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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
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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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 Re: July 28 [message #790478 is a reply to message #790476 ]
Wed, 28 July 2021 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Wed, 28 July 2021 11:52



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.




If I remember right with Staios, he actually played forward with the Thrashers and was even their captain. Interesting career for sure.

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 Re: July 28 [message #790480 is a reply to message #790476 ]
Wed, 28 July 2021 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Wed, 28 July 2021 09:52

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 chose to not re-sign him, 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.




I believe we bought out the last year of Korpikoski's deal.

"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 28 [message #790530 is a reply to message #790480 ]
Wed, 28 July 2021 11:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Adam wrote on Wed, 28 July 2021 10:01



I believe we bought out the last year of Korpikoski's deal.



You're right--I'd forgotten that.

Fixed it.

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 July 29 [message #790665 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 29 July 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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So what do we have on offer today? The guy who scored the first goal in Oiler history and one of the many one-hit wonder European imports the Oilers have tried in the last decade:



Ron Anderson
Born: July 29, 1945 (turns 76 today) in Red Deer, AB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74; 92 games (2 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 73-74 season.

Anderson was an Alberta boy, a defensive forward who played four years with the Oil Kings from 1962 to 1966. Like many of the time, he had to wait to get his NHL shot until the 1967 expansion. In five years in the NHL from 67-68 to 71-72 he played with Detroit, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Buffalo, playing a total of 251 games. He jumped to the WHA upon its inception in 1972 and joined his hometown Oilers. He has the distinction of scoring not only the first ever goal in Oiler history, but in WHA history in the Oiler's and WHA's first game, a 7-4 win against Ottawa. He would play 92 games in two seasons with the Oilers, played one year of low level minor league hockey and then retired in 1975. I can find nothing else on him (it didn't help my research that there were at least three other "Ron Anderson"s playing pro hockey in the 70s), so wherever you are Ron, I hope things are good and happy 76th today.



Anton Belov
Born: July 29, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Ryazan, USSR.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 30, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14; 57 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to KHL in 2014.

Belov was a top Russian defender, who decided after a great season in Avangard Omsk in 12-13 to try to make it in the NHL. The Oilers outbid a couple of other teams for his services and he would play the 13-14 season with them, mostly as a depth defenseman getting in 57 games and 7 points. He didn't impress enough to stick around and the next year he was back in the KHL. He just wrapped up his seventh season with St. Petersburg, so any further forays to North America seem unlikely. Have a good 35th Anton.

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 July 30 [message #790727 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 30 July 2021 09:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Lots of talk lately about an important right shot d-man named Larsson--but do you remember that we once had a right shot d-man named Larson?



Reed Larson
Born: July 30, 1956 (turns 65 today) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 30, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Islanders, December 5, 1988.

Larson was a high scoring right shot d-man out of the University of Minnesota. He broke in with the Red Wings in 76-77 and immediately established himself as their top d-man and one of the best scoring defenseman in the NHL from 1977 to 1986 (his worst season in that span was 58 points). He was traded to Boston in 1986 and his numbers started to decline. In the 1988 offseason the Oilers took a chance on him, but it would be a short lived marriage lasting only 10 games (although he got 9 points--wonder why the experiment didn't last longer) and the Oilers released him (something you could do back then). He would sign with the Islanders, play a bit in Minnesota and Buffalo and then go to Italy where he finished his career before retiring in 1994. Since retirement, Larson has worked in insurance. Happy 65th Reed.

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 Re: July 30 [message #790729 is a reply to message #790727 ]
Fri, 30 July 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
smyth260 is currently offline smyth260
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benv wrote on Fri, 30 July 2021 08:46

Lots of talk lately about an important right shot d-man named Larsson--but do you remember that we once had a right shot d-man named Larson?




That is interesting...we also briefly had another right shot D-man named Larsen. Philip Larsen!

Clean house or bust

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 Re: July 30 [message #790731 is a reply to message #790727 ]
Fri, 30 July 2021 10:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Fri, 30 July 2021 11:46

Lots of talk lately about an important right shot d-man named Larsson--but do you remember that we once had a right shot d-man named Larson?



Reed Larson
Born: July 30, 1956 (turns 65 today) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 30, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Islanders, December 5, 1988.

Larson was a high scoring right shot d-man out of the University of Minnesota. He broke in with the Red Wings in 76-77 and immediately established himself as their top d-man and one of the best scoring defenseman in the NHL from 1977 to 1986 (his worst season in that span was 58 points). He was traded to Boston in 1986 and his numbers started to decline. In the 1988 offseason the Oilers took a chance on him, but it would be a short lived marriage lasting only 10 games (although he got 9 points--wonder why the experiment didn't last longer) and the Oilers released him (something you could do back then). He would sign with the Islanders, play a bit in Minnesota and Buffalo and then go to Italy where he finished his career before retiring in 1994. Since retirement, Larson has worked in insurance. Happy 65th Reed.



4 of those 9 points were in one game in a 9-1 against Toronto, where Anderson scored 4 goals. Anderson, Carson, and Simpson all had at least 4 points in that game as well. Then the next night he had 2 assists against Winnipeg. One more game against Minnesota and he was released. Anyone know the story behind that? Seems really odd.

Edit: There is an hfboards thread that seems to indicate that he was traded for future considerations, and that those considerations led to the Oilers getting Tomas Jonsson from the Islanders a couple months later. Still doesn't say much as to why you trade a guy with 9 points in 10 games for future considerations.

https://hfboards.mandatory.com/threads/reed-larsons-1988-89- season.2166821/

[Updated on: Fri, 30 July 2021 10:45]

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 July 31 [message #790764 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 31 July 2021 09:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We end the month of July with a single short term WHA alumnus:



Chris Ahrens
Born: July 31, 1952 (turns 69 today) in San Bernadino, California.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota (NHL) (with Pierre Jarry) for future considerations, March 1978.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1978.

Ahrens is that rare player who hailed from California but grew up in New York. He was a stay-at-home blueliner who spent 1972 to 1978 in the Minnesota North Stars' system, playing most of it in the AHL, but managing 52 NHL games (44 of them in 74-75). In the middle of the 77-78 season, Ahrens was shipped of to the Oilers (in a rare cross-league trade; not exactly sure how that worked). He would only play 4 games with the Oilers and then called it a career after the season. I cannot find anything else on him for the last forty-two years; so wherever you are Chris, happy 69th.

And that closes off the month of July. Since no Oilers were born on either August 1 or 2, I will take the rest of the long weekend off and be back to kick off August on Tuesday.

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 August 3 [message #790806 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 03 August 2021 12:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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After two days off we finally get to kick off August with two alumni:



Bill Prentice
Born: August 3, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Lindsay, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Indianapolis, August 1977.

Prentice was a stay at home blueliner who played his entire major-pro career in the WHA from 1972 to 1978. After stints with Houston, Indianapolis and Quebec, he was signed by the Oilers in 1976. He spent most of the 76-77 season playing in the minors, playing just three games with the Oilers. He was released the next year, signing back with the Racers for 77-78. That would be his last season in the WHA, as he would finish his career in the minors before retiring in 1980. Post career, all I can find is a stint as an assistant coach with the Peterborough Petes in 2000-01. Happy 71st Bill.


Mark Lamb
Born: August 3, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Ponteix, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Detroit, October 5, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1987-88 to 1991-92; 176 games (59 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Ottawa in expansion draft, June 18, 1992.

Lamb was a scoring centre out of the WHL who took his time getting to the NHL. After being drafted by Calgary in 1982, he turned pro in 1984 but played mostly in the AHL, getting 23 NHL games with Calgary and Detroit from 1984 to 1987. The Oilers claimed him on waivers in 1987 and he would spend another two years in the AHL (just 22 games with Edmonton in 87-88 and 88-89) before he suddenly became a full time Oiler in 89-90. He would spend the next three years in the Oiler lineup, getting the prestigious position of centering Kurri and Tikkanen during the 89-90 playoff run and scoring a critical overtime winner against Winnipeg in the first round. He was left unprotected in the 1992 expansion draft and scooped up by Ottawa. He would finish out his NHL time in Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Montreal, and then he finished out his career in the IHL (with one stop in Germany) before retiring in 2000. He went right into coaching after his retirement, starting with being an assistant with the Oilers for one season (01-02) before moving on to Dallas in 2002 where he held the same job until 2009. Since then he's been in the WHL as a head coach/GM with Swift Current and (since 2018) Prince George where he continues to this day as their GM/head coach. Happy 57th Mark.

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 Re: August 3 [message #790813 is a reply to message #790806 ]
Tue, 03 August 2021 15:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Tue, 03 August 2021 12:25

After two days off we finally get to kick off August with two alumni:



Bill Prentice
Born: August 3, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Lindsay, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Indianapolis, August 1977.

Prentice was a stay at home blueliner who played his entire major-pro career in the WHA from 1972 to 1978. After stints with Houston, Indianapolis and Quebec, he was signed by the Oilers in 1976. He spent most of the 76-77 season playing in the minors, playing just three games with the Oilers. He was released the next year, signing back with the Racers for 77-78. That would be his last season in the WHA, as he would finish his career in the minors before retiring in 1980. Post career, all I can find is a stint as an assistant coach with the Peterborough Petes in 2000-01. Happy 71st Bill.


Mark Lamb
Born: August 3, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Ponteix, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Detroit, October 5, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1987-88 to 1991-92; 176 games (59 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Ottawa in expansion draft, June 18, 1992.

