of his many boosters at the time). He had a bit more success with the Islanders and Thrashers getting in 107 games in over 09-10 and 10-11, but that would be it for his NHL career. He went to Europe in 2011 and played almost everywhere before retiring in 2018. He has since moved to Latvia and came out of retirement to play in the Latvian higher league in 20-21. Happy 35th Rob.



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 July 2 [message #788533 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 02 July 2021 10:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Hey you know this guy--one of the newest Oilers. Let's see how long that lasts:


Dominik Kahun
Born: July 2, 1995 (turns 26 today) in Plana, Czech Republic
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, November 2, 2020.
Oilers Career: 2020-21 to present; 48 games and counting (2 playoff games).

Kahun is a Czech born German who played junior hockey in the OHL, but still went undrafted in the NHL. After his last year with Sudbury, he returned to Germany in 2014 and played four years in the German league. He was finally given an NHL opportunity by the Hawks in 2018 and he played the full 18-19 season in Chicago getting 37 points. After splitting the 19-20 season between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, he was signed as a free agent by the Oilers to start 20-21. After spending most of the year on one of the top two lines playing with either Draisaitl or McDavid, his 9 goals and 15 points are probably a bit of a disappointment. He will be an RFA soon, so we shall see if he has more of a future with the Oilers. In the meantime enjoy your 26th birthday Dominik.


With no birthdays on July 3 I will take Saturday off and return Sunday with those Oilers "Born on the 4th of July".

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 July 4 [message #788588 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 04 July 2021 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Three Oilers born on the fourth of July--none of them American:


Juha Widing
Born: July 4, 1947 in Oulu, Finland.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 71 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Indianapolis for Bill Goldsworthy, June 1978.
Died: December 30, 1984 (aged 37) in Kelowna, BC of a heart attack.

Widing was a Finish/Swedish centre who came to Canada at age 17 to play in the CHL and hopefully eventually make the NHL. He was able to rack up points first in junior and then in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut with the Rangers in 1969. He was soon traded to the Kings and he would spend nearly seven years in LA as one of their top scoring centres. His numbers took a sharp drop in 1975 and after being traded to Cleveland in 1977, he jumped leagues to sign with the Oilers for the 77-78 season. He spent just one year in Edmonton, getting 42 points in 71 games. He was traded to the Racers the next season, but chose to retire instead. He settled in Kelowna, but died of a heart attack in 1984 at the tragically young age of 37. RIP Juha.


John Bednarski
Born: July 4, 1952 (turns 69 today) n Thunder Bay, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 15, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Buffalo, June 26, 1980.

Bednarski was a d-man who fought his way early in his career to get to the NHL. He was given his first NHL shot after two and a half years in the AHL when he was called up to the Rangers in 1974. He would finish 74-75 in the NHL and then spend the entire 75-76 campaign with the Rangers. He found himself back in the minors the next year and wouldn't get another NHL shot until the Oilers signed him in 1979. He would spend the entire 79-80 season in the CHL and AHL, save for being called up to play a single game with the Oilers. This would be all for his NHL career as he spent the next two years in the AHL before retiring in 1982. He would become the radio and TV analyst for the AHL Rochester Americans until resigning the position in 2005. Not sure where he's at now, but happy 69th John.


Kevin McClelland
Born: July 4, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with 6th round pick) for Tom Roulston, December 5, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1983-84 to 1989-90; 428 games (93 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to Detroit (with Jimmy Carson and 5th round pick) for Adam Graves, Petr Klima, Joe Murphy, and Jeff Sharples, November 2, 1989.

McClelland was a tough as nails enforcer who broke into the NHL in 1982 with the Penguins. The Oilers acquired him during the 83-84 season and he made himself at home in the fourth line/enforcer role, racking up the penalty minutes and even managing a few points (he had a 36 point season). His biggest moment came when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over the Islanders in game 1 of the 1984 final. Gretzky called it the biggest goal in Oiler history (and you could still possibly make that claim). He spent six full years with the Oilers, winning four cups until finally being dealt to the Red Wings as part of the Jimmy Carson deal. His luck faded after leaving Edmonton as he would find himself in the AHL the next year and would spend most of his time there (just 27 NHL games after 89-90) while with the Red Wings, Maple Leafs, and Jets organizations. He retired in 1995. He has spent most of his time coaching in the lower minor leagues (CHL and ECHL) and was last seen coaching under 16 hockey in the US. Happy 59th Kevin.


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 July 5 [message #788602 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 05 July 2021 09:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Read here to learn about three ex-Oilers who are celebrating birthdays today. You won't believe number two!


Rick Morris
Born: July 5, 1946 in Hamilton, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, January 22, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1975-76 to 1977-78; 117 games (9 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Quebec (with Ken Broderick, Dave Inkpen, and Warren Miller for Pierre Guite and Don McLeod, November 1977.
Died: August 25, 1998 (age 52) in Saint-Lazare, QU.

Morris played his entire six year major pro career in the WHA. After three years in Chicago and half a year in Denver/Ottawa he was signed by the Oilers after the Ottawa Civics folded. He would play parts of three seasons in Edmonton as a mid-level forward before they dealt him to Quebec in 1977. He left the WHA in 1978, played a couple of years of low level hockey and then retired in 1981. There's not much other info on him, other than he did die in 1998 at the age of 52. RIP Rick.


Chris Hajt
Born: July 5, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Saskatoon, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 32nd overall, June 22, 1996.
Oilers Career: 2000-01; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Washington, July 23, 2002.

Hajt was the son of ex-Sabre d-man Chris. He was a second round pick of the Oilers in 1996. After a great junior career, Hajt spent four years with the Oilers, but spent all of it in the AHL with Hamilton, except for getting in one game in Edmonton in 2000. He signed with the Capitals in 2002, but only played 5 more NHL games before going to Europe in 2006 and then retiring in 2008. He became a coach after retirement starting in the OHL before moving into the AHL where he continues to coach; he's currently an assistant with the Ontario Reign. Happy 43rd Chris.


Cam Talbot
Born: July 5, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Caledonia, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers (with 7th round pick) for 2nd, 3rd, and 7th round picks, June 27, 2015.
Oilers Career: 2015-16 to 2018-19; 227 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia for Anthony Stolarz, February 15, 2019.

Talbot was an undrafted tender who worked his way up through college, and the AHL to eventually join the Rangers in 13-14 where he spent two years as Lundqvist's backup. Sather did his old team a favour at the 2015 draft dealing Talbot to the Oilers for draft picks where he quickly established himself as the main guy. He had a shaky start in 15-16, but soon settled in and was very good in leading the Oilers to their first playoff birth in ten years in 16-17 (playing 73 games). His numbers declined over the next two years and by the end of the 18-19 season he found himself replaced by Mikko Koskinen and finally traded to the Flyers. He signed with Calgary the next year and played the 20-21 season in Minnesota where he seems to have had a pretty good comeback year. Happy 34th Cam.

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 Re: July 5 [message #788603 is a reply to message #788602 ]
Mon, 05 July 2021 09:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Mon, 05 July 2021 09:29


Chris Hajt
Born: July 5, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Saskatoon, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 32nd overall, June 22, 1996.
Oilers Career: 2000-01; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Washington, July 23, 2002.

Hajt was the son of ex-Sabre d-man Chris. He was a second round pick of the Oilers in 1996. After a great junior career, Hajt spent four years with the Oilers, but spent all of it in the AHL with Hamilton, except for getting in one game in Edmonton in 2000. He signed with the Capitals in 2002, but only played 5 more NHL games before going to Europe in 2006 and then retiring in 2008. He became a coach after retirement starting in the OHL before moving into the AHL where he continues to coach; he's currently an assistant with the Ontario Reign. Happy 43rd Chris.



So many puns when he was drafted because at that point the Oilers had both Hajt and Weight in the organization...

