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Re: November 19 [message #794813 is a reply to message #794807 ]	Fri, 19 November 2021 14:57

Adam
Messages: 6803
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB

6 Cups

NetBOG wrote on Fri, 19 November 2021 14:19

oilfan94 wrote on Fri, 19 November 2021 12:52

smyth260 wrote on Fri, 19 November 2021 14:16

Sykora was the epitome of consistent. The man scored 20+ goals in a season eleven times. He scored at a 20+ goal pace 13 times.

He was Jordan Eberle before Jordan Eberle.

Except Sykora showed up in the playoffs.

Wait...you hate Eberle too???

"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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November 20 [message #794825 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 20 November 2021 13:07

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Here's another Oiler name from the past:

Tom Roulston
Born: November 20, 1957 (turns 64 today) in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis (with Risto Siltanen) for Joe Micheletti, August 7, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1983-84; 137 games (21 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for Kevin McClelland and 6th round pick, December 5, 1983.

Roulston was a scoring prospect in St. Louis' system whom the Oilers acquired prior to the 79-80 season. He slowly worked his way up in the franchise, playing most of his first three season in the minors, but getting 11 NHL games in 80-81 and another 35 in 81-82. He was a full time Oiler in 82-83 having his best NHL season as a 3rd/4th line forward with the Oilers. Early in the 83-84 the Oilers sacrificed Roulston to toughen the team, sending him to Pittsburgh for Kevin McClelland. In two and a half years with the Penguins he played mostly in the minors (just 56 NHL games). He went to Europe in 1986 and played out his career in Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland before retiring in 1989. Besides a short lived hockey comeback attempt in 1994, I can't find any other info on Roulston. Wherever you are Tom, happy 64th.

The Oilers have no games on Nov 21 or 22, and the alumni have no birthdays. We'll take a couple days off and return on Tuesday.

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November 23 [message #794921 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Tue, 23 November 2021 09:45

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Back to the grind with one more alumnus to add today:

Brian Glynn
Born: November 23, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Iserlohn, West Germany.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota for David Shaw, January 12, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1991-92 to 1992-93; 89 games (16 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Ottawa for 8th round pick, September 15, 1993.

German born but Saskatchewan raised, Glynn was a decent d-man with Saskatoon when Calgary picked him in the 2nd round in 1986. He would soon settle into a role as a reliable depth NHL guy, first with Calgary then with Minnesota. The Oilers acquired him half way into the 91-92 season, and he would spend one and a half years with the team, playing 89 games and getting in all 16 games during their 1992 playoff run. They shipped him off to Ottawa after the 92-93 season and he would spend three more years in the NHL with the Senators, Canucks, and Whalers before wrapping up his career with a year in the IHL and one year in Germany. He retired in 1998 and has worked as an insurance broker, a WHL assistant (one year with Swift Current) and is currently a constable with the Prince Albert Police Service. Happy 54th Brian.

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November 24 [message #794992 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Wed, 24 November 2021 10:12

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

We got our back end covered today with a goalie and two defensemen.

Fred Brathwaite
Born: November 24, 1972 (turns 49 today) in Ottawa, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 6, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1995-96; 40 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 95-96 season.

Brathwaite was a goalie out of Oshawa who went undrafted. The Oilers took a flyer on him in 1993 after a good season with the Detroit Jr. Red Wings and signed him to backup Bill Ranford. Since Ranford was a workhorse, Brathwaite didn't play much, and when he did his numbers weren't good. He spent just over two years in this role, when the Oilers demoted him early in 95-96. They would cut him loose after the season and he spent two years in the IHL before getting his next NHL opportunity with Calgary in 98-99. He had a lot more success with the Flames and became their starter from 1999 to 2001 (playing a whopping 61 games in 99-00). He would subsequently spend two years with the Blues and then one with the Blue Jackets. During the 04-05 lockout he went to play in Russia, and basically stayed in Europe the rest of his career, also playing in Germany until he retired in 2012. He's become a goaltending coach since retiring, working in Germany then Hockey Canada, and later the New York Islanders. He is currently the goaltending coach for Vegas' AHL team in Henderson. Happy 49th Fred.