Lamb was a scoring centre out of the WHL who took his time getting to the NHL. After being drafted by Calgary in 1982, he turned pro in 1984 but played mostly in the AHL, getting 23 NHL games with Calgary and Detroit from 1984 to 1987. The Oilers claimed him on waivers in 1987 and he would spend another two years in the AHL (just 22 games with Edmonton in 87-88 and 88-89) before he suddenly became a full time Oiler in 89-90. He would spend the next three years in the Oiler lineup, getting the prestigious position of centering Kurri and Tikkanen during the 89-90 playoff run and scoring a critical overtime winner against Winnipeg in the first round. He was left unprotected in the 1992 expansion draft and scooped up by Ottawa. He would finish out his NHL time in Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Montreal, and then he finished out his career in the IHL (with one stop in Germany) before retiring in 2000. He went right into coaching after his retirement, starting with being an assistant with the Oilers for one season (01-02) before moving on to Dallas in 2002 where he held the same job until 2009. Since then he's been in the WHL as a head coach/GM with Swift Current and (since 2018) Prince George where he continues to this day as their GM/head coach. Happy 57th Mark.




That 1990 series against Winnipeg is probably the high watermark for Mark Lamb's career. He had 3-5-8 in those seven games, including the Game 7 winner.

"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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 August 4 [message #790830 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 04 August 2021 09:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Only one player to commemorate today:


Wayne Carleton
Born: August 4, 1946 (turns 75 today) in Sudbury, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England for Mike Rogers and future considerations, January 19, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 26 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Birmingham, January 1977.

Carleton was a left winger who broke into the NHL with Toronto in 1967. After three years with the Leafs, he was traded to Boston in 1969 where he won a cup in 1970 (he was actually on the ice when Orr scored his famous "superman" OT winner). After one more year in Boston and one year with the Golden Seals, he switched over to the WHA, playing with Ottawa, Toronto, and New England before being traded to the Oilers halfway through the 75-76 season. He would finish the season with the Oilers getting 21 points in 26 games and playing in their playoff series that year. The Oilers didn't re-sign him after the year, and he would play just three more WHA games with Birmingham before wrapping up his career in the minors and retiring in 1978. I can find nothing on him since retirement; wherever you are Wayne, happy 75th.

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 August 5 [message #790863 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 05 August 2021 09:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Celebrating a birthday today we have the first ever Oiler goalie and a recent and much maligned general manager.


Jack Norris
Born: August 5, 1942 (turns 79 today) in Delisle, SK.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for cash, June 1972.
Oilers Career:1972-73 to 1973-74; 117 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Phoenix for future considerations, June 1974.

Norris was a goalie from Saskatchewan who turned pro in 1963. He played the first four years of his career in the minors, except for the 64-65 season when he played 23 games for the Bruins. He managed a handful more NHL games with Chicago and Los Angeles from 1968 to 1971 but was still mostly a minor league goalie. In 1972 he jumped over to the WHA; the Oilers bought his WHA rights from Cleveland and he immediately became the Oilers' starting goalie for their first two years of existence. He played 117 games over the two seasons and then was shipped off to Phoenix in 1974 (when the Oilers got Jacques Plante). He spent two years as the Road Runners' main goalie and then retired in 1976. Cannot find anything about his life after hockey; hope your enjoying life and happy 79th Jack.


Peter Chiarelli
Born: August 5, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Nepean, ON.
Oilers GM career: 2015-16 to 2018-19; 296 games (13 playoff games).

Chiarelli was a centre for the Harvard team in the 80s, but never advanced beyond that in his playing career. He became a player agent and then in 1999 joined his hometown Senators, first as a director, then as the assistant GM. Boston plucked him away in 2006 and made him their GM, a role he held for nine years and included a Stanley Cup win in 2010. He was fired by Boston in 2015 and immediately hired (within weeks) by the Oilers as their new GM. His Oilers' legacy will probably never be looked upon fondly; despite being gifted Connor McDavid, he was only able to put together one playoff team in nearly four years, and many of his biggest deals turned into big losses for Edmonton. He was fired mid-season in 18-19 and far as I can see has remained unemployed since. You may have a strong dislike for his moves as GM, but we can still be gracious and wish him a happy 57th today.

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 Re: August 5 [message #790864 is a reply to message #790863 ]
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CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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Crazy that they named the trophy for best dman after a goalie.

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 August 6 [message #790913 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 06 August 2021 09:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Today's birthday boys are two Canadians; one of Greek heritage and the other who would adopt Korean citizenship.




Bryan Young
Born: August 6, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Ennismore, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 146th overall, June 27, 2004.
Oilers Career: 2006-07 to 2007-08; 17 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in South Korea in 2010.

Young was a stay-at-home blueliner out of the OHL (barely got any points, even at the junior level) whom the Oilers drafted in the 5th round in 2004. When he turned pro in 2006, he soon found himself on the Oilers late in the 06-07 season when they literally ran out of defenseman in the system due to a rash of injuries (you may even remember them pulling Sebastian Bissaillon out of junior just so they could dress six defenseman). He would dress for 15 games and from what I remember he was serviceable. He got in another two NHL games the next year, but would spend the rest of his time in the organization playing in the AHL and ECHL. When his entry level contract ended in 2010, he went to South Korea and spent ten years playing in the highest Asian league. He liked it so much he even became a South Korean citizen in 2014 and has represented them in several world championships. From what I can tell he retired last year. Hope the far east is still treating you well, Bryan and happy 35th.


Andreas Athanasiou
Born: August 6, 1994 (turns 27 today) in London, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for Sam Gagner and two 2nd round picks, February 24, 2020.
Oilers Career: 2019-20; 9 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Los Angeles, December 28, 2020.

Athanasiou was a speedy scoring centre out of the OHL, drafted in the 4th round by Detroit in 2012. After a year and a half of ripening in the AHL, he joined the Wings during the 15-16 season. He improved his point totals from 29 to 33 to a career high 54 in 18-19. He regressed a bit the next year and the Oilers traded some draft picks for him to bolster their playoff run. He would only play 9 games with Edmonton (after COVID shut down the season) and would return for their 4 game play in series. While there were flashes, he couldn't seem to generate any offense (only 2 points total in the 13 games). The Oilers chose not to qualify him after the season, and he would sign with the Kings. After a fast start in 20-21, he ended with just 23 points in 47 games last year. Good luck with the rest of your career, Andreas and happy 27th.

August 7 is another day of no alumni birthdays, so look for more posts on Sunday.

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 August 8 [message #790985 is a reply to message #771063 ]
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benv is currently offline benv
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Three alumni today, born in back-to-back-to-back years:


Steve MacIntyre
Born: August 8, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Brock, SK.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Florida, September 30, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2008-09 to 2009-10; 2010-11: 60 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Florida, November 10, 2009.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 2, 2010.
Left Oilers for good: Signed as free agent by Pittsburgh, July 12, 2011.

MacIntyre was probably the archetypical NHL goon. Not blessed with a lot of talent, he nevertheless managed to carve himself a fairly long pro-career on the basis of his toughness. He turned pro in 2002 and worked his way through many minor leagues including the UHL, ECHL, and AHL in the systems of both the Rangers and Panthers. He had still not played an NHL game when the Oilers claimed him on waivers in 2008, but would get his chance with Edmonton. Coaches would put him in the Oilers' lineup when they wanted a nuclear deterrent. He went back to Florida when the Oilers tried to demote him in November 2009. The following summer the Oilers signed him again, and he would play 36 more games with them in 10-11, immediately endearing himself to Oiler fans when he knocked out Flames' tough guy Raitis Ivanans. He would leave for Pittsburgh in 2011, and would play only 12 more NHL games, spending the rest of his career in the minors (including another stint with the Oilers, but no more time in the NHL) before retiring in 2020. Happy 41st Steve.


Tony Salmelainen
Born: August 8, 1981 (turns 40 today) in Espoo, Finland.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 41st overall, June 26, 1999.
Oilers Career: 2003-04; 13 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Chicago for Jaroslav Spacek, January 26, 2006.

Salmelainen was a Finnish forward and 2nd round pick by the Oilers in 1999. He came over to North America in 2002 and spent three years in the Oilers system playing almost 200 AHL games and getting in 13 NHL games (just one assist) during 03-04. He decided to return to Finland in 2005, but the Oilers retained his rights and would trade him to Chicago in January 2006 for Jaroslav Spacek. He spent 06-07 playing for the Hawks, but that would be it for his NHL career. He spent the rest of his career playing in various European leagues before retiring in 2013 due to a neck injury. No sign of him since then--wherever you are Tony, happy 40th.


Viktor Fasth
Born: August 8, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Kalix, Sweden.
Position: Goalie (catches left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Anaheim for 3rd and 5th round picks, March 4, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 33 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2015.

Fasth was a Swedish goalie and a bit of a late bloomer. Not drafted in the NHL he slowly worked his way up through the Swedish leagues before eventually making the top league by 2010 and attracting NHL attention in 2013 (when he was already 31). He came to North America, signing with the Ducks. After being their primary goalie for 12-13, he found himself replaced by Jonas Hiller in 13-14 and was dealt to the Oilers for some draft picks. He would spend a year and a half in Edmonton splitting duties with Ben Scrivens, although Fasth got less games. The Oilers chose to release him after the 14-15 season and he signed in the KHL. After two years there he went home to play with Vaxjo in the SEL, where he continues to this day. Happy 39th Viktor.