"Thinking that a bad team's best players are the reason the team is bad is the "Tambellini re-signing Lennart Petrell" of sports opinions." @Woodguy55
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 July 6 [message #788648 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 06 July 2021 10:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just one ex-Oiler having a birthday today, but you surely remember him:


Justin Schultz
Born: July 6, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Kelowna, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2012.
Oilers Career: 2012-13 to 2015-16; 248 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for 3rd round pick, February 27, 2016.

After being a 2nd round pick of the Ducks in 2008 (ironically with a pick acquired from the Oilers--remember the Penner RFA signing?), Schultz played three years at Wisconsin and then de-registered from school to make himself a free agent. This caused a bidding war for his services in 2012 that was amazingly won by the Oilers. When the 12-13 season was delayed by lockout, Schultz debuted in the AHL and was an absolute sensation getting 48 points in 34 games as a rookie defenseman. Expectations were sky high when he made his Oiler debut after the lockout. While many were disappointed with his lack of defensive awareness, Schultz did put up decent points in his first three years in Edmonton. During his fourth season, things started to sour and the Oilers would trade him at the 2016 deadline to the Penguins. After winning the 2016 Stanley Cup with them, he went on to his best season in 16-17 and capped it with another cup. His production started to sag a bit after that and by 2020 the Penguins were done with him. He signed with the Capitals for 2020-21 and had a pretty good bounce back season. We'll see where his career goes from here. Happy 31st Justin.

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 July 7 [message #788718 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 07 July 2021 09:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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It's "Hrkac circus" day on the thread today:



Tony Hrkac
Born: July 7, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Thunder Bay, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Dallas, January 6, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1997-98; 36 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh (with Bobby Dollas) for Joseph Beranek, June 16 1998.

Hrkac was a journeyman NHL centre who played for nine NHL teams in his fifteen year NHL career where the Oilers were a brief pitstop. He started out with the Blues and from 1987 to 1998 found himself with St. Louis, Quebec, San Jose, Chicago, and Dallas. He was in the minors about as much as he was in the NHL. The Oilers were his sixth team as they acquired him halfway through 97-98. He was a serviceable depth forward playing 36 games with them plus all 12 playoff games. He continued his journey when the Oilers traded him in the offseason. He would spend four more years in the NHL with Dallas, the Islanders, Anaheim, and Atlanta. His NHL career was over in 2003, but he played a couple more years in the AHL before retiring. He actually made a comeback playing 29 more AHL games in 08-09 and 09-10 (at age 43). Since retiring he's been a head coach at the collegiate level, and since 15-16 he's worked as a pro scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Maybe a cup ring will help celebrate your birthday tonight Tony--happy 55th.


No July 8 birthdays among the alumni so I'll be back Friday with more.

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 July 9 [message #788854 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 09 July 2021 09:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Today's entry in the thread was the biggest surprise for me. Did you know the Oilers had a guy who had a 10 point game three years before Sittler? Did you know who lead them in scoring in their first season when they were the Alberta Oilers? Did you know that same player came back and played three games with them their first NHL season? How is this guy not better known in Oiler history?


Jim Harrison
Born: July 9, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Bonnyville, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for cash, May 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74, 1979-80; 116 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Traded to Cleveland for Ron Buchanan, October 26, 1974.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago for future considerations, September 24, 1979.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 1979.

Harrison was a scoring centre who broke into the NHL in 1969. He played four years with the Bruins and Leafs, but chose to jump to the WHA in its inaugural season in 1972. The Oilers secured his WHA rights and he promptly became their top centre, leading them in scoring in 72-73 (86 points in 66 games) and was second to Ron Climie in 73-74 (69 points in just 47 games). Most impressively he actually had a 10 point game versus New York--the best in WHA history (and tied with Sittler in WHA/NHL history). Not sure why, but they traded him to Cleveland the next year. After two years with the Crusaders he went back to the NHL, playing three years with the Hawks, being hampered by injuries in 78 and 79. He made a return to the Oilers when they acquired him for future consideration to start their first NHL season. He only played three games and then retired early in the season when back injuries caught up to him. He seems to have kept to himself since then--happy 74th Jim.

I have to ask--have any of you known of Harrison's 10-point game. I consider myself an Oiler history enthusiast and I had no idea. I'm a bit stunned it's not better known. I think the team ignores a lot of its WHA history.

[Updated on: Sat, 10 July 2021 14:38]

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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #788856 is a reply to message #788854 ]
Fri, 09 July 2021 09:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Fri, 09 July 2021 09:48

Today's entry in the thread was the biggest surprise for me. Did you know the Oilers had a guy who had a 10 point game three years before Sittler? Did you know who lead them in scoring in their first season when they were the Alberta Oilers? Did you know that same player came back and played three games with them their first NHL season? How is this guy not better known in Oiler history?


Jim Harrison
Born: July 9, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Bonnyville, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for cash, May 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74, 1979-80; 116 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Traded to Cleveland for Ron Buchanan, October 26, 1974.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago for future considerations, September 24, 1979.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 1979.

Harrison was a scoring centre who broke into the NHL in 1969. He played four years with the Bruins and Leafs, but chose to jump to the WHA in its inaugural season in 1972. The Oilers secured his WHA rights and he promptly became their top centre, leading them in scoring in 72-73 (86 points in 66 games) and was second to Ron Climie in 73-74 (69 points in just 47 games). Most impressively he actually had a 10 point game versus New York--the best in WHA history (and tied with Sittler in WHA/NHL history). Not sure why, but they traded him to Cleveland the next year. After two years with the Crusaders he went back to the NHL, playing three years with the Hawks, being hampered by injuries in 78 and 79. He made a return to the Oilers when they acquired him for future consideration to start their first NHL season. He only played three games and then retired early in the season when back injuries caught up to him. He seems to have kept to himself since then--happy 74th Jim.

I have to ask--have any of you known of Harrison's 10-point game. I consider myself an Oiler history enthusiast and I had no idea. I'm a bit stunned it's not better known. I think the team ignores a lot of its WHA history.



Totally shocked to hear that. It does seem like something that should be better known. It's funny - really my knowledge of the WHA days is little more than:

- They spent a season as the Alberta Oilers, and Bill Hunter originally thought they might play games in both Edmonton and Calgary.
- They chose the colours to try to get Gulf Oil sponsorship.
- An ancient Jacques Plante and Dave Dryden (Ken's brother) played for the team as netminders.
- Everything about the Gretzky trade/purchase from Indianapolis
- They lost the last Avco Cup to the Winnipeg Jets...the last playoff series they'd lose to a team from that barren hellscape until 2021...

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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #788857 is a reply to message #788854 ]
Fri, 09 July 2021 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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benv wrote on Fri, 09 July 2021 09:48


I have to ask--have any of you known of Harrison's 10-point game. I consider myself an Oiler history enthusiast and I had no idea. I'm a bit stunned it's not better known. I think the team ignores a lot of its WHA history.


I had no idea and I made an Oilers WHA family tree when I was younger. The Oilers tend to ignore any history and thinking that's outside of the 1984-90 glory years bubble.

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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #788869 is a reply to message #788854 ]
Fri, 09 July 2021 15:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently online welcometotheOC
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benv wrote on Fri, 09 July 2021 09:48

Today's entry in the thread was the biggest surprise for me. Did you know the Oilers had a guy who had a 10 point game three years before Sittler? Did you know who lead them in scoring in their first season when they were the Alberta Oilers? Did you know that same player came back and played three games with them their first NHL season? How is this guy not better known in Oiler history?


Jim Harrison
Born: July 9, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Bonnyville, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for cash, May 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74, 1979-80; 116 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Traded to Cleveland for Ron Buchanan, October 26, 1974.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago for future considerations, September 24, 1979.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 1979.