Christian Laflamme
Born: November 24, 1976 (turns 45 today) in St-Charles, QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Daniel Cleary, Chad Kilger, Ethan Moreau, and 2nd round pick) for Jonas Elofsson, Dean McAmmond, Boris Mironov, and 2nd round pick, March 20, 1999.
Oilers Career: 1998-99 to 1999-2000; 61 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal (with Matthieu Descoteaux) for Alain Nasreddine and Igor Ulanov, March 9, 2000.

Laflamme was d-man drafted out of Beauport in the 2nd round by the Hawks in 1995. By 97-98 he was full time with Chicago and was packaged to Edmonton at the 1999 deadline. He spent a year spread over two seasons with the Oilers, but never quite got his footing and management flipped him to Montreal at the 2000 deadline for Igor Ulanov. He would continue his career with the Habs and Blues, but chose to go to Germany in 2004 during the lockout and never looked back. He played four years in DEL and then finished his career with two years in the LNAH in Quebec before retiring in 2010. Can't find any info on him since then--happy 45th Christian.

Kurtis Foster
Born: November 24, 1981 (turns 40 today) in Carp, ON..
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2010.
Oilers Career: 2010-11; 74 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Anaheim for Andy Sutton, July 1, 2011.

Foster was a journeyman defenseman. Drafted by the Flames in 2000, it wouldn't be until 2005-06 that he get a regular job in the NHL with Minnesota. He spent 4 years with the Wild as a depth guy, and then signed with the Lightning in 2010. He had his career best year in Tampa Bay in 2009-10 getting 42 points and this attracted the attention of the Oilers who signed him to lucrative two year deal based on this performance. His one year with the Oilers was ok, but he suffered a big drop in production and the Oilers chose to trade him in the 2011 offseason to the Ducks. He would jump around the next couple of years going from Anaheim to New Jersey, back to Minnesota, and finally to Philadelphia. In 2013 he took his services to Europe and played one and a half years in the KHL and another one and a half in Germany before calling it a career in 2016. He immediately became a coach in the OHL, where he has worked as an assistant with Peterborough and head coach in Kingston. He's currently an associate coach with Oshawa. Happy 40th Kurtis.

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Re: November 24 [message #795053 is a reply to message #794992 ]	Thu, 25 November 2021 11:56

Dragon_Matt
Messages: 708
Registered: January 2009
Location: edmonton

No Cups

When he first stepped onto the ice for the Oilers, I thought Foster was going to be our new stud D man. Then he broke his femur and was never quite the same. That was a stomach churning crash into the end boards.

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Re: November 24 [message #795065 is a reply to message #795053 ]	Thu, 25 November 2021 15:11

Goose
Messages: 1098
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver

1 Cup

Dragon_Matt wrote on Thu, 25 November 2021 10:56

I think you're thinking of Taylor Fedun. I had to google it, you're right Foster did break his femur, but it was with the Wild before he played for the Oilers.

Fedun's crash was awful though. You could hear him scream.

Oilers Goal Differential
17/18: 234 GF / 263 GA (-29)
18/19: 232 GF / 274 GA (-42)
19/20 (82 game pace): 257 GF / 254 GA (+3) in 64 games
2021 (82 game pace):269 GF / 235 GA (+34) after 38 games

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Re: November 24 [message #795068 is a reply to message #795065 ]	Thu, 25 November 2021 16:03

Dragon_Matt
Messages: 708
Registered: January 2009
Location: edmonton

No Cups

yup... you're totally right. I was thinking of him.

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November 25 [message #795051 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Thu, 25 November 2021 10:48

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

On American Thanksgiving I'll serve you up one American defenseman:

Jeff Norton
Born: November 25, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Acton, Massachusetts.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis (with Donald Dufresne) for Igor Kravchuk and Ken Sutton, January 4, 1996.
Oilers Career: 1995-96 to 1996-97; 92 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay for Drew Bannister and 6th round pick, March 18, 1997.