Another birthday free day tomorrow, so the thread will return on Tuesday with a whole slew of players to discuss.

[Updated on: Sun, 08 August 2021 12:37]

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 August 10 [message #791030 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 10 August 2021 10:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 549
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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After nothing yesterday (nice of Oiler alumni to not be born on Gretzky-trade day) we break the record (previously held at 7 by January 3) with a whopping eight players born on August 10. Let's get right to it.




Cam Connor
Born: August 10, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Montreal in expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80; 38 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers (with 3rd round pick) for Don Murdoch, March 11, 1980.

Connor was a top prospect scoring winger out of Winnipeg, being drafted 5th overall by the Canadiens and 4th overall in the WHA draft by Phoenix in 1974. He chose to go the WHA way and played two years with the Roadrunners and two years with the Aeros from 1974 to 1978. He then jumped over to the NHL, signing with the Habs for the 78-79 season. He was plagued by injuries and would only play 22 games (but got himself a cup ring). His Oiler career started the next season when he was claimed in the expansion draft. He would play 38 games for the Oilers and then was dealt at the deadline to the Rangers for Don Murdoch. He would play just 28 more games with the Rangers and then wind down his career in the minors before retiring in 1984. Since then he's been an assistant coach in the AHL and currently hosts his own podcast called "View from the Penalty Box". Happy 67th Cam.



Bill McDougall
Born: August 10, 1966 (turns 55 today) in New Waterford, NS.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for Max Middendorf, February 22, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1992-93; 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Tampa Bay, August 13, 1993.

McDougall was an undrafted centre from Nova Scotia. He put up incredible numbers in junior, and managed to get himself a contract with the Red Wings in 1989. He spent three years playing with their AHL team in Adirondack (he got two games in Detroit) still scoring like crazy. He was traded to the Oilers in 1992. He's on this thread because he played 4 games with the Oilers that year, but he will always be remembered for his AHL playoffs that year. In 16 playoff games with the Cape Breton Oilers he got 52 points (no you're not misreading that; he got over 3 points a game)--26 goals and 26 assists. All three were (and remain) AHL records and he lead Cape Breton to the Calder Cup. Despite this amazing performance he still couldn't parlay an NHL career. He would sign with the Lightning the next year, and got in 22 NHL games (just 6 points), but that would be it for his NHL dream. He went to Europe in 1994 and played a decade in various leagues, before returning to Canada to play senior hockey and retiring in 2008. Since retiring, McDougall operates the Advanced Hockey Development Camp in Toronto. Happy 55th Bill--you're legendary AHL playoff run is still remembered.


Greg Hawgood
Born: August 10, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston for Vladimir Ruzicka, October 22, 1990.
Oilers Career: 1990-91 to 1992-93; 55 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with Josef Beranek) for Brian Benning, January 16, 1993.

Hawgood was a high scoring blueliner out of the WHL (three straight 100+ point seasons from the backend). He was a late round pick of the Bruins and joined them in 1988 and continued to rack up points at the NHL level for two season in Boston (40 and 38 points seasons). He was traded to the Oilers in 1990 and would spend most of his first two seasons in Cape Breton. He would play just 55 games in Edmonton over three seasons, but he did dress for most of their 1992 playoff run. Midway through 92-93 he was packaged to Philadelphia and would continue his career through the Flyers, Panthers, Penguins, Sharks, Canucks, and Stars as well as numerous IHL and AHL teams. He would go to Europe in 2005 retire and shortly thereafter. He worked briefly in Kamloops as a coach, but has most recently worked as a pro-scout with the Black Hawks. Happy 53rd Greg.



Iain Fraser
Born: August 10, 1969 (turns 51 today) in Scarborough, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Dallas, March 3, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1994-95; 9 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Winnipeg, October 11, 1995.

Fraser was a centre and late round pick by the Islanders. He worked his way up through the AHL to get 7 games with New York in 1993. He went to Quebec the next year and spent the entire season in the NHL playing 60 games. After a few games with Dallas the next year, the Oilers claimed him on waivers and used him in 9 games during the shortened 94-95 season. The Oilers cut him loose after the season and he would get 14 more NHL games in Winnipeg and San Jose, and then go to Europe in 1998 where he played until retiring in 2006. Post retirement it looks he retreated to the Southern USA and likes to play golf. Happy 51st Iain.



Jesse Boulerice
Born: August 10, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Rouses Point, New York.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Colorado, November 11, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Colorado, November 21, 2008.

Boulerice was an enforcer who made his rounds from 1998 to 2011 playing mostly in the AHL but getting in a total of 172 NHL games. Prior to being an Oiler he had stints with the Flyers, Hurricanes, and Blues. He was in the Avalanche system in 2008 when the Oilers claimed him on waivers to temporarily replace their own injured enforcer (MacIntyre). Boulerice's time in Edmonton would be 10 days and 2 games (his last in the NHL); after that they waived him and he would go back to Colorado. He would play a couple more seasons in the AHL and then retire in 2011. After retiring he worked briefly as a coach with the junior Hurricanes in Carolina, and currently works as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. Happy 43rd Jesse.


Darcy Hordichuk
Born: August 10, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Kamsack, SK.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2011.
Oilers Career: 2011-12 to 2012-13; 47 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 2013.

I can probably cut and paste a bit of what I just said about Boulerice: Hordichuk was an enforcer with a long career that ended in Edmonton. Unlike Boulerice, Hordichuk was able to consistently stay in the NHL after 2003. He played for the Thrashers, Coyotes, Panthers, Predators, and Canucks getting very few points but lots of PIMs. The Oilers signed him for toughness in 2011, but he was a bit past his prime and would have many injury issues. He played just 47 games with Edmonton over the two seasons and was demoted to the AHL for most of 2013. He retired in 2013 and works in commercial real estate. Happy 41st Darcy.


Mathieu Roy
Born: August 10, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Saint-Georges, QU.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 215th overall, June 22, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2005-06 to 2007-08; 30 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Columbus, July 11, 2009.

Roy was an Oiler seventh round pick out of the QMJHL. After a few years in the Oilers' AHL system he got his first NHL game in 05-06. The Oilers would give him 16 more in 06-07 and another 13 in 07-08. He never impressed enough to stick longer and after spending all of 08-09 with Springfield he would sign with the Blue Jackets. He would play 31 games with Columbus in 09-10 but would spend most of the next three years in the AHL. He went to Europe and played in Germany, Austria, and France. It looks like his last season was 19-20 with Roeun in the French league. Happy 38th Mathieu.


Sam Gagner
Born: August 10, 1989 (turns 32 today) in London, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 6th overall, June 22, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08 to 2013-14; 2018-19 to 2019-20: 542 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay for Teddy Purcell, June 29, 2014.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Vancouver for Ryan Spooner, February 16, 2019.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to Detroit (with two 2nd round picks) for Andreas Athanasiou and Ryan Kuffner, February 24, 2020.

Gagner was a scoring star out of the London Knights when the Oilers selected him 6th overall in 2007. He was touted as the big hope at the time for the newly rebuilding team. He made the team immediately and he was a solid (although not superstar level) contributor for seven years, consistently getting between 40 and 50 points every year. He's remembered in his first season as a shootout specialist, and his most notable achievement was of course his 8 point game that he got on Groundhog day in 2012. Little known fact: Gagner's 8 points all came in the 2nd and 3rd period. In the Oilers' next game, Gagner got 3 points in the first period against Detroit. So in three consecutive periods (the equivalent of "a game") he got 11 points. I've always wondered if this is a record, but I don't know if the NHL would keep track of this. Anyway, after seven years in Edmonton, the Oilers traded him to the Lightning and he would continue his career through Arizona, Philadelphia, Columbus, and Vancouver. While he was still able to put up points he would spend time in the AHL, and the Oilers rescued him by reacquiring him in 2019. He would play 61 more games with the Oilers over two seasons and was traded at the 2020 deadline to the Red Wings. While this was at the time a salary dump by the Oilers, he seems to be quite content in Detroit as he just signed his second contract extension with them and his career will continue in Detroit. Happy 32nd Sam (it's amazing he's only 32--it seems like he's been around forever).


Whew that was long, but I'll make one more quick observation about Gagner. He holds the dubious distinction of playing the most Oiler games (542) without ever playing for them in the playoffs. Twelve years ago that distinction was held by Zdeno Ciger with 204--since then fourteen players have surpassed Ciger's total (Gagner, Smid, Gilbert, Hall, Cogliano, Penner, Petry, Stortini, Yakupov, J Schultz, R Jones, Brodziak, Lander, and Hendricks). That decade of darkness really did a number on the franchise.

[Updated on: Wed, 11 August 2021 09:37]

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 August 11 [message #791062 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 11 August 2021 09:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Here are today's birthday Oilers:



Ken Linseman
Born: August 11, 1958 (turns 63 today) in Kingston, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Hartford (with Don Nachbaur) for Brent Loney and Risto Siltanen, August 19, 1982.
Oilers Career: 1982-83 to 1983-84; 1990-91: 200 games (37 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Boston for Mike Krushelnyski, June 21, 1984.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 31, 1990.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to Toronto for cash, October 7, 1991.