Harrison was a scoring centre who broke into the NHL in 1969. He played four years with the Bruins and Leafs, but chose to jump to the WHA in its inaugural season in 1972. The Oilers secured his WHA rights and he promptly became their top centre, leading them in scoring in 72-73 (86 points in 66 games) and was second to Ron Climie in 73-74 (69 points in just 47 games). Most impressively he actually had a 10 point game versus New York--the best in WHA history (and tied with Sittler in WHA/NHL history). Not sure why, but they traded him to Cleveland the next year. After two years with the Crusaders he went back to the NHL, playing three years with the Hawks, being hampered by injuries in 78 and 79. He made a return to the Oilers when they acquired him for future consideration to start their first NHL season. He only played three games and then retired early in the season when back injuries caught up to him. He seems to have kept to himself since then--happy 74th Jim.

I have to ask--have any of you known of Harrison's 10-point game. I consider myself an Oiler history enthusiast and I had no idea. I'm a bit stunned it's not better known. I think the team ignores a lot of its WHA history.



Yes, but had forgotten about it since it was so long ago and I didn’t actually see the game. Plus, WHA, according to the NHL it didn’t even exist unless it was to rob Gretzky of the Calder 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

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 July 10 [message #788875 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 10 July 2021 11:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just heard that Bryan Watson died on Thursday--after Green and Muckler that's three of the first four NHL Oiler coaches passing in the last two years.

But we'll get to Bugsy on his birthday; for today we have just a sinlge alumnus:


Jim Ennis
Born: July 10, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Sherwood Park, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 126th overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Hartford for Norm MacIver, October 10, 1989.

Ennis was drafted by the Oilers in 1986, and spent two years in Boston University as a stay at home blueliner. He then spent two years in the Oilers organization, playing 126 games with the Nova Scotia/Cape Breton Oilers and was called up for five games with Edmonton during the 87-88 season. They dealt him in 1989 to Hartford and he spent the full 89-90 year with their AHL team--and then suddenly retired at the age of 23 in 1990. I can find no other info on him so I don't know why he retired so young or where he is now. Hope things are good Jim--happy 54th.

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 Re: July 10 [message #788884 is a reply to message #788875 ]
Sat, 10 July 2021 15:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 11:19

Just heard that Bryan Watson died on Thursday--after Green and Muckler that's three of the first four NHL Oiler coaches passing in the last two years.

But we'll get to Bugsy on his birthday; for today we have just a sinlge alumnus:


Jim Ennis
Born: July 10, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Sherwood Park, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 126th overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Hartford for Norm MacIver, October 10, 1989.

Ennis was drafted by the Oilers in 1986, and spent two years in Boston University as a stay at home blueliner. He then spent two years in the Oilers organization, playing 126 games with the Nova Scotia/Cape Breton Oilers and was called up for five games with Edmonton during the 87-88 season. They dealt him in 1989 to Hartford and he spent the full 89-90 year with their AHL team--and then suddenly retired at the age of 23 in 1990. I can find no other info on him so I don't know why he retired so young or where he is now. Hope things are good Jim--happy 54th.




I'm pretty sure J. Ennis Fabrics is his company.


"Thinking that a bad team's best players are the reason the team is bad is the "Tambellini re-signing Lennart Petrell" of sports opinions." @Woodguy55
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 Re: July 10 [message #788885 is a reply to message #788884 ]
Sat, 10 July 2021 16:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Adam wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 15:52

benv wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 11:19

Just heard that Bryan Watson died on Thursday--after Green and Muckler that's three of the first four NHL Oiler coaches passing in the last two years.

But we'll get to Bugsy on his birthday; for today we have just a sinlge alumnus:


Jim Ennis
Born: July 10, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Sherwood Park, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 126th overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Hartford for Norm MacIver, October 10, 1989.

Ennis was drafted by the Oilers in 1986, and spent two years in Boston University as a stay at home blueliner. He then spent two years in the Oilers organization, playing 126 games with the Nova Scotia/Cape Breton Oilers and was called up for five games with Edmonton during the 87-88 season. They dealt him in 1989 to Hartford and he spent the full 89-90 year with their AHL team--and then suddenly retired at the age of 23 in 1990. I can find no other info on him so I don't know why he retired so young or where he is now. Hope things are good Jim--happy 54th.




I'm pretty sure J. Ennis Fabrics is his company.



Interesting--I'd never heard of this. Website says "founded by James Ennis in 1972". Is that Jim's dad? Did Jim retire at 23 to work for the company?

https://www.fabricsandfurnishings.com/directory/J-Ennis-Fabr ics-LTD.html

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 Re: July 10 [message #788904 is a reply to message #788885 ]
Mon, 12 July 2021 00:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 16:09

Adam wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 15:52

benv wrote on Sat, 10 July 2021 11:19

Just heard that Bryan Watson died on Thursday--after Green and Muckler that's three of the first four NHL Oiler coaches passing in the last two years.

But we'll get to Bugsy on his birthday; for today we have just a sinlge alumnus:


Jim Ennis
Born: July 10, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Sherwood Park, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 126th overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Hartford for Norm MacIver, October 10, 1989.

Ennis was drafted by the Oilers in 1986, and spent two years in Boston University as a stay at home blueliner. He then spent two years in the Oilers organization, playing 126 games with the Nova Scotia/Cape Breton Oilers and was called up for five games with Edmonton during the 87-88 season. They dealt him in 1989 to Hartford and he spent the full 89-90 year with their AHL team--and then suddenly retired at the age of 23 in 1990. I can find no other info on him so I don't know why he retired so young or where he is now. Hope things are good Jim--happy 54th.




I'm pretty sure J. Ennis Fabrics is his company.



Interesting--I'd never heard of this. Website says "founded by James Ennis in 1972". Is that Jim's dad? Did Jim retire at 23 to work for the company?

https://www.fabricsandfurnishings.com/directory/J-Ennis-Fabr ics-LTD.html



I believe that's right. A buddy of mine dated a girl who worked there and definitely heard stories of NHL days from Jim directly.

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 July 11 [message #788891 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 11 July 2021 10:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Four players on the agenda today:


Bernie Blanchette
Born: July 11, 1947 in North Battleford, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago for Jim Benzelock, December 27, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73; 23 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Phoenix in expansion draft, May 30, 1974.
Died: August 25, 2006 (age 59) in Winnipeg, MB of cancer.

Blanchette was a scoring winger who finished his junior career with two points a game in 67-68. He turned pro and spent four full years in the minors without getting an NHL sniff. When the WHA formed, he secured a contract with the Chicago Cougars and played 24 games with them. Halfway through the years he was dealt to the Oilers and finished the season with them, getting just 9 points in 23 games. He wouldn't see major pro again--he played the 73-74 in the minors and then retired, despite being selected by Phoenix in the expansion draft. He would join the RCMP upon his retirement. He passed away of cancer in 2006 at the age of 59. RIP Bernie.


Brett Hauer
Born: July 11, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Richfield, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Vancouver for 6th round pick, August 24, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1995-96 to 1999-2000; 34 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Los Angeles, July 2, 2001.

Hauer was an offensive d-man who spent four years at UMinn after being drafted by Vancouver in 1989. He never played for the Canucks and the Oilers got him in 1995. He would play 29 games with them in 95-96 as a seventh d-man. He would then spend the next three full years in the IHL racking up impressive point totals from the backend. The Oilers gave him another shot in 99-00 playing him in 5 games, but that would be it. He went back to the IHL, would get in 3 games with Nashville in 01-02, but that would be it for the NHL. He went to play in Switzerland and spent six years there before retiring in 2008. Since retiring he's used his university degree to become a Clinical sales manager at Intuitive in his home state. Happy 50th Brett.


Mike Morrison
Born: July 11, 1979 (turns 43 today) in Medford, Massachussetts.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 186th overall, June 27, 1998.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Ottawa, March 9, 2006.