Norton was a skilled American d-man who had a long 15 year NHL career with 8 different teams. Drafted by the Islanders out of UMichigan in 1984, he would play 6 season on Long Island having his career best seasons of 53 and 50 points during this period. He regressed a bit and would bounce around to the Sharks and Blues before finding himself traded to the Oilers midway through 95-96. He would spend just over a year split between two seasons with the Oilers, playing 92 games and getting 33 points. As I recall he wasn't super happy playing in Canada (his wife apparently hated Edmonton) and he would be dealt to the warmer confines of Tampa Bay at the 1997 deadline. He went on a whirlwind tour of the league at this point going Tampa Bay, Florida, San Jose (again), Pittsburgh, San Jose (third time), Florida (again), and finally Boston. He wrapped up his career with a year in Norway and then retired in 2003. Since then he has worked as a business developer in his native Massachusetts. Happy 56th Jeff.

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November 26 [message #795077 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Fri, 26 November 2021 10:00

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

A black Friday birthday for your consideration:

Dave Hannan
Born: November 26, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Onaping Falls, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with Chris Joseph, Moe Mantha, and Craig Simpson) for Paul Coffey, Dave Hunter, and Wayne Van Dorp, November 24, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 51 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh, October 3, 1988.

Hannan carved himself a pretty good career for someone drafted in the 10th round, playing 841 NHL games over his 15 seasons. He became a full time NHLer in 82-83 with the Penguins where he would play the next 5 and a half seasons with them as a 3rd/4th line forward. He was dealt to Edmonton early in 87-88 as part of the Paul Coffey trade. He would spend just the one partial season with the Oilers, hanging around just long enough to get in 51 games, 12 more in the playoffs and his first Stanley Cup ring. The Oilers would waive him prior to the start of 88-89 and he was reclaimed by Pittsburgh. He would continue his career another nine years, also playing with Toronto, Buffalo, Colorado (where he got a 2nd cup ring) and Ottawa before hanging up his skates in 1997. After retiring he settled in Pittsburgh and became a salesman and eventually sales manager for the medical device sector. Happy 60th Dave.

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November 27 [message #795115 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 27 November 2021 11:40

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Another day another single alumnus birthday:

Chad Kilger
Born: November 27, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Cornwall, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Traded by Chicago (with Daniel Cleary, Christian Laflamme, Ethan Moreau, and 2nd round pick) for Jonas Elofsson, Dean McAmmond, Boris Mironov, and 2nd round pick, March 20, 1999.
Oilers Career: 1998-99 to 2000-01; 87 games (7 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal for Sergei Zholtok, December 18, 2000.

Kilger was a star out of Kingston in the OHL and drafted 4th overall by the Ducks in 1995. He instantly made the jump to the NHL with Anaheim in 95-96, but was packaged to Winnipeg mid-season as part of the Selanne trade. He finished the season with the Jets and then played the next two years in the AHL. He would eventually get back to the NHL playing with Phoenix and Chicago, but his junior scoring touch never seemed to materialize at the NHL level. In 1999 he was part of a multi-player deal that saw him become an Oiler. His struggles continued in Edmonton as he would play parts of three seasons, but only got 14 points in 87 games. The Oilers dealt him to the Canadiens and he would spend the rest of his career in Montreal and Toronto (4 years with each franchise), where he settled to become a useful depth forward. He retired in 2008 and returned to his hometown of Cornwall in Ontario and became a firefighter. Happy 45th Chad.

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November 28 [message #795183 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sun, 28 November 2021 10:48

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today brings us a couple of prairie born d-men:

Jim Neilson
Born: November 28, 1941 in Big River, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 16, 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 35 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1979.
Died: November 6, 2020 (age 78) in Winnipeg, MB, of complications from a skin disorder.