Linseman was a centre who could not only put up points but had a penchant for getting under his opponents' skin (thus his nickname of "the rat"). He started out playing a season with Birmingham in the WHA in 77-78 before switching to the NHL, joining the Flyers in 78-79. He soon established himself as a point a game centre and spent four years with the Flyers. After he had his career best season in 81-82 (92 points) the Oilers acquired him in a three way deal with Hartford (giving up Risto Siltanen). Linseman played two years in Edmonton as a third centre behind Gretzky and Messier, and even got the Stanley Cup winning goal in 1984. Despite this, the Oilers dealt him to Boston in the 84 offseason for Mike Krushelnyski. He spent five and a half years with the Bruins, continuing to put up points and irritate opponents. He went back to the Flyers for a half season and then signed as a free agent back with the Oilers for a second go round in 1990. This return would last just the 90-91 season as he was past his prime (the Oilers healthy scratched him for most of the 91 playoff drive) and he was dealt to Toronto after the season. After just a couple of games with the Leafs, he was cut and played a few more games in Italy before calling it a career in 1992. After retiring Linseman settled in Boston and runs a commercial real estate development firm. Happy 63rd Ken.



Lubomir Visnovsky
Born: August 11, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Topolcany, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles for Matt Greene and Jarret Stoll, June 29, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2008-09 to 2009-10; 107 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Anaheim for Ryan Whitney and 6th round pick, March 3, 2010.

Visnovsky was a Slovakian blueliner who was drafted by the Kings in 2000 after a fine season in the Slovakian league. He immediately came over to Los Angeles and established himself as a legit top pairing NHL d-man. He played seven years with the Kings after which the Oilers were able to pry him away in 2008. He played nearly two years in Edmonton, but had some injury problems in his first year. He would play 107 games with the Oilers and was one of their top defenseman, but it was clear late in the 09-10 season that the Oilers were going nowhere and Visnovksy (who was not the happiest of campers in Edmonton) was shipped off to Anaheim. He played two years in Anaheim and another three with the Islanders before wrapping up his career in the KHL and retiring in 2016. Not sure what he's been up to the last five years--happy 45th Lubo.

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 August 12 [message #791111 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 12 August 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Today's post will take a closer look at two Canadians and two Americans:



Tom Simpson
Born: August 12, 1952 (turns 69 today) in Bowmanville, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Birmingham (with Gavin Kirk) for Tim Sheehy, December 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 15 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 76-77 season.

Simpson was a forward out of the Oshawa Generals who was drafted in the NHL, but would play his entire major pro career in the WHA. He debuted in the 72-73 season with Ottawa, and then spent three years with the Toronto Toros, having his best season in 74-75 when got 80 points. He moved with the franchise to Birmingham in 1976, but was soon traded to the Oilers. He would play just 15 games in Edmonton in 76-77 (just 5 points) and was not brought back after the season. He would play the next two years in the minors and then try playing in the Netherlands (!) for two years before retiring in 1981. Since then he has worked as a health and safety coordinator in Peterborough. Happy 69th Tom.


Todd Marchant
Born: August 12, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Buffalo, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for Craig MacTavish, March 21, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 2002-03; 678 games (43 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Columbus, July 3, 2003.

Marchant was a speedy centre out of Clarkson University. Drafted by the Rangers, Sather saw something in him and swapped an aging MacTavish for him in 1994 during the Oilers' rebuild. After a bit of time in Cape Breton, Marchant established himself during the 94-95 season as a checking centre who could also chip in with offense. He played nine full seasons with the Oilers, often given roles to shadow top opponents. He's best remembered in Edmonton for his game 7 OT winner against Dallas in 1997. Marchant's last season with Edmonton (02-03) was his best as he got 60 points (he never got more than 40 any other year). He parlayed this into a lucrative UFA deal with the Blue Jackets the following season. He would spend just over a season in Columbus before being traded to Anaheim where he would play six more seasons (including his only Stanley Cup in 2007) before retiring in 2011. Since retiring he has remained with the Ducks as the Director of Player Development, which he continues to do to this day. Happy 48th Todd.


Rob Klinkhammer
Born: August 12, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Lethbridge, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with 1st round pick) for David Perron, January 2, 2015.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2015-16; 54 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2016.

Klinkhammer was an undrafted defensive forward who slowly worked his through the WHL (4 years) and the AHL (4 years) to finally get his first NHL shot in 2011. During the 10-11 and 11-12 seasons he still played mostly in the AHL but managed a handful of NHL games with Chicago and Ottawa. By 12-13 he was a full time NHLer with the Coyotes, not putting up much points, but being known as fierce competitor. He would go to Pittsburgh for a short stint and then come to Edmonton half way through 14-15. He would finish the season with the Oilers, mostly on the fourth line; the next year he would play just 14 games with them before being demoted to Bakersfield. In 2016 he took his act to the KHL and has just finished his fifth season there. Happy 35th Rob.



Mark Arcobello
Born: August 12, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Milford, Connecticut.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, April 1, 2011.
Oilers Career: 2012-13 to 2014-15; 78 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Nashville for Derek Roy, December 29, 2014.

Arcobello was a scoring centre out of Yale University who went undrafted. The Oilers inked him in 2010 when he came out of school and he would spend two and a half years ripening with OKC before making the big team in 13-14 (he'd had a 1 game look in 12-13). He played decently as a 3/4 centre for most of the year, although he still spent some time in the AHL. After playing the first half of 14-15 with the Oilers he was dealt to Nashville, then Pittsburgh, and finally Arizona before the season was over. He would sign with the Leafs in 15-16, then hopped the pond to play in the Swiss league, where he continues his career to this day. Happy 33rd Mark.

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 August 13 [message #791146 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 13 August 2021 10:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Another busy day on the old birthday thread with five players including a few you will definitely be familiar with:



Ron Busniuk
Born: August 13, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Fort William, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England (with Bret Callighen) for Mike Antonovich and Bill Butters, February 5, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1976-77 to 1977-78; 88 games (10 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1978.

Busniuk was a UMinn grad in 1970 who joined the Sabres organization coming out of college. He would play the next four years in the AHL while getting 6 games with the Sabres. In 1974 he signed on to the WHA where he would play for four years. After starting with Minnesota, he would move to New England before joining the Oilers in 1977. He would play 88 games with the Oilers over two years as a depth centre. He would retire an Oiler after the 77-78 season. He became a coach after retiring, coaching senior hockey in Thunder Bay. Happy 73rd Ron.



Randy Exelby
Born: August 13, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal for cash, October 2, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 89-90 season.

Exelby was a career minor league goalie. After turning pro in 1987 he played just four years in the AHL and IHL. In 88-89 he managed to get in 3 minutes of play while backing up Patrick Roy with the Habs when the latter needed a bathroom break. The next year he was given a start by the Oilers, allowing 5 goals and getting the loss. That would be his entire NHL experience--he retired in 1991. After retiring he started his own chain of hockey equipment shops in Phoenix. Happy 56th Randy.



Shayne Corson
Born: August 13, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Midland, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal (with Brent Gilchrist and Vladimir Vujtek) for Vincent Damphousse and 4th round pick, August 27, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1992-93 to 1994-95; 192 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as restricted free agent by St. Louis, July 28, 1995.

Corson was an 8th overall pick by Montreal in 1984 after lighting up the OHL as point producing power forward. Starting in 1986, he spent five years with the Habs getting good point totals and also PIMs. He became the main asset shipped to the Oilers in 1992 when they traded Vince Damphousse to Montreal. Corson would spend three years in Edmonton, again putting up good numbers on a bad team. He was even made captain in 94-95, but would be stripped of it by coach Burnette before the end of the season (the two did not get along and both would be gone by the end of the season). Corson signed with St. Louis as an RFA in 1995 (allowing the Oilers to pick up Curtis Joseph and Mike Grier in the deal). He would head back to Montreal in 1996 and then to Toronto in 2000 before ending his career in 2004 with Dallas. Since retiring Corson has opened his own restaurant and bar in Toronto. Happy 55th Shayne.



Ales Hemsky
Born: August 13, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 13th overall, June 23, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2013-14; 652 games (30 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to Ottawa for 3rd and 5th round picks, March 5, 2014.

Hemsky was a skilled winger out of the Czech republic who the Oilers made their first pick in 2001 and joined the team in 02-03. He would spend eleven seasons with the Oilers, constantly being one of their top scorers (when he wasn't injured), but also receiving criticism for his aloof nature and spurning of the media. I don't think he was ever as appreciated by Oiler fans as he probably should have been. His winner against Detroit in game 6 of 2006 is probably the most cherished memory you have of him. He left Edmonton in 2014, winding down his career with Ottawa, Dallas, and very briefly Montreal. He suffered a concussion in 2017 and would not play again, officially announcing his retirement in 2020. Happy 38th Ales (weird to think he's younger than both Mike Smith and Duncan Keith).


Jujhar Khaira
Born: August 13, 1994 (turns 27 today) in Surrey, BC.
Position: Left Wing/Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 63rd overall, June 23, 2012.
Oilers Career: 2015-16 to 2020-21; 258 games (8 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Chicago, July 28, 2021.

Khaira was drafted by the Oilers in 2012 after he had a good season in the BCHL. He slowly worked his way up to the big team through the AHL and got his first games in 15-16 and by 17-18 was a full time member of the big squad. He had his ups and downs as an Oiler, occasionally showing flashes of strong play on the 3rd/4th line, but he also could disappear for stretches. Following the 20-21 season the Oilers elected not to qualify him and he signed with the Black Hawks a couple of weeks ago, ending his Oiler tenure. Good luck in Chicago Jujhar and happy 27th.