After being a 7th round pick by the Oilers in 1998, Morrison had a slow road to the NHL. He spent four years at the University of Maine and then spent three years in the Oilers' minor league system before finally getting a shot in 05-06 when the Oilers' goalie tandem of Markkanen and Conklin were both struggling. Morrison came up and outplayed the other two for a short time, causing him to be the go to guy for a couple of months, particularly in shoot-outs, where he once went in for Conklin much to the latter's dismay. As the season went on, Morrison's hot streak ended and he was waived (after the Oilers' acquired Roloson) and went to Ottawa. He would only play 4 games with Ottawa, another 4 with Phoenix the next year and that would be it for his NHL dream. He spent a year in the minors, a year in Switzerland, another year in the minors and then retired in 2010. Not sure what he's been up to since; happy 43rd Mike.


Ryan Strome
Born: July 11, 1993 (turns 29 today) in Mississauga, ON.
Position: Centre/Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Islanders for Jordan Eberle, June 22, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2017-18 to 2018-19; 100 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers for Ryan Spooner, November 16, 2018.

Strome was a dynamic centre and 5th overall pick by the Islanders in 2012. He graduated to the big leagues in 2014, and had a good season in 14-15 putting up 50 points with the Islanders. He regressed a bit over the next couple of years and in 2017 was swapped to the Oilers for Jordan Eberle. He played all 82 games with them in 17-18, but his offense didn't improve as he only picked up 34 points. He started 18-19 in a big slump getting only two points in 18 games, when the Oilers had enough and shipped him off to the Rangers. His career has been revitalized on Broadway as he had his best seasons in the last two years and continues to have success. As a quick trivia note about him--this past season he became the first player in NHL history to score 100 points with each of the New York teams. Too bad he only got 36 while with Edmonton. Happy 29th Ryan.

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 July 12 [message #788915 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 12 July 2021 09:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Another four players are enshrined in the thread today:


Paul Hurley
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Born: July 12, 1946 (turns 75 today) in Melrose, Massachusetts.
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England (with Kerry Ketter) for Steve Carlyle and Clarke Jantze, February 2, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 26 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Calgary, September 1976.

Hurley was an American right shot d-man who came out of Boston College and struggled to make the NHL. He played just one game with the Bruins in 1969, but got his chance when the WHA formed in 1972 when he was 26. He played three and a half years with the Whalers and then was traded to the Oilers mid-season in 75-76. He would play 26 games in Edmonton (plus the 4 playoff games) and then would sign with Calgary in the offseason. After 34 games with the Cowboys, he retired in 1977. It looks like he returned to Massachusetts and raised a family (3 daughters) where he still lives today. Happy 75th Paul.


Dave Semenko
Born: July 12, 1957 in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Houston for future considerations, November 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78 to 1978-79; 1979-80 to 1986-87; 596 games (85 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in WHA dispersal draft, June 9, 1979.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota (with 3rd round pick) for 2nd and 3rd round picks, August 9, 1979.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to Hartford for 3rd round pick, December 12, 1986.
Died: June 29, 2017 (age 59) in Edmonton, AB of pancreatic cancer.

Semenko had a strange junior career. He always got lots of PIMs, but he suddenly started to rack up points in 76-77. The Oilers traded for his WHA rights early in 77-78, pulled him out of junior (where he was averaging two points a game!) and the rest is history. He played those last two WHA years with the team, and after he was reclaimed by the North Stars in the dispersal draft (when the Oilers changed leagues) the Oilers traded back for him (they must have really liked him). He would spend the next seven years as the resident tough guy, early on often playing on the left side with Gretzky and Kurri to act as a policeman. He was definitely intimidating, and was known around the league as a guy you didn't want to mess with. By the 86-87 season, Semenko found his role filled by McClelland and McSorley and he was dealt to the Whalers. He would play one season in Hartford, one more in Toronto and then retire in 1988. After retirement, Semenko came back to Edmonton and worked in various roles for the team, first as a colour commentator on their radio broadcasts, one year as an assistant coach (96-97) and then seventeen years as a pro scout until 2015. Oilerdom was shocked in 2017 when Semenko died suddenly of pancreatic cancer just a couple weeks shy of his 60th birthday. RIP Dave.



Peter Eriksson
Born: July 12, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Kramfors, Sweden.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 64th overall, June 13, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1989-90; 20 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to Sweden in 1990.

Eriksson was already a veteran power forward in the Swedish elite league when the Oilers drafted him in 1987. He came over to try his luck in the NHL in 1989. He spent just a single season with the Oilers, playing 20 games in Edmonton and another 21 in Cape Breton. That one year would be it for his North American experience. He returned to Sweden the next year and played out his career there (with one year in Germany) before retiring in 1998. Can't find any other tidbits on his post hockey life--hope you are well Peter, and happy 56th.



Craig Millar
Born: July 12, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo (with Barrie Moore) for Miroslav Satan, March 18, 1997.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1998-99; 36 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Nashville for 3rd round pick, June 26, 1999.

Millar was a prospect d-man in the Sabres organization in 1997 when the Oilers acquired him as part of a package for Miroslav Satan (bad trade Sather!). Millar spent the rest of 96-97 plus two more full seasons in the Oilers organization; most of it was in Hamilton in the AHL, but he did dress for a total of 36 Oiler games. The Oilers parted with him in the offseason, flipping him to Nashville for a draft pick. He would play 78 more NHL games with the Predators and Lightning, try one year in Europe and then retire in 2002. Post retirement I see he spent a few years playing and coaching Manitoba senior hockey; other than that I'm not sure. Happy 46th Craig.

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 Re: July 12 [message #788917 is a reply to message #788915 ]
Mon, 12 July 2021 10:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Mon, 12 July 2021 09:53


Millar was a prospect d-man in the Sabres organization in 1997 when the Oilers acquired him as part of a package for Miroslav Satan (bad trade Sather!).



I've always blamed Ron Low for that one...he didn't like that type of player. Mariusz Czerkawski only lasted a year and a half before we sold low. Satan was here for 2 years, but healthy scratched in a lot of games. Ray Whitney came the year after and got all of 9 games with low usage before Low was done with him and he left via waivers.

For whatever reason, that just wasn't an archetype that Low had any patience at all for - which is too bad. Czerkawski scored 319 points after leaving the Oilers including a 70 point season a couple years after his trade...and he was the lowest scoring of those three...

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 July 13 [message #789078 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 13 July 2021 09:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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As the Oilfans community race to give their opinion of the acquisition of an expensive aging d-man, we can look back to another all-star blueliner they signed fourteen years ago.



Rick Chartraw
Born: July 13, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Caracas, Venezuela.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for 9th round pick, January 20, 1984.
Oilers Career: 1983-84; 24 games (1 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1984.

Chartraw was a Venezuelan born American forward. A first round pick by the Canadiens in 1974, he spent seven years with the Habs as a checking forward during their glory late 70s years. He was eventually traded to the Kings in 1980 and then the Rangers in 1983. The Oilers acquired him in 83-84 as a depth checking forward for their anticipated cup run. He would play 24 games with them and one in the playoffs. He retired after the season, getting to sip Stanley Cup champagne one more time (after four with the Habs). Post career he has been in the real estate business, owned a Marina in California, and worked as an arena consultant. Happy 67th Rick.


Sheldon Souray
Born: July 13, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Elk Point, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 12, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08 to 2009-10; 144 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, July 1, 2011.

Souray was a late bloomer, a d-man out of the WHL who was a 4th round pick of the Devils in 1994. He managed to grind his way through the Devils' AHL system to become a full time NHLer in 97-98. At that time he was a big physical defender with a good shot, but limited offense. He would go to Montreal in 2000, and his offense started to bloom by 2003. In 06-07 he had an all-star performance with 64 points and 26 goals. That offseason the Oilers inked him to a lucrative 5-year deal, but things didn't start out well. He played only 26 games the first season when he was injured in a fight. He bounced back in 08-09 with a 53 point all-star season. Things unraveled the next year when he was limited again by injuries to just 37 games. In the 2010 offseason, Souray demanded a trade after claiming the Oilers mishandled his injuries. It was a nasty fallout, and Souray ended up playing the entire 10-11 season in the minors when nobody was willing to take on his salary. The Oilers bought him out in 2011 and he signed with Dallas playing one year there, followed by a season in Anaheim before retiring in 2015 after two years of nobody wanting him. Since retiring he's continued to date gorgeous women (his nickname was "big sexy" after all) and co-owns a pizza restaurant in Quebec with Martin Brodeur. Happy 45 Sheldon.