Neilson was a great defenseman who started his NHL career with the Rangers in 1962 and never looked back. He would play a full dozen years in Broadway as one of their top blueliners, playing in the all star game four times and is generally considered one of the top 50 players in Rangers history. From 1974 to 1978 he played four years in the California/Cleveland franchise and then signed with the Oilers in the WHA in 1978, when he was already 37. He would play just 35 games with the team and then retire before the end of the season. After retiring he settled in Winnipeg and worked to advance the interests of indigenous peoples. He passed away at the age of 78 in November 2020. RIP Jim.

Ron Shudra
Born: November 28, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Winnipeg, MB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 63rd overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers for Jeff Crossman, October 27, 1988.

Shudra was a d-man out of the Kamloops Blazers. He had an impressive 119 points in 86-87 in the WHL after being a third round pick by the Oilers. He turned pro in 1987 and after a good showing in Nova Scotia was called up and played 10 games with the Oilers in 87-88. He would be dealt to the Rangers in the offseason, but would never play in the NHL again. After a bit of time in the IHL he went to Britain in 1990 and would spend 19(!) years playing in different British leagues, becoming a UK citizen in the process before finally retiring in 2009 at the age of 41. Not surprisingly, he's remained in Britain since, coaching various teams. He's currently an assistant with the Sheffield Titans. Happy 54th Ron.

This wraps up the month of November as there are no November 29 or 30 birthdays amongst the alumni. Be back on Wednesday to kick off the last month of this thread.

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December 1 [message #795317 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Wed, 01 December 2021 09:54

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

We're in the last month of the year and the thread. We'll kick it off with these three players:

Bob Wall
Born: December 1, 1942 (turns 79 today) in Elgin Mills, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74; 152 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to San Diego for Don Herriman, August 1974.

Let's address the elephant in the room and ask how can a guy with a name like Bob Wall choose hockey for a career and NOT become a goalie? Anyway, Wall was a d-man who played for Hamilton in the OHA before turning pro in 1963. He spent four years in Detroit's system, getting in 40 NHL games, but spending most of his time in the minors. The 1967 expansion saw his fortunes change as he was picked up by the brand new Los Angeles Kings and would become their first ever captain. He would have his best NHL seasons from 1967 to 1970 in LA, anchoring the Kings' defense. He would go to St. Louis for a year and then back to Detroit for another. In 1972 he jumped over to the brand new WHA to play with the Oilers. His two years in Edmonton saw him put up his best major pro point totals getting 45 and 37 points, second only to Al Hamilton for Oiler d-men in each year. The Oilers traded him to San Diego in 1974 and he would wind up his career with two years as a Mariner before retiring in 1976. He would eventually move back to Ontario and open a Tim Horton's branch that he still runs as a family business to this day. Happy 79th Bob.

Steve Dykstra
Born: December 1, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo (with 7th round pick) for Scott Metcalfe and 9th round pick, February 11, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 15 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh, October 3, 1988.

Dykstra was an undrafted d-man out of Edmonton. He joined Rochester of the AHL in 1982, playing three full years before Buffalo gave him a look and he would play the entire 85-86 year with the Sabres. He continued his career in Buffalo, and in 87-88 he was acquired by his hometown Oilers to give them some backend depth. He played 15 out of 21 games for the Oilers down the stretch, but didn't get into any playoff games that year. After being waived by the team he would play 88-89 with the Penguins, then go to Hartford and play just 9 games with the Whalers in 89-90. This would end his NHL time as he played the next eight years in the minors (when he was playing at all) before finally retiring in 1998. Not much info on his life since, just that he coached a high school team in Texas for one season in 07-08. Hope things are good Steve--happy 59th.

Joseph Gambardella
Born: December 1, 1993 (turns 28 today) in Staten Island, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 28, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2018-19; 15 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by New Jersey, July 29, 2021.

Gambardella was another undrafted player who was playing at UMass when the Oilers liked the cut of his jib and signed him for their AHL team in 2017. He spent four years with the franchise playing 177 games with Bakersfield. He gets his mention today because he was called up to play 15 games during the 18-19 season (when he had by far his best AHL numbers) where he was a truculent presence on the fourth line, but the impression was obviously not enough to give him any further looks. Gambardella and the Oilers parted ways in July 2021 when he signed a two way deal closer to home with the Devils. He's currently playing with their AHL team in Utica. Happy 28th Joseph.