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 Re: August 13 [message #791153 is a reply to message #791146 ]
Fri, 13 August 2021 12:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
OilPeg is currently offline OilPeg
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benv wrote on Fri, 13 August 2021 11:23

Another busy day on the old birthday thread with five players including a few you will definitely be familiar with:


Ales Hemsky
Born: August 13, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 13th overall, June 23, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2013-14; 652 games (30 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to Ottawa for 3rd and 5th round picks, March 5, 2014.

Hemsky was a skilled winger out of the Czech republic who the Oilers made their first pick in 2001 and joined the team in 02-03. He would spend eleven seasons with the Oilers, constantly being one of their top scorers (when he wasn't injured), but also receiving criticism for his aloof nature and spurning of the media. I don't think he was ever as appreciated by Oiler fans as he probably should have been. His winner against Detroit in game 6 of 2006 is probably the most cherished memory you have of him. He left Edmonton in 2014, winding down his career with Ottawa, Dallas, and very briefly Montreal. He suffered a concussion in 2017 and would not play again, officially announcing his retirement in 2020. Happy 38th Ales (weird to think he's younger than both Mike Smith and Duncan Keith).


For me, it's the goal against Dallas when Stefan missed the empty net breakaway...I'll never forget that feeling of shock and disbelief at what I'd just seen. That game-six goal against Detroit is an easy second though...both are chill inducing to this day.

Skookum Jim wrote on Sat, 02 June 2012 00:29

But he (Belanger)'s as soft as room temp. margarine.

Skookum Jim wrote on Tue, 16 March 2021 18:49

Turris in the BOA will be like an ice cube in the Sahara.

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 August 14 [message #791172 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 14 August 2021 10:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Just a single alumnus today; a current Oiler you may have almost forgotten about:




Kyle Turris
Born: August 14, 1989 (turns 32 today) in New Westminster, BC.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 9, 2020.
Oilers Career: 20-21 to present; 27 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Turris was a high octane centre drafted 3rd overall by Phoenix in 2007 after getting over two points a game in the BCHL in 06-07. He joined the Coyotes in 2008, spent a bit of time in the AHL, but was a full time Coyote by 10-11. He was traded to Ottawa early in the 11-12 season and would spend six years in Ottawa, having his most productive years there. He went to Nashville in 2017 and would sign a lucrative six year deal with them. As can happen his play tailed off almost immediately after signing the deal and the Predators ended up buying out the last four years of the deal in 2020. This allowed the Oilers to sign him to a two year deal last year. His 20-21 season was generally a disappointment as he played only half the games (only 5 points), as he was healthy scratched a lot towards the end of the season including all four playoff games. It will be interesting to see how (or if at all) he contributes to the team in 21-22. In the meantime, happy 32nd Kyle.

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 August 15 [message #791181 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 15 August 2021 11:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Today we have one of only three guys who gets on the thread as a player, coach, and GM.



Craig MacTavish
Born: August 15, 1958 (turns 63 today) in London, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, February 1, 1985.
Oilers Career: 1985-86 to 1993-94; 701 games (113 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers for Todd Marchant, March 21, 1994.
Oiler Coach: 2000-01 to 2008-09; 656 games (36 playoff games).
Oilers GM: 2012-13 to 2014-15; 171 games (0 playoff games).

MacTavish was a Bruins draft pick out of the University of Massachusetts. A checking centre, he turned pro in 1979 and spent his first three years playing games both in the AHL and Boston, before finally joining the Bruins full time for the 82-83 season. In 1984 he was convicted of vehicular homicide and missed the 84-85 season while spending the year in prison. The Bruins released MacTavish from his contract and he was given a second chance by Glen Sather and signed with the Oilers in 1985. He would spend eight years with Edmonton, contributing as a top checker and penalty killer and even contributed offensively (his best year was 52 points in 88-89). He was named team captain in 1992, and was finally dealt when the Oilers were in rebuild mode in 1994. He wrapped up his career playing with the Rangers, Flyers, and Blues before retiring in 1997 as the last ever player to play without wearing a helmet. Upon retiring he became an assistant coach with the Rangers for two years, and then came to Edmonton and spent one year (99-00) as an assistant to Kevin Lowe. When Lowe was promoted to GM, MacTavish took over as head coach of the Oilers, a role he would have for eight seasons, including leading the 05-06 trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. He left the team in after the 08-09 season. He would spend some time as a TSN commentator, and an AHL coach before returning to the Oilers for the 12-13 season as their VP of hockey operations. He became the GM late in the season when Steve Tambellini was fired and held that role until the end of the 14-15 season. He was replaced as GM by Peter Chiarrelli in 2015 and would move back to VP of hockey operations. He left the team for good in 2019 and has since been coaching again in the KHL and the Swiss league. Last season he coached the Lausanne HC. Happy 63rd Craig.


And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.

[Updated on: Mon, 16 August 2021 10:12]

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 Re: August 15 [message #791186 is a reply to message #791181 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.

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 Re: August 15 [message #791187 is a reply to message #791186 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 11:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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oilfan94 wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34

benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.


But why didn't Tim Salmon make the show? 145 points in 69 OHL games is pretty good too. He lef that whole league in scoring as a 19-year old, almost out of no where, because he only had 30 points in his draft year. The the next year he's playing only a handful of games in both the OHL and AHL and not really dazzling anywhere. He goes to England, lights it up, comes back for one middling IHL season, and then back to dominating the British league.

I wonder what it was that held him back, and how different a player Hand was.

"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
#FireLowe #FireBobbyNicks #FireKenHolland #FireKeithGretzky

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 Re: August 15 [message #791188 is a reply to message #791187 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 11:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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Adam wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 11:24

oilfan94 wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34

benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.


But why didn't Tim Salmon make the show? 145 points in 69 OHL games is pretty good too. He lef that whole league in scoring as a 19-year old, almost out of no where, because he only had 30 points in his draft year. The the next year he's playing only a handful of games in both the OHL and AHL and not really dazzling anywhere. He goes to England, lights it up, comes back for one middling IHL season, and then back to dominating the British league.

I wonder what it was that held him back, and how different a player Hand was.

He was a multi-sport athlete who was simply better at baseball. I think he made the right choice. It's cool he played a year for the Trappers, all things considered.

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: August 15 [message #791190 is a reply to message #791188 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 12:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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CrusaderPi wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 11:33

Adam wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 11:24

oilfan94 wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34

benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.


But why didn't Tim Salmon make the show? 145 points in 69 OHL games is pretty good too. He lef that whole league in scoring as a 19-year old, almost out of no where, because he only had 30 points in his draft year. The the next year he's playing only a handful of games in both the OHL and AHL and not really dazzling anywhere. He goes to England, lights it up, comes back for one middling IHL season, and then back to dominating the British league.

I wonder what it was that held him back, and how different a player Hand was.

He was a multi-sport athlete who was simply better at baseball. I think he made the right choice. It's cool he played a year for the Trappers, all things considered.


I think that's a different Tim Salmon...isn't it?

"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: August 15 [message #791191 is a reply to message #791190 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 12:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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Adam wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 12:04

CrusaderPi wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 11:33

Adam wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 11:24

oilfan94 wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34

benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.


But why didn't Tim Salmon make the show? 145 points in 69 OHL games is pretty good too. He lef that whole league in scoring as a 19-year old, almost out of no where, because he only had 30 points in his draft year. The the next year he's playing only a handful of games in both the OHL and AHL and not really dazzling anywhere. He goes to England, lights it up, comes back for one middling IHL season, and then back to dominating the British league.

I wonder what it was that held him back, and how different a player Hand was.

He was a multi-sport athlete who was simply better at baseball. I think he made the right choice. It's cool he played a year for the Trappers, all things considered.


I think that's a different Tim Salmon...isn't it?

Ask yourself, do the details make the story better or worse... and what do we gain by making the story worse?

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 Re: August 15 [message #791199 is a reply to message #791187 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 13:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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Adam wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 13:24

oilfan94 wrote on Mon, 16 August 2021 10:34

benv wrote on Sun, 15 August 2021 13:29

And just to keep MacT company I will mention Tony Hand who turns 54 today. He doesn't really merit mention on the thread since he never played for the Oilers but he's always fascinated me. If you haven't heard of him, he was the last player selected in the 1986 draft by the Oilers. He was Scottish and came over to participate in Oiler training camp in 1986. Sather thought he had the most natural skill of all the players outside of Wayne Gretzky. He would play just 3 games in the WHL and get 8 points, but his homesickness for his native land had him returning to the UK and playing almost thirty years there until he was 48 and still racking up the points. Every time I look at his statistics I have to ask the question: do they use goalies in the British league? How do you get 216 points in 35 games? I know there's some British posters that have read this thread; I'd appreciate an explanation as to how Hand achieved his numbers:

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=19065

I always wonder what kind of success he might have had in North America had he been willing to stay.




I have always wanted to know more about Tony Hand. He put up such insane numbers for so long, but clearly against weaker competition. For some comparison though, look at Tim Salmon. In 1986 (the year the Oilers drafted Hand) Salmon put up 254 points to Hand's 164, while only being 2 years older. Salmon was Canadian and had played in the OHL prior to going to England. So in reality, even though Hand had 8 points in his only 3 games in North America, he likely would not had made it past the AHL. I still wonder the what if, but there were other guys putting up crazy good numbers in the same league as Hand, so he was not head and shoulders above everyone.