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 Re: July 13 [message #789141 is a reply to message #789078 ]
Tue, 13 July 2021 15:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Tue, 13 July 2021 11:34


Sheldon Souray
Born: July 13, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Elk Point, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 12, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08 to 2009-10; 144 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, July 1, 2011.

Souray was a late bloomer, a d-man out of the WHL who was a 4th round pick of the Devils in 1994. He managed to grind his way through the Devils' AHL system to become a full time NHLer in 97-98. At that time he was a big physical defender with a good shot, but limited offense. He would go to Montreal in 2000, and his offense started to bloom by 2003. In 06-07 he had an all-star performance with 64 points and 26 goals. That offseason the Oilers inked him to a lucrative 5-year deal, but things didn't start out well. He played only 26 games the first season when he was injured in a fight. He bounced back in 08-09 with a 53 point all-star season. Things unraveled the next year when he was limited again by injuries to just 37 games. In the 2010 offseason, Souray demanded a trade after claiming the Oilers mishandled his injuries. It was a nasty fallout, and Souray ended up playing the entire 10-11 season in the minors when nobody was willing to take on his salary. The Oilers bought him out in 2011 and he signed with Dallas playing one year there, followed by a season in Anaheim before retiring in 2015 after two years of nobody wanting him. Since retiring he's continued to date gorgeous women (his nickname was "big sexy" after all) and co-owns a pizza restaurant in Quebec with Martin Brodeur. Happy 45 Sheldon.




I feel like it was how they handled Souray that really caused me to realize that the team was being run by awful management. Like probably everyone else on here, when Pronger left I thought he was the bad guy, but when Souray left (and all the madness that went with that) I realized that the Oilers were actually the bad guy all along. A lot of grief has been given to Katz for that (and it's been deserved), but it probably turned sour under the EIG when they replaced Glen Sather with Kevin Lowe.

On Souray though, I was so hyped when he signed. I remember he even made a comment about making sure to discuss signing in Edmonton with his wife (based on your summary not sure if she is still his wife) and how he wouldn't just sign somewhere for 5 years without doing that. Felt like an awesome shot at Pronger at the time who was still public enemy #1 at the time. Crazy to look bad at all of this in hindsight.

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 Re: July 13 [message #789145 is a reply to message #789141 ]
Tue, 13 July 2021 15:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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oilfan94 wrote on Tue, 13 July 2021 15:45


I feel like it was how they handled Souray that really caused me to realize that the team was being run by awful management. Like probably everyone else on here, when Pronger left I thought he was the bad guy, but when Souray left (and all the madness that went with that) I realized that the Oilers were actually the bad guy all along. A lot of grief has been given to Katz for that (and it's been deserved), but it probably turned sour under the EIG when they replaced Glen Sather with Kevin Lowe.



I figured out they were a bad hockey team somewhere in the middle of the 2007-08 season, but it was the dismissal of Souray for getting injured after coming back too soon that made me too realize they were the bad guys. I understood why Pronger fled. I understood why Comrie said it was like communism there and was villified by the media. And I still understand why Oilers use the press to soften their bad ideas and bad moves.

22 years of this garbage and counting.

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: July 13 [message #789192 is a reply to message #789145 ]
Wed, 14 July 2021 09:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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CrusaderPi wrote on Tue, 13 July 2021 17:57

oilfan94 wrote on Tue, 13 July 2021 15:45


I feel like it was how they handled Souray that really caused me to realize that the team was being run by awful management. Like probably everyone else on here, when Pronger left I thought he was the bad guy, but when Souray left (and all the madness that went with that) I realized that the Oilers were actually the bad guy all along. A lot of grief has been given to Katz for that (and it's been deserved), but it probably turned sour under the EIG when they replaced Glen Sather with Kevin Lowe.



I figured out they were a bad hockey team somewhere in the middle of the 2007-08 season, but it was the dismissal of Souray for getting injured after coming back too soon that made me too realize they were the bad guys. I understood why Pronger fled. I understood why Comrie said it was like communism there and was villified by the media. And I still understand why Oilers use the press to soften their bad ideas and bad moves.

22 years of this garbage and counting.


Yup, looking back I legitimately feel bad about all the complaints and anger I had at Comrie and Pronger back then. Teenager me said some really unkind things and I think MJ even deleted one of my posts about Pronger back then.

As a side note, I'm in suspense to see if benv includes Duncan Keith for his post on Friday since he has technically never played a game for the Oilers. Don't tell us, I want to be surprised.

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  July 14 [message #789196 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 14 July 2021 09:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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In the past couple of weeks we've learned there was David Haas before Gaetan and then we learned there was Jim Ennis before Tyler. Today we continue the trend of former namesakes of current Oilers and learn there was Dennis Kassian before Zack:




Dennis Kassian
Born: July 14, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Vegreville, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Dayton for cash, May 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73; 50 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Kassian was a local forward who toiled his way through the 60s playing in the CPHL and AHL without ever getting a sniff of the NHL (and he never would) even after the expansions of 1967 and 1970. At the age of 31, he was given his first opportunity at major pro hockey when the Oilers gave some cash to the Dayton Aeros (yes the Houston Aeros were originally supposed to play in Dayton Ohio) to obtain his rights. He spent the full year with the Alberta Oilers, playing 50 games and the 1 playoff game. The next year he spent the entire year in the Oilers' minor league team in Winston-Salem and then retired in 1974. I can't find much else on him--it looks like he did show up to Rexall's closing in 2016. Great that he's still kicking and hopefully healthy at 80 years old. Happy 80th Dennis.

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 July 15 [message #789289 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 15 July 2021 09:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just the single alumnus today--I'd actually forgotten he was back in the organization:



Adam Cracknell
Born: July 15, 1985 (turns 36 today) in Prince Albert, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Vancouver, February 29, 2016.
Oilers Career: 2015-16; 8 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, July 3, 2016.

Cracknell has gone through his trials trying to make and stick in the NHL. A 9th round pick by Calgary in 2004, he slowly worked his way through the WHL, ECHL and AHL before getting his first NHL taste in 10-11 with the Blues. He would spend the next several years bouncing up and down between the AHL and NHL, before becoming a regular with the Canucks in 15-16. The Oilers claimed him on waivers at the trade deadline, but he would only play 8 games with them. He managed the full 16-17 year in the NHL with Dallas but has since bounced around a few organizations, playing mostly in the AHL. He spent 19-20 in the KHL and returned to the Oilers in 20-21 where he signed a two-way contract and played the season with the Condors. He signed an AHL deal with the Condors for the 21-22 season so he will continue to have some impact down in Bakersfield. Happy 36th Adam.



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 Re: July 15 [message #789366 is a reply to message #789289 ]
Fri, 16 July 2021 14:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Skookum Jim is currently offline Skookum Jim
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benv wrote on Thu, 15 July 2021 08:31

Just the single alumnus today--I'd actually forgotten he was back in the organization:



Adam Cracknell
Born: July 15, 1985 (turns 36 today) in Prince Albert, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Vancouver, February 29, 2016.
Oilers Career: 2015-16; 8 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, July 3, 2016.

Cracknell has gone through his trials trying to make and stick in the NHL. A 9th round pick by Calgary in 2004, he slowly worked his way through the WHL, ECHL and AHL before getting his first NHL taste in 10-11 with the Blues. He would spend the next several years bouncing up and down between the AHL and NHL, before becoming a regular with the Canucks in 15-16. The Oilers claimed him on waivers at the trade deadline, but he would only play 8 games with them. He managed the full 16-17 year in the NHL with Dallas but has since bounced around a few organizations, playing mostly in the AHL. He spent 19-20 in the KHL and returned to the Oilers in 20-21 where he signed a two-way contract and played the season with the Condors. He signed an AHL deal with the Condors for the 21-22 season so he will continue to have some impact down in Bakersfield. Happy 36th Adam.