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Re: December 1 [message #795320 is a reply to message #795317 ]	Wed, 01 December 2021 10:45

Adam
Messages: 6803
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB

6 Cups

benv wrote on Wed, 01 December 2021 09:54

Pretty obscure lot today! I was surprised to see Gambardella got in that many games!

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December 2 [message #795373 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Thu, 02 December 2021 09:59

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Busy day with five players. The first is the oldest living Oiler, while the last died tragically young.

Val Fonteyne
Born: December 2, 1933 (turns 88 today) in Wetaskiwin, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74; 149 games (6 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Fonteyne had a long career in the NHL and WHA as a defensive forward. While his point totals are rather pedestrian it is his PIMs that attract the most attention. In 969 games he got a total of 15 minor penalties (30 PIMS), and never more than 3 in a single year. The guy was Mr. Clean, yet somehow never won the Lady Bying (probably not flashy enough). After playing junior with Medicine Hat in the early 50s, he turned pro in 1955 and took four years to get to the NHL, finally making Detroit's roster in 1959. He never looked back, playing the next eight years with the Red Wings (with a short detour with the Rangers). In 1967 he was claimed by the expansion Penguins and would spend five years in Pittsburgh. In 1972 the Alberta Oilers of the new WHA made him their first selection in the WHA pro-player draft, and the then 38 year old Fonteyne jumped at the chance to play in his home province. He would spend two years with the Oilers and then finally retire at the age of 40 in 1974. He moved back to his hometown of Wetaskiwin and took a job driving a postal delivery truck for 20 years until retiring in 1994. He showed his face at the closing of Rexall place five years ago and his habit of clean play seems to have translated to clean living, as he is still hanging around living the life. At 88 years old today he is the oldest living Oiler alumnus. Happy birthday Val, and here's hoping you become the first Oiler nonogenerian.

Tom McMurchy
Born: December 2, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Burnaby, BC.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 18, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 9 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Italy in 1989.

McMurchy was an offensive minded winger out of Brandon, drafted by the Hawks in the 3rd round in 1982. He spent three years in Chicago's system playing mostly in the AHL but getting 46 games with the big club. The Oilers would sign him in 1986 and he spent three years with the franchise with their AHL club in Nova Scotia. After getting a point a game in 87-88 with the baby Oilers, he was rewarded with a call up to Edmonton and got 5 points (4 goals) in 9 games. Despite this apparently decent showing he would never play in the NHL again. He left for Italy in 1989 and spent four years there before retiring in 1993. I can find no online trace of him since--wherever you are Tom, happy 58th.

Kelly Buchberger
Born: December 2, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Langenburg, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 188th ovreall, June 15, 1985.
Oilers Career: 1986-87 to 1998-99; 795 games (78 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Atlanta in expansion draft, June 25, 1999.

Buchberger impressively managed to work his way up from a mediocre WHL career, to being a 9th round pick by the Oilers in 1985 to become one of the team's longest serving players and captains. A rugged defensive forward, Buchberger made his Oiler debut in the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals after spending the full season in Nova Scotia (they wanted his toughness against the Flyers). After splitting 87-88 between Edmonton and Nova Scotia, he settled into a full time role with the team by 88-89. He was an everyday player and considered a valuable third/fourth line winger for over a decade. In 1995-96 he was the last remaining player on the team from the Cup years, and was made team captain. His four years in this role are actually longer than Messier, Lowe, MacTavish, or Weight spent as captain. In 1999, after twelve years as an Oiler, he was left unprotected in the expansion draft and claimed by the Thrashers. He would wind down his career bouncing around the league (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh) and would retire in 2005. He spent the next twelve years back with the Oilers in a coaching/player development capacity, either as an assistant in Edmonton or the AHL. He left Edmonton in 2017 and spent one year as an assistant with the Islanders, three as head coach of Tri-City in the WHL, and is currently an assistant with Laval in the AHL. Happy 55th Kelly.