But why didn't Tim Salmon make the show? 145 points in 69 OHL games is pretty good too. He lef that whole league in scoring as a 19-year old, almost out of no where, because he only had 30 points in his draft year. The the next year he's playing only a handful of games in both the OHL and AHL and not really dazzling anywhere. He goes to England, lights it up, comes back for one middling IHL season, and then back to dominating the British league.

I wonder what it was that held him back, and how different a player Hand was.


I didn't spend any time looking into Tim Salmon prior to my post, but here is a good article I found on him.

https://ottawasun.com/2013/05/05/greatness-didnt-lead-to-nhl

Sather drafted Hand and invited Salmon to training camp that year. Still seems hard to believe no one would give him a chance outside that though. I used him as an example because of that one big season, but if you look at the British league there were a few guys in the 80s there putting up insane numbers.

From the article:
Quote:

“They treated me well,” he remembers. “That was a classy operation, the Oilers in the ‘80s.


Wish players still talked like that about the team.

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 August 17 [message #791184 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 16 August 2021 10:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just a single old school WHA Oiler today:




Randy Rota
Born: August 16, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Creston, BC.
Position: Centre/Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Colorado (NHL) for cash, November, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77 to 1977-78; 93 games (10 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1978.

Rota was a forward who played his junior hockey in Calgary. He turned pro in 1970 and played three years in the AHL getting just two NHL games with Montreal. Starting in 73-74 he became a full time NHLer playing first with the Kings and then moving to Kansas City when the expansion team plucked him in the draft. He played for the Scouts for two years (the franchise's entire existence) and then moved with the team to Colorado, but would only play a single game with the Rockies before being sold to the Oilers for cash. He played two seasons in Edmonton and was a serviceable contributing depth forward. The Oilers chose not to re-sign him after the season, and he decided to retire. He settled in Kamloops and became a financial advisor. Happy 71st Randy.


No birthdays on August 17 means we will return on Wednesday.

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 August 18 [message #791249 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 18 August 2021 09:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Three alumni another year older today:


Ed Walsh
Born: August 18, 1951 (turns 70 today) in Sommervlle, Massachussets.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 78-79 season.

Can't find a lot of info on Walsh. He was a goalie out of Boston University. He turned pro in 1974 and played four years in the AHL. The Oilers signed him for the 78-79 season, and he spent most of the year in the minors, but was called up to the Oilers for a spell and appeared in 3 games--the only 3 major pro games of his career. The Oiler released him after the season, and he would spend 79-80 in the AHL and then retire in 1980. Can't find much about his life since, but it looks like he did some goaltending coaching for Northeastern University. Happy 70th Ed.



Geoff Courtnall
Born: August 18, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Victoria, BC.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston (with Bill Ranford and 2nd round pick) for Andy Moog, March 8, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 12 games (19 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Washington for Greg Adams, July 22, 1988.

Courtnall was an undrafted forward, signed by Boston in 1983 out of the WHL. He slowly made his way to becoming a full time NHLer by the 85-86 season. After getting nearly a point a game with the Bruins in 87-88 he was dealt to the Oilers in a blockbuster for Andy Moog. Courtnall would be with the Oilers only a short time, playing just 12 games with them plus all nineteen that playoff year in their run to the Stanley Cup. They would deal him in the offseason to the Capitals and he would continue a long, productive career that would take him through St. Louis, Vancouver, and back to St. Louis again before retiring in 2000 after a concussion. He briefly coached in the BCHL and currently works in real estate in Victoria. Happy 59th Geoff.


Max Middendorf
Born: August 18, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Syracuse, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Quebec for 9th round pick, November 10, 1990.
Oilers Career: 1990-91; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Detroit for Bill McDougall, February 22, 1992.

Middendorf was a 3rd round pick by the Nordiques in 1985. A centre, he turned pro in 1987, but could only manage a total of 10 games with the Nordiques over four seasons when he was traded to Edmonton in 1990. He spent two years playing in Cape Breton while with the Oilers, being called up for one three game look during the 90-91 season. These would be the last NHL games of his career; the Oilers shipped him off to Detroit in 1992 and he would play the rest of his career in the minor leagues until retiring in 1998. Can't find any other info on him--wherever you are Max, happy 54th.

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 August 20 [message #791342 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 20 August 2021 09:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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After nothing yesterday, today brings us two cup of coffee Oilers plus the original Oiler captain.



Al Hamilton
Born: August 20, 1946 (turns 75 today) in Flin Flon, MB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1979-80; 486 games (28 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1980.

Most modern Oiler fans probably think of Hamilton as the guy whose banner hangs undeservedly beside all the other Oiler greats from the cup years, and of course the reason no Oiler can ever where the number 3. But it's important to remember that at the time the Oilers retired the number, Hamilton was undoubtedly the most important player in their history. Hamilton started his career playing for the Oil Kings in the mid-60s. He signed on with the Rangers in 1966 and played parts of four seasons with them, also spending some time in the minors. He was selected by Buffalo in the 1970 expansion draft and played two full season with the Sabres before making the switch to the WHA and coming back to Edmonton to join the Oilers. He was made the team captain and had an exceptional first two years getting 61 and 59 points from the back-end in 72-73 and 73-74 respectively. He would continue to be one of the Oilers top blueliner and one of the top d-man in the WHA for its entire existence. Hamilton is the only player in WHA history to play all seven years in the league with the same franchise. He is the WHA Oiler leader in games played, assists and points. He moved with the team to the NHL in 1979 and played the 79-80 with them, although he suffered an eye injury that limited his games played (just 31) and effectiveness. He would retire in 1980 and have his number retired by the franchise the following season. He has remained in the community the past 40 years being involved in Oiler alumni activity. A very happy 75th Al.


Stephen Valiquette
Born: August 20, 1977 (turns 44 today) in Etobicoke, ON.
Position: Goalie (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Florida, October 8, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2003-04; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers (with Dwight Helminen and 2nd round pick) for Jussi Markkanen and Petr Nedved, March 3, 2004.

Valiquette took a long path to the NHL after being a late round pick by the Kings in 1996. He spurned LA, signing with the Islanders in 1998 and spent four years in the organization, playing in the ECHL and AHL and gettng just six games on the Island. The Oilers claimed him in 2003 as an insurance policy and he would spend the year in the AHL again. He was called up as an injury back-up for a short time and would finish the last 13 minutes of a bad Conklin start--this would be his entire Oiler experience. He was shipped off to the Rangers before the end of the season where he would have a bit more luck. He played six years in the Rangers organization, again mostly in the minors but he did get in 39 NHL games. He played his last two years in Europe before retiring in 2012. Since retiring he has become an analyst for MSG broadcasts of Ranger games. Happy 44th Steve.


Richard Petiot
Born: August 20, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Daysland, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 2, 2010.
Oilers Career: 2010-11; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Tampa Bay, July 2 2011.

Petiot was one of those many players who eked out an AHL career hoping for shots in the NHL that would occasionally come. A stay-at-home blueliner and 4th round pick of the Kings in 2001, he played with four different organizations (Los Angeles, Toronto, Tampa Bay, and Chicago) from 2005 to 2010 playing mostly in the AHL and getting 13 NHL games. The Oilers gave him a shot in for the 10-11 season and the results were much the same--a season in the AHL with one call-up to replace an injured Theo Peckham for two games, before being sent down again. These would be his last NHL games as he would play a couple more years in the AHL before retiring in 2013. He's a currently an assistant coach with Camrose in the AJHL. Happy 39th Richard.

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 August 21 [message #791361 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 21 August 2021 10:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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See if you remember any of today's three players, two of which were re-acquired shortly after leaving:



Gord Sherven
Born: August 21, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Gravelbourg, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 197th overall, June 10, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1983-84 to 1984-85; 1985-86: 44 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota (with Terry Martin) for Mark Napier, January 24, 1985.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota with Don Biggs) for Don Barber, Marc Habscheid and Emanuel Viveiros, December 20, 1985.
Left Oilers for good: Claimed on waivers by NY Rangers, October 6, 1986.

Sherven was a centre out of the University of North Dakota. After college, he joined the Canadian National Team and then played a couple of games with the Oilers late in the season. He played another 35 games to start 84-85, but was dealt to Minnesota mid-season. He would finish 84-85 and start 85-86 with the North Stars and then was reacquired by the Oilers. He would spend most of the rest of the season with Nova Scotia, getting just 5 more games in with the big squad. That would be it for his Oiler career; he would play a handful of games with Hartford and then go to Germany in 1988 where he remained for twelve years before retiring in 2000. Can't find anything on life since retirement--wherever you are, happy 58th Gord.



Roman Oksiuta
Born: August 21, 1970 (turns 51 today) in Murmansk, USSR.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers (with 3rd round pick) for Kevin Lowe, December 11, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1994-95; 36 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver for Jiri Slegr, April 7, 1995.

Oksiuta was one of many Soviet players to be drafted late in the late 80s. The Oilers acquired his rights during the 92-93 season, and he came over from Russia and played in two season with them (93-94 and 94-95) splitting time between Edmonton and Cape Breton, and playing a total of 36 games with the Oilers. They dealt him to Vancouver at the 1995 trade deadline and he would play with the Canucks, Mighty Ducks, and Penguins before returning to Europe in 1997, never quite getting his NHL foothold. After stints in Norway, Finland, and back to Russia, he retired in 2005. Can't find what he's up to now; happy 51st Roman.