That's amazing he made it to the NHL as a 9th rounder.. still putting up pts in the AHL.. 👍🏻

McDAVID! Oh YEAH Baby!!
Tic-Tac-Tao!
Keep on Rockin' in the Free World
P. Chiarelli math.. T. Hall = A. Larsson, Yak= bag o'pucks (OK he got one right...) K. Russell = $4.1 M+NMC, G. Reinhart= M. Barzal + A. Beauvillier, J. Eberle = R. Spooner,

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 July 16 [message #789338 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 16 July 2021 10:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Yes, I'm aware it's Duncan Keith's birthday today, but I will follow my own rules and exclude him for now since I don't consider him an official Oiler until he's suited up with the team; besides I think there's enough talk about Keith in the rest of the forum. I always planned at the end of the year to do a closing thread for all the players who make their Oiler debut in 2021 after their birthday; Keith will undoubtedly be on that list.

So instead today I present you with the much more exciting--Will Acton!:


Will Acton
Born: July 16, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Edina, Minnesota.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 5, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 33 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver for Kellan Lain, November 20, 2014.

Acton went undrafted and started his pro career with the Toronto Marlies in 2010, playing three AHL seasons with them. The Oilers signed him as a free agent in 2013 (with some wondering about nepotism, since new Oiler coach Eakins was Acton's coach in Toronto and daddy Keith was an assistant coach with the Oilers) and he split 13-14 between Edmonton and OKC, getting in 30 games with the Oilers as a depth centre. He only played 3 games with Edmonton the next year, and they then traded him to Vancouver. After spending the rest of the year in the AHL, he went to Germany and played five years there. After being cut by his German team he retired last November. He's currently working for National Bank in Toronto. Happy 34th Will.


Edit: added Duncan Keith, December 31, 2021.

Duncan Keith
Born: July 16, 1983 (turned 38 this year) in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Tim Soderlund) for Caleb Jones and conditional 3rd round pick, July 12, 2021.
Oilers Career: 2021-22 to present; 21 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Keith was a 2nd round pick by the Hawks in 2002, drafted out of Michigan State University. He would spend two years in the AHL before graduating to the NHL in 2005. He immediately became one of Chicago's top blueliners, and soon after would be considered one of the best d-men in the league as he would spend a whopping 16 years with the Hawks playing nearly 1200 games. He was a shutdown guy early in his career, but started to produce points later, having his best season in 09-10 when he got 69 points. He was known for his ability to eat up big minutes and was instrumental in leading Chicago to three Stanley Cups. He came to Edmonton this past July in a trade that most did not like (mostly objecting to his cap hit). He's been steady if not exceptional in his 21 games with the team so far--at 38 years old we can only hope he can maintain what he's doing.

[Updated on: Fri, 31 December 2021 09:50]

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 July 17 [message #789410 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 17 July 2021 10:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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If you're an Edmonton sports radio listener today's alumnus will be quite familiar:


Jason Strudwick
Born: July 17, 1975 (turns 46 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 10, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2008-09 to 2010-11; 186 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Europe in 2011.

Strudwick was a proto-typical stay at home blueliner. When his WHL career ended in 1995, he spent three years in the AHL, while getting in a handful of games with the Islanders. He went to the Canucks in 1998 and became a full time NHLer spending four years in Vancouver. He followed up with two years in Chicago followed by three years on Broadway (with a quick trip to play in Switzerland in there). He came home to Edmonton in 2008 and played his twilight years with his hometown team, playing as a 6th/7th d-man. He lasted three years and played 186 games. When the Oilers moved on after 10-11, Strudwick tried a year in Sweden and then retired in 2012. Since retiring, you may have seen (or at least heard) him making rounds in Edmonton sports media. He hosted the Jason Strudwick show from 2012 to 2015 on Team1260, moved to television for a while, and since May 2017 has gone back to Team1260. Happy 46th Jason.

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 July 18 [message #789470 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 18 July 2021 11:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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On today's menu: a good old University of Alberta boy sandwiched between two Finns.



Risto Jalo
Born: July 18, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Humppila, Finland.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Washington for 4th round pick, March 6, 1984.
Oilers Career: 1985-86; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to Finland in 1986.

We all know the glory day Oilers loved their Finns. Jalo was a scoring centre that the Oilers took a flyer on during the 85-86 season after acquiring his rights a couple years earlier. He dressed for just 3 games before returning to Finland. The guy was a stud in his own country though, playing from 79-80 to 97-98 (broken up by his brief NHL tryout) and is a Finnish hockey hall of member. After retiring in 1998 he's been a general manager in the Finnish league with Ilves, first from 99-00 to 03-04 and then again from 17-18 to the present. Happy 59th Risto.


Ian Herbers
Born: July 18, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Jasper, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 9, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1993-94; 22 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed in 1995.

Herbers had a long path to the NHL. After his four years in the WHL he spent four years at the University of Alberta, playing as an elite offensive d-man at that level. The Oilers acquired his rights to start 92-93. He spent three years in the organization playing mostly in Cape Breton, but getting in 22 games with Edmonton in 93-94--but the offense just wasn't there at the NHL level. He would play five years in the IHL before getting another NHL shot with the Lightning and Islanders (43 total) in 2000 and 2001. He would go to Britain to wrap his career before retiring in 2003. He's been coaching for the last 18 years in the AHL, OHL, ECHL, his alumni University of Alberta, and of course the Oilers themselves. The Oilers hired him in 2015 to be an assistant coach and he held that role for three years, before returning to the Golden Bears in 2018 where he continues on as their head coach. Happy 54th Ian.


Mikko Koskinen.
Born: July 18, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Vantaa, Finland.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 1, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to present; 119 games and counting (4 playoff games).

Koskinen was a top goalie prospect out of Sweden, being drafted in the 2nd round by the Islanders in 2009. He spent just over two years in North America playing mostly in the AHL, but getting in 4 games with the Islanders before he decided to bail for Europe early in the 11-12 season. After a couple of years in Finland he spent five years in the KHL as one of the top goalies in the league. This prompted the Oilers to ink him for the 18-19 season. After a very shaky start, he started to outperform incumbent Cam Talbot and by the end of the season, Talbot was gone and Mikko had himself a lucrative three year extension with Edmonton. You surely know the rest; he was decent in 19-20 outperforming Mike Smith, but did not have a good 20-21, particularly towards the end of the season. He's got 1 year left on his contract and we will see if he even plays in Edmonton in the coming season. In the meantime enjoy your 33rd Mikko.

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 July 19 [message #789516 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 19 July 2021 09:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Two guys from the greater Toronto area join our thread today:



Craig Muni
Born: July 19, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Acquired from Pittsburgh as future considerations from earlier trade, October, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1986-87 to 1992-93; 493 games (83 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Chicago for Mike Hudson, March 22, 1993.

Muni was a defensive specialist who struggled to make the NHL early in his career. He spent five years with the Leafs from 81-82 to 85-86 but only played 13 NHL games spending a ton of time in the AHL. When he came to the Oilers to start the 86-87 he seemed to fit in perfectly and he spent nearly seven years with the team as a third pairing guy, never seeing the minors again. He saw the late dynasty years and stayed for the first year of the great decline, playing nearly 500 games with the Oilers before he was traded to Chicago in 1993. He wound down his career in several NHL stops (Chicago, Buffalo, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, and Dallas) before retiring in 1998. After retirement he spent some time as an amateur scout with Tampa Bay and as a head coach in the NWHL. Happy 59th Craig.


Devin Shore
Born: July 19, 1994 (turns 27 today) in Ajax, ON.
Position: Centre/Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, January 14, 2021.
Oilers Career: 20-21 to present; 38 games and counting (2 playoff games).