Brandon Davidson
Born: August 21, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Lethbridge, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 162nd overall, June 26, 2010.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2016-17; 2017-18: 114 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal for David Desharnais, February 28, 2017.
Reacquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Montreal, December 3, 2017.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to NY islanders for 3rd round pick, February 24, 2018.

Davidson was a d-man who was a late round pick by the Oilers in 2010 out of Regina in the WHL. He turned pro in 2012 and earned his stripes in the AHL until getting his first opportunity with Edmonton in 14-15 (12 games total). He would spend the entire 15-16 season with Edmonton as their sixth/seventh defenseman and had the same role in 16-17 until being dealt at the deadline to Montreal. He would come back to Edmonton the next year on waivers, again being a depth guy and getting another 23 games with the team. For the second year in a row, they dealt him at the deadline and since leaving Edmonton for the second time his career has taken him to the Islanders, Black Hawks, Flames, Sharks and Sabres. He spent 20-21 with Buffalo, mostly on their taxi squad. Happy 30th Brandon.

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 August 22 [message #791365 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 22 August 2021 12:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 549
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
As we continue through the dog days of August, here's three more ex-Oilers for your consideration:


Ray McKay
Born: August 22, 1946 (turns 75 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for future considerations, June 1974.
Oilers Career: 1974-75; 1977-78: 83 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Cleveland for Skip Krake, August 1975.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 1978.
Left Oilers for good: Not re-signed following 77-78 season.

McKay was an Edmonton native who was a bubble NHL d-man starting in 1968. From 1968 to 1974 he bounced between the NHL and AHL while playing with the Black Hawks, Sabres, and Golden Seals. The Oilers acquired his WHA rights in 1974 and he made the jump back home to play the 74-75 season with the Oilers, having a good season playing in 69 games and getting 28 points. The Oilers traded him to Cleveland the next year and he would do a WHA tour playing with Minnesota and Birmingham before returning to the Oilers late in the 77-78 season, playing 14 games in their stretch run. These would be his last major pro games as he would finish his career in the AHL before retiring in 1980. He currently runs "Ray McKay's Hockey Specialized Training" program in Ontario. Happy 75th Ray.


Mike Zanier
Born: August 22, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Trail, BC.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 4, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1984-85; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released after 84-85 season.

Zanier was an undrafted goalie whom the Oilers signed in 1983. He spent the entire 83-84 season with the Oilers farm team in Moncton, but was called up to back up Andy Moog for the final two games of the Stanley Cup final after Fuhr got hurt (so he got to participate in a Stanley Cup celebration without ever having played an NHL game). It was back to the AHL for 84-85 but he did manage to play 3 full NHL games for the Oilers that year--the only ones of his career (he went 1-1-1). The Oilers released him following the season, and after a couple of years in the IHL he went to Italy where he would play for the next 10 years, even becoming an Italian citizen and representing Italy at the 1992 Olympics. He retired in 1999. Since retiring he's remained in Europe and has done a bit of coaching in Sweden. Happy 59th Mike.


Ken Hammond
Born: August 22, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Port Credit, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Los Angeles, October 3, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by NY Rangers, November 1, 1988.

Hammond was a defenseman for RPI Engineers Ice Hockey team in the NCAA (can't say I had heard of that one), when he joined the Kings organization in 1984. He would spend four years bouncing between Los Angeles and their New Haven affiliate. The Oilers claimed him on waivers in October 1988 and he would spend one month in Edmonton, playing five games before the Rangers claimed him in November. He would continue his career bouncing up and down between the NHL and the AHL through the Rangers, the Maple Leafs, the Bruins, the Sharks, the Canucks, and the Senators playing a total of 193 NHL games plus over 500 more in the minors. He retired in 1996. Since then he has settled in Ohio and coaches high school hockey. Happy 58th Ken.

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 Re: The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday thread [message #791378 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 23 August 2021 09:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 549
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Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Only old schoolers today as we look at two WHA alumni:



Jim Schraefel
Born: August 23, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Dauphin, MB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 34 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Almost no information available on Schraefel. He came up with the Oil Kings in the late 60s. After three years in the minors, he was signed by the Oilers and played the 73-74 season with them--his only major pro experience. We can assume he was a defensive centre since he got 2 points in 34 games (but 3 points in 5 playoff games). He would never play pro hockey again after that season. I have no other info on him--wherever you are Jim enjoy your 73rd birthday today.



Jack Carlson
Born: August 23, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Virginia, Minnesota.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 10, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 10 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in intra-league draft, June 1976.

Carlson was an enforcer who started his major pro career, signing with the Minnesota Fighting Saints in the WHA in 1975, after playing in the minors with the Johnstown Jets. He would play 90 games over two seasons with Minnesota, when the Oilers signed him late in 75-76. This signing cost him a chance at infamy as he was scheduled to star as one of the Hanson brothers in the movie Slapshot with his brothers (Steve and Jeff) but after the call up to the Oilers he had to bow out of the film and was replaced by Dave Hanson. He would play just 10 games and four more in the playoffs with the Oilers. The next season he was back in Minnesota. He would finish his WHA career, playing two and a half seasons with New England. When the WHA folded he would continue his career in the NHL with the North Stars and Blues before retiring in 1984 (and making a brief comeback in 1986). He is currently working as a referee and linesman in the AHA Hockey League in Minnesota. Happy 67th Jack.

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 August 24 [message #791404 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 24 August 2021 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Only one of our three alumni today gets to celebrate his birthday as the other two have passed away.




Bill Goldsworthy
Born: August 24, 1944 in Waterloo, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Indianapolis for Juha Widing, June 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 17 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1979.
Died: March 29, 1996 (age 51) in Minneapolis, Minnesota of complications from AIDS.

Goldsworthy was a scoring winger who toiled for three years in the Bruins system, getting a handful of games in Boston. With the expansion in 1967, he was selected by the Minnesota North Stars and would spend a decade in the twin cities as one of the North Stars top scorers. From 1970 to 1975 he never scored less than 60 points. By 76-77 his skills started to wain (an alocohol problem didn't help) and he was traded to the Rangers. By 77-78 he found himself in the WHA with Indianapolis. He would end his career with the Oilers, playing 17 games with them (just 6 points) in 78-79 and retiring after the season. Following retirement he coached in the ECHL and worked as a Scout for the Sharks. He was the first NHL player to publicly admit he had AIDS and he would die of the disease at the age of 51 in 1996. RIP Bill.



Don McLeod
Born: August 24, 1946 in Trail, BC.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Quebec (with Pierre Guite) for Ken Broderick, Dave Inkpen, Warren Miller, and Rick Morris, November 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 33 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Indianapolis in intra-league draft, June 1978.
Died: March 11, 2015 (age 68) in Port Coquitlam, BC of a heart attack.

McLeod was an ex-Oil King (1965 to 1967) goalie who toiled in the AHL for many years before getting his first shot by the Red Wings in 70-71. After just 4 games with the Flyers in 71-72 he switched leagues and would find some success in the WHA. He played six full years in the fledgling league as the starting goalie with Houston, Vancouver, Calgary, and Quebec. Early in the 77-78 he was part of a blockbuster that saw become the Oilers main goalie. After posting a 15-10-1 record in 33 games and failing to get the Oilers out of the first round, he retired in 1978 as one of the top goalies in WHA history. After hockey, he worked for Hershey Canada until 2003. He passed away in 2015 of a heart attack at the age of 68. RIP Don.


Brad Hunt
Born: August 24, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Maple Ridge, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 6, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2015-16; 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by St. Louis, July 2, 2016.

Hunt was an undrafted offensive d-man out of Bemidji State University. After a couple of years in the AHL, the Oilers signed him to a deal in 2013 and he had a good year in OKC, getting a 3 game look in Edmonton. He spent the next two years playing in OKC/Bakersfield and getting brief looks in Edmonton (18 more games total) but he could never quite impress enough. He signed on with the Blues the next year, and by 17-18 he became a full time NHLer with Vegas. He spent the last two and a half years with the Wild, but only played 12 games in 20-21. He recently (July 28) signed a one year deal with the Canucks for 21-22. Happy 33rd Brad.

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 August 25 [message #791427 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 25 August 2021 10:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Busy day with four players and the current head-coach getting a year older today:



Jerry Holland
Born: August 25, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Beaverlodge, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 22 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 77-78 season.

Holland was a forward who played junior hockey in Calgary and was a 3rd round pick by the Rangers. He spent three years in the Rangers organization from 1974 to 1977 managing 37 games on Broadway and playing the rest in the AHL. He jumped leagues and signed with the Oilers in 1977. He would play 22 games with the Oilers (just 3 points) but they would dump him after the season. After one more year in the minors he retired in 1979. Can't find much on post hockey life--I did find an article in the Calgary Sun from two years ago when he attended a Calgary Centennials reunion. So it looks like he's still healthy and hale. Happy 67th Jerry.


Dave Tippett
Born: August 25, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Moosomin, SK.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2019-20 to present; 127 games (8 playoff games).

Tippett was an undrafted winger who played at University of North Dakota then followed that with a stint on Team Canada. This attracted the Hartford Whalers who signed him late in the 83-84 season and he would be a durable iron man forward for them for over six years. He would follow that with stints in Washington, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. In 1994-95 he joined the Houston Aeros of the IHL where he acted as a player and assistant coach. The next year he retired from playing and became the Aeros head coach. In 1999 he jumped to the NHL to be an assistant with the Kings and then was named Dallas' head coach in 2002. He spent six years with Dallas and then went to Phoenix to coach the Coyotes which he did for eight years (including a Jack Adams win in 09-10). After a year as an advisor to the "not yet a team" Seattle Kraken in 18-19 he was named the coach of the Oilers in 2019 which he continues to this day. Both of his seasons have been shortened by Covid, but he was able to lift the Oilers to playoff appearances. I'm willing to give him some time to see what he can do with this lineup. In the meantime, happy 60th Dave.