Shore was a forward out of the University of Maine, drafted by Dallas in 2012. After just a season in the AHL, he became a full time NHLer by 16-17, playing three and a half season in Dallas, a year in Anaheim, and a few games in Columbus. The Oilers signed him at the start of 20-21 and he managed to play 38 games, getting the trust of the coaches in a shutdown role. He impressed enough to get a two year extension, so expect to see more of Shore in the next couple of years (unless he's Seattle's pick in the expansion draft--doubtful). Hopefully he can contribute. Happy 27th Devin.

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 July 20 [message #789597 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 20 July 2021 09:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Four players today, including (for the third day in a row) a current Oiler--or at least a guy who we hope will be a current Oiler again.



Ian Wilkie
Born: July 20, 1949 (turns 72 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles for Wayne Zuk, March 1974.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 5 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Wilkie was an Edmonton born goalie who played for the Oil Kings from 1966 to 1969. He played a couple of years at UBC after that and then got a pro shot with the New York Raiders in the WHA. After just 5 WHA games in 72-73, he went to the Los Angeles Sharks the next year (I still love typing those old WHA team names) and played 23 games in a platoon of goalies. The Oilers acquired him at the end of the season and he got in 5 games with them (with an impressive 2.11 GAA) and one more in the playoffs--and then he disappeared. Why he retired suddenly at the age of 25, I cannot determine. The only other info I can find on Wilkie is that he is still alive and he is the father of the current leader of the Alberta Green Party (Jordan Wilkie). Happy 72nd Ian.


Jimmy Carson
Born: July 20, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Southfield, Michigan.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles (with Martin Gelinas, 3 first round picks and cash) for Wayne Gretzky, Mike Krushelnyski, and Marty McSorley, August 9, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89 to 1989-90; 84 games (7 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Detroit (with Kevin McClelland and 5th round pick) for Adam Graves, Petr Klima, Joe Murphy, and Jeff Sharples, November 2, 1989.

Carson came out of the gate like a cannon. He was the 2nd overall pick by the Kings in 1986, and managed 79 points in his rookie season. He exploded in his sophomore year getting 107 points in 87-88. As is so well known, he then became the centerpiece in the most famous trade in NHL history coming to Edmonton where everyone was in shock by the loss of Gretzky. His one full season as an Oiler was a success; he got 100 points and lead the team in goals with 49 (this included his 100th career goal which made him the 2nd youngest player to score 100--three guesses who was the youngest). But he was never happy in Edmonton and demanded a trade early the next year. He went to his hometown Detroit, but his career never quite got back on track. After his back to back 100 point campaigns with Los Angeles and Edmonton he managed just 39, 46, and 69 in his next three seasons with the Wings. By 1993 he was being shuffled around the league, going back to the Kings, then the Canucks and Whalers before ending his career in the IHL before retiring in 1998. He has since settled in Detroit with his wife and four kids and works in financial planning. Happy 53rd Jimmy.



Dean Arsene
Born: July 20, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Murrayville, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 16, 2009.
Oilers Career: 2009-10; 13 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 11, 2010.

Arsene was a stay at home d-man who played his entire career in the AHL (624 games total) from 2002 to 2014. Right in the middle during the 09-10 season, he managed to get called up by the Oilers during a time when they had a lot of injuries on the backend and he played his only NHL games--13 total. He would retire in 2014. He now lives and works in Abbotsford as an account manager with Leavitt Cranes. Happy 41st Dean.


Oscar Klefbom
Born: July 20, 1993 (turns 28 today).
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 19th overall, June 24, 2011.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to present; 378 games and counting? (16 playoff games).

Klefbom was a star defenseman in his native Sweden, drafted in the 1st round by the Oilers in 2011. He joined the organization in 13-14, playing most of the season in OKC, but he was a steady regular by 14-15 and was signed to a decent (for the Oilers) seven year deal. He shortly thereafter became one of the Oilers top blueliners but was often plagued by injuries. After playing the 19-20 as the Oilers best defenseman he has sat out the entire 20-21 season, and there is no timetable for when or even if he we will ever play again. I will continue to hope that shoulder will get better and we'll see him back to form. In the meantime, have a happy 28th Oscar.

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 July 21 [message #789685 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 21 July 2021 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Just a single late alumnus today:


Bill Flett
Born: July 21, 1943 in Vermillion, AB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Rights purchased from Atlanta (NHL), December 1, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77 to 1979-80; 215 games (15 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1980.
Died: July 12, 1999 (age 55) in Edmonton, AB of liver failure.

Flett was a winger and amateur rodeo performer (hence his "Cowboy" nickname") who toiled his way through the minor leagues in the early 60s until the 1967 expansion gave him his NHL opportunity. He was picked by the Kings and played four and a half years with them before he was traded to Philadelphia in 1972. He had his best season (and was named an all-star) with the Flyers in 72-73 getting 74 points. He then got himself a cup ring the next year before he was traded to the Leafs in 1974. After a year in Toronto and another year and a half with Atlanta, he jumped over to the WHA to play with the Oilers in December 1976. He would lead the team in scoring in 76-77, despite only playing 48 games. He continued for two more seasons adding nice veteran leadership and some offense (69 and 64 points) for the last two WHA years. His rights were maintained by the team in the move to the NHL and he played 20 games with the NHL Oilers in 79-80 before calling it a career. After retiring, Flett took a job as a scout with the Oilers. When Flett hit his mid 50s, his previous problems with alcohol caught up to him, as he would require a liver transplant and died shortly thereafter (the liver was rejected) in 1999, nine days shy of his 56th birthday. RIP Bill.

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 July 23 [message #790015 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 23 July 2021 09:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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No birthdays on July 22 and none on July 24. But in between we have a Nova Scotian some may remember from his face punching days in the 90s.



Dennis Bonvie
Born: July 23, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Antigonish, NS.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 25, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1994-95 to 1997-98; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Chicago, October 5, 1998.

Bonvie was an enforcer who spent most of his career in the AHL, but got a lot of spot NHL duty when teams were looking for that nuclear deterrent. The Oilers were his first stop; he spent five years in the Oilers organization from 93-94 to 97-98 playing almost all of it in Cape Breton and Hamilton, but getting call ups in three different seasons for a total of 14 games. He would basically continue this pattern the rest of his career through the Black Hawks, Penguins, Bruins, Senators, and Avalanche--playing primarily with their AHL affiliate, but getting some NHL spot duty. He retired in 2008 having played 871 AHL games (4493 PIMS!) and 92 NHL games. Since retiring he's worked as an NHL pro scout with the Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, and has been with the Bruins since 15-16. He also runs his own hockey camp in Wilkes-Barre. Happy 48th Dennis.


So as mentioned, nothing to report tomorrow; back on Sunday with more.

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 Re: July 23 [message #790019 is a reply to message #790015 ]
Fri, 23 July 2021 10:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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6 Cups
benv wrote on Fri, 23 July 2021 09:41

No birthdays on July 22 and none on July 24. But in between we have a Nova Scotian some may remember from his face punching days in the 90s.



Dennis Bonvie
Born: July 23, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Antigonish, NS.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 25, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1994-95 to 1997-98; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Chicago, October 5, 1998.

Bonvie was an enforcer who spent most of his career in the AHL, but got a lot of spot NHL duty when teams were looking for that nuclear deterrent. The Oilers were his first stop; he spent five years in the Oilers organization from 93-94 to 97-98 playing almost all of it in Cape Breton and Hamilton, but getting call ups in three different seasons for a total of 14 games. He would basically continue this pattern the rest of his career through the Black Hawks, Penguins, Bruins, Senators, and Avalanche--playing primarily with their AHL affiliate, but getting some NHL spot duty. He retired in 2008 having played 871 AHL games (4493 PIMS!) and 92 NHL games. Since retiring he's worked as an NHL pro scout with the Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, and has been with the Bruins since 15-16. He also runs his own hockey camp in Wilkes-Barre. Happy 48th Dennis.