Tomas Srsen
Born: August 25, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Olomouc, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 147th overall, June 13, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1990-91; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Sweden in 1992.

Srsen was a winger out of the Czech league. He was drafted in the 7th round by the Oilers in 1987 and came over to try his luck in 1990. He would spend two years in the Oilers organization playing in the AHL with Cape Breton (where he was a decent scorer--104 point in 140 games) and getting just a 2 game look in Edmonton. In 1992 he went to back to Europe where he would play in many different leagues (Sweden, Czech, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Denmark) over another 19 years. He retired in 2011. Since then he's been coaching in the Czech league, most recently with Poruba. Happy 55th Tomas.



Nick Schultz
Born: August 25, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Strasbourg, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota for Tom Gilbert, February 27, 2012.
Oilers Career: 2011-12 to 2013-14; 128 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Columbus for 5th round pick, March 5, 2014.

Schultz was a d-man out of the WHL and 2nd round pick of the Wild (in their first draft) in 2000. While Schultz put up some point in junior, he was a stay-at-home guy in the NHL. He played eleven season with the Wild as a steady presence on the backend and was then traded to the Oilers at the 2012 deadline for Tom Gilbert--a trade most Oiler fans were not too pleased about. He spent two years in Edmonton where he was solid enough, if not too exciting--I honestly can't remember much about anything special (good or bad) he did while here. He would be traded to Columbus in 2014 and then finish his career with three seasons in Philadelphia before retiring in 2017. He's currently working as a player development coach with the Flyers. Happy 39th Nick.


Iiro Pakarinen
Born: August 25, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Suonenjoki, Finland.
Position: Right wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 16, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2017-18; 134 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2018.

Pakarinen was a winger out of Finland; he was chosen in the 6th round of the 2011 draft by Florida, but they never signed him. He chose to sign with the Oilers in 2014 and came over to North America for the first time and spent four years with the organization. In each season he would play both in Edmonton and in OKC or Bakersfield. He would play a total of 134 games with the Oilers and showed some flashes but never enough to elevate him beyond a fourth line role. After the 17-18 season he chose to go to the KHL where he has played the last three years and continues to play with Jokerit in his native Finland. Happy 30th Iiro.

[Updated on: Wed, 25 August 2021 15:27]

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 Re: August 25 [message #791428 is a reply to message #791427 ]
Wed, 25 August 2021 11:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
Messages: 343
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Location: USA
No Cups
benv wrote on Wed, 25 August 2021 12:39


Iiro Pakarinen
Born: August 25, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Suonenjoki, Finalnd.
Position: Right wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 16, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2017-18; 134 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2018.

Pakarinen was a winger out of Finland; he was chosen in the 6th round of the 2011 draft by Florida, but they never signed him. He chose to sign with the Oilers in 2014 and came over to North America for the first time and spent four years with the organization. In each season he would play both in Edmonton and in OKC or Bakersfield. He would play a total of 134 games with the Oilers and showed some flashes but never enough to elevate him beyond a fourth line role. After the 17-18 season he chose to go to the KHL where he has played the last three years and continues to play with Jokerit in his native Finland. Happy 30th Iiro.




Kind of did a double take and then had to look up his stats. I had no idea he had played this many games for the team. In my head I had him in the same category as Hartikainen, who never got that many games. Pakerinen got a pretty much the whole 2016 season and half the 2018 season.

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 Re: August 25 [message #791436 is a reply to message #791428 ]
Wed, 25 August 2021 13:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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Location: Edmonton, AB
6 Cups
oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 25 August 2021 11:22

benv wrote on Wed, 25 August 2021 12:39


Iiro Pakarinen
Born: August 25, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Suonenjoki, Finalnd.
Position: Right wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 16, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2017-18; 134 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2018.

Pakarinen was a winger out of Finland; he was chosen in the 6th round of the 2011 draft by Florida, but they never signed him. He chose to sign with the Oilers in 2014 and came over to North America for the first time and spent four years with the organization. In each season he would play both in Edmonton and in OKC or Bakersfield. He would play a total of 134 games with the Oilers and showed some flashes but never enough to elevate him beyond a fourth line role. After the 17-18 season he chose to go to the KHL where he has played the last three years and continues to play with Jokerit in his native Finland. Happy 30th Iiro.




Kind of did a double take and then had to look up his stats. I had no idea he had played this many games for the team. In my head I had him in the same category as Hartikainen, who never got that many games. Pakerinen got a pretty much the whole 2016 season and half the 2018 season.


Pakarinen fits the mold of what the Oilers have believed a fourth liner should be over the last decade. Very low points, looks like he's working hard, kills penalties decently, theoretically low risk (although usually on for more goals against than for). He's the Finnish Devin Shore.

"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
#FireLowe #FireBobbyNicks #FireKenHolland #FireKeithGretzky

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 August 26 [message #791456 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 26 August 2021 10:17 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 549
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Three birthdays today; two born on the same day in the same year and had a cup of coffee with the Oilers in the same season. And the other guy was a Hanson brother.




Bryon Baltimore
Born: August 26, 1952 (turns 69 today) in Whitehorse, YT.
Position: Defenceman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Rights retained in WHA dispersal draft, June 9, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1981.

Baltimore came out of the Yukon as an undrafted d-man to play for the UofA Golden Bears in the early 70s. After a couple of years in the AHL he signed in the WHA with Chicago in 1974 and would play five full season in the WHA with Chicago, Denver, Ottawa, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. When the WHA folded in 1979 he was retained by the Oilers during the dispersal draft and played in their system for two years playing 107 games on the farm with Houston and Wichita, but he did get 2 games with Edmonton--the only two NHL games of his career (but he did play 331 in the WHA). He retired in 1981, settled in Edmonton and became a litigation lawyer. He is one of only two NHL players in history to be born and raised in the Yukon territory. Happy 69th Bryon.


Bob Dupuis
Born: August 26, 1952 (turns 69 today) in North Bay, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 1, 1980.
Oilers Career: 1979-80; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1981.

Dupuis was a career minor league goalie who toiled throughout the 70s playing in various minor leagues. He was one of Canada's goalies during the 1980 Olympics (he beat the Netherlands, but lost to Finland and Czechoslovakia). He was one of six goalies the Oilers tried during their inaugural NHL season in 79-80. They signed him late in the season, after his Olympic experience, and he played just a single game with the team (allowing 4 goals and getting the loss). It would be his only ever NHL game, as he would play one more year in the minors and then retire in 1981. After retirement he went home to North Bay and worked for the police department as 911 dispatcher. Happy 69th Bob.


Steve Carlson
Born: August 26, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Virginia, Minnesota.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from New England, May 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 73 games (11 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Los Angeles in WHA dispersal draft, June 9, 1979.

Carlson started his career playing for the Johnstown Jets for two seasons, which saw him cast as Steve Hanson in the Slapshot movie (based on him and his brothers). His first major pro experience was with Minnesota in the WHA. He would play the next two years in New England and then was claimed by the Oilers for the 78-79 season. That year was by far his best pro season as he would get 40 points in 73 games with the Oilers (and just 50 PIMs--not quite Hanson brother level). With the move to the NHL the next year he was scooped by Los Angeles in the dispersal draft and played his only NHL season with the Kings during 79-80. After just 12 points that year he found himself in the minors for the rest of his career before he finally retired in 1987. Since retiring he runs a power skating school in Johnstown Pennsylvania and makes numerous appearances in hockey related and charity events as his Hanson brother character. Happy 66th Steve.

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 August 27 [message #791488 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 27 August 2021 12:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 549
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Just the single alumnus today--but he's one of the few hall of famers who retired an Oiler.



Adam Oates
Born: August 27, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Weston, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, November 17, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2003-04; 60 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 2004.

Oates was a late blooming NHL superstar. He went undrafted and went on to play three seasons of college hockey, lighting up the scoreboard for RPI. This lead to an NHL contract with Detroit in 1985 where he would spend four years slowly becoming a better player and scorer. He was dealt to St. Louis in 1989 (a trade still billed as one of the worst in Red Wings history) and his career took off as he was partnered with Brett Hull. He racked up the points, getting 102 and 115 points the next two years, setting up Hull for many goals. In his third season with the Blues in 91-92 he got into a contract dispute with management which eventually lead to him being dealt to Boston. He spent five years with the Bruins, having his best season in 92-93 with 142 points. In 96-97 he again feuded with management and was dealt to Washington. He spent five years with the Capitals, still able to put up numbers. After brief stints with the Flyers and Mighty Ducks, he found himself without a team to start the 03-04 season as his skills were in decline. In November the Oilers inked the 41 years old to a one year contract. He played 60 games with the Oilers, getting just 18 points but he acted as a mentor figure to the Oilers young centres (Horcoff and Stoll), particularly in improving their faceoff skills. He retired after the season. He got into coaching, acting as an assistant coach with the Lightning and Devils, and then the head coach of the Capitals for two years (2012 to 2014). Since then he's worked as a skills and conditioning coach. Happy 59th Adam.

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