So as mentioned, nothing to report tomorrow; back on Sunday with more.



I had a hockey class at University (beats basket weaving as an option!) and we had our class bumped once because Dennis Bonvie was doing power skating training there. Definitely among the weakest skaters I've ever seen play NHL hockey. Dude was still loved here though, because he could fight. Not a huge guy, but he'd scrap anyone.

It amuses me to hear he has a hockey school though...not the guy I'd expect to learn a lot about hockey from...

"Thinking that a bad team's best players are the reason the team is bad is the "Tambellini re-signing Lennart Petrell" of sports opinions." @Woodguy55
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 July 25 [message #790234 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 25 July 2021 12:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Back with three players today, all born in the 80s:



Jani Rita
Born: July 25, 1981 (turns 40 today) in Helsinki, Finland.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 13th overall, June 26, 1999.
Oilers Career: 2001-02 to 2005-06; 36 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh (with Cory Cross) for Dick Tarnstrom, January 26, 2006.

The Oilers had high hopes for Rita after drafting him in the 1st round in 1999, but things just never came together. He came over in 2001 and spent five years in the organization but was mostly an AHL player (playing just 15 NHL games prior to 2005). He finally stuck with the big club in 05-06 but was a healthy scratch for most of the year, playing only 21 games and getting 3 points. He was dealt to Pittsburgh mid-season, and after finishing 05-06 with the Pens returned to Finland. He would remain there, playing another 10 years with Jokerit before retiring in 2016. Hope your well Jani; happy 40th.


Richard Bachman
Born: July 25, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 6, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Vancouver, July 1, 2015.

Bachman was a goalie who spent his career bouncing between the AHL and NHL. After being drafted in 2006 he worked his way up through Dallas' organization, playing some NHL games but never permanently sticking. The Oilers signed him to compete as an NHL backup in 2013. He spent his 2 years with the Oilers in OKC, getting called up in each of the seasons and playing a total of 10 games. He left for Vancouver in 2015 and spent five years in their system (again mostly in the AHL) before he retired in 2020 having played 49 NHL games and 264 in the AHL. He is currently the goaltending coach for the Iowa Stars in the AHL. Happy 34th Richard.


Luke Gazdic
Born: July 25, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Toronto, ON
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Dallas, September 29, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2015-16; 136 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by New Jersey, July 5, 2016.

Gazdic was an enforcer who had played three years with Dallas' AHL team in Texas when the Oilers scooped him up on waivers in 2013 and made him a part of their NHL team. He had a big role in 13-14 playing 67 games with Edmonton, but his role slowly diminished, as he played 40 games in 14-15 and 29 in 15-16. He left as a free agent for New Jersey in 2016, but would only play 11 more NHL games, spending the rest in the AHL until he retired just last month. Happy 32nd Luke.

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 July 26 [message #790257 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 26 July 2021 09:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Two today, including a current Oiler. For how long he is current remains to be seen.



Peter Sarno
Born: July 26, 1979 (turns 42 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 141st overall, June 21, 1997.
Oilers Career: 2003-04; 6 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver for Tyler Moss, February 16, 2004.

Sarno paid his dues to make the NHL, drafted in the 7th round by the Oilers in 1997, lighting up the OHL for a couple of years, and then playing in the Oilers AHL system (Hamilton and Toronto) for nearly four years before getting his first shot in 03-04. It would last just six games before the Oilers dealt him to the Canucks. He would get just 1 more NHL game in his career (with the Blue Jackets in 05-06) and then go and finish it in Europe in the Swiss, German, and Italian leagues before he retired in 2011. Can't find much on him since--it looks like he spent some time coaching minor (under 15) hockey in the Toronto area. Happy 42nd Peter.


Tyson Barrie
Born: July 26, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Victoria, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 10, 2020.
Oilers Career: 20-21 to present; 56 games and counting (4 playoff games).

Barrie is an offensive minded right shot d-man who broke in the league with the Avalanche in 11-12 and has been one of its top point producing d-man since getting 53 points in 14-15. After eight seasons in Denver, he went to the Leafs for a season and then signed a one year deal with the Oilers for the 20-21 season. He had his best season points per game wise, getting 48 points in 56 games and leading the league in defenseman scoring. The initial thought was he would be a one year wonder in Edmonton, but of course the recent departure of Adam Larsson has us wondering whether we will see a renewal of Barrie in Edmonton. Time will tell how long that "current Oiler" status will last. In the meantime, enjoy your 30t birthday Tyson.

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 July 27 [message #790324 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 27 July 2021 10:07 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Today's birthday boys:


Krys Kolanos
Born: July 27, 1981 (turns 40 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Phoenix, November 11, 2005.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 6 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Phoenix, December 19, 2005.

Kolanos was a first round pick by the Coyotes back in 2000 coming out of Boston college. He jumped right into the NHL in 2001, but struggled to produce offense like he did in college. Phoenix eventually demoted him and during the 05-06 season the Oilers took a flyer on him after he was waived by the Coyotes. His stay in Edmonton was only a month and 6 games, and they would waive him as well allowing Phoenix to reclaim him. He spent the rest of the year in the AHL, played a year in Switzerland, and then returned to North America from 2007 to 2012 playing mostly in the AHL, but getting a handful of NHL games with Minnesota and Calgary. He finished things in Europe (KHL, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Poland) before calling it a career in 2017. Looks like he's working with Progressive Well's Management now; happy 40th Krys.


Yohann Auvitu
Born: July 27, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Ivry-sur-Seine, France.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 10, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2017-18; 33 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left for KHL in 2018.

Auvitu is the only ever French (as in France, not French Canadian) player in Oiler history. A d-man, he left France in 2010 for better competition in Finland. After six years in Finland, the Devils took an interest in him and he came over to North America and split the 16-17 season between New Jersey and Albany. The Oilers signed him in 2017 and he would spend the entire 17-18 season with them as one of their depth defenseman, playing in 33 games. They opted not to re-sign him after the season and he went to the KHL in 2018. He followed with a year in Sweden, and played 20-21 back in Finland. Who knows where his career will take him next; happy 32nd Yohann.

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 July 28 [message #790476 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 28 July 2021 09:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Another two alumni to add to the list:


Steve Staios
Born: July 28, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Hamilton, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 12, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2001-02 to 2009-10; 573 games (30 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to Calgary for Aaron Johnson and 3rd round pick.

Staios was actually an offensive blueliner in junior, but became a defense-first guy in his long NHL career. After near three years in the minors he finally broke in with the Bruins in 95-96 and never went back to the AHL again. A year in Boston, was followed by two in Vancouver and another year and a half in Atlanta before signing with the Oilers in 2001. He would play eight years in Edmonton, being in their top four until taking a lesser role later in his career. By 2010 the Oilers were in complete rebuild and he was shipped off in a rare trade to Calgary. He would wind down his career with the Flames and Islanders and then retire in 2012 having played 1001 NHL games. Since retiring, he's stayed in hockey, working as a consultant with the Maple Leafs for three years and for the last six years has been the president and GM of the AHLs Hamilton Bulldogs. Happy 48th Steve.


Lauri Korpikoski
Born: July 28, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Turku, Finland.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Arizona for Boyd Gordon, June 30, 2015.
Oilers Career: 2015-16; 71 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, October 10, 2016.

Korpikoski was a first round pick by the Rangers in 2004 as a forward out of Finland. After coming over to North America in 2005, he spent two years in the AHL before finally graduating to the Rangers in 2008. He was traded to the Coyotes in 2009, and had his best NHL seasons in 10-11 and 11-12. His offense seemed to dry up after that. The Oilers traded for him in 2015 and he would play one season in Edmonton, playing 71 games and getting 22 points in 15-16 as a 3rd/4th line forward. They bought out the last year of his contract, and he split 16-17 between Dallas and Columbus before deciding to return to Finland. He's still going, having played the last three years with hometown TPS Turku. Happy 35th Lauri.

[Updated on: Wed, 28 July 2021 11:30]

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