Jiri Dopita
Born: December 2, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Sumperk, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia for 3rd round pick, June 18, 2002.
Oilers Career: 2002-03; 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Czech Republic in 2003.

Dopita was an offensive forward who played through the 90s in the Czech Republic and Germany putting up good point totals. Twice he caught the eye of NHL teams as Boston drafted him 1992 and the Islanders did it again in 1998, but both times he opted to stay in Europe. It was the Flyers who were finally able to attract him to North America in 2001 when he was 32. He would play the 2001-02 season in Philadelphia, but his 27 points in 52 games was considered a disappointment. The Oilers thought they could turn him around and acquired him in 2002; however his time as an Oiler was even worse. He played just 21 games getting 6 points and the Oilers released him mid-season, allowing him to return to the Czech Republic. Dopita would finish his career in his home country, finally retiring in 2013 at the age of 44. He continues to be heavily involved in hockey in the Czech Republic being the owner of Olomouc for a time and coaching (both head and assistant) various other teams. His last job seems to have been the head coach of VHK VSetin in 2019-20. Happy 53rd Jiri.

Sergei Zholtok
Born: December 2, 1972 in Riga, Latvia.
Position: Centre (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal for Chad Kilger, December 18, 2000.
Oilers Career: 2000-01; 37 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota for 7th round pick, June 29, 2001.
Died: November 3, 2004 (age 31) in Minsk, Belarus, of heart failure.

Zholtok was a talented Latvian (the only Latvian in Oiler history) centre and 3rd round pick of the Bruins in 1992. He struggled early to establish himself as an NHLer, spending a lot of time in the AHL and IHL before finally getting a foothold with Ottawa in 1997. He spent a year with the Senators followed by two and half with the Habs before he was dealt to the Oilers. His time as an Oiler would be just the half season in 2000-01 where he managed 20 points in 37 games. The Oilers dealt him to the Wild after the season and he would have his best seasons in Minnesota from 2001 to 2004. Zholtok went to play with his hometown Riga team during the 04-05 NHL lockout. Seven games into the season he was playing in Minsk when he experienced a cardiac arrhythmia late in the game. He would collapse in the dressing room and eventually succumb to heart failure at the age of just 31. RIP Sergei.

It seems to be feast or famine on the thread--five birthdays today but none tomorrow. Will be back on Saturday to continue the saga.

[Updated on: Thu, 02 December 2021 11:19]

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Re: December 2 [message #827867 is a reply to message #795373 ]	Sat, 02 December 2023 10:41

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

benv wrote on Thu, 02 December 2021 09:59

Val Fonteyne
Born: December 2, 1933 (turns 88 today) in Wetaskiwin, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74; 149 games (6 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Fonteyne had a long career in the NHL and WHA as a defensive forward. While his point totals are rather pedestrian it is his PIMs that attract the most attention. In 969 games he got a total of 15 minor penalties (30 PIMS), and never more than 3 in a single year. The guy was Mr. Clean, yet somehow never won the Lady Bying (probably not flashy enough). After playing junior with Medicine Hat in the early 50s, he turned pro in 1955 and took four years to get to the NHL, finally making Detroit's roster in 1959. He never looked back, playing the next eight years with the Red Wings (with a short detour with the Rangers). In 1967 he was claimed by the expansion Penguins and would spend five years in Pittsburgh. In 1972 the Alberta Oilers of the new WHA made him their first selection in the WHA pro-player draft, and the then 38 year old Fonteyne jumped at the chance to play in his home province. He would spend two years with the Oilers and then finally retire at the age of 40 in 1974. He moved back to his hometown of Wetaskiwin and took a job driving a postal delivery truck for 20 years until retiring in 1994. He showed his face at the closing of Rexall place five years ago and his habit of clean play seems to have translated to clean living, as he is still hanging around living the life. At 88 years old today he is the oldest living Oiler alumnus. Happy birthday Val, and here's hoping you become the first Oiler nonagenerian.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Val Fonteyne.

Two years ago I expressed hope that Fonteyne would become the first Oiler alumnus nonagenerian. Well it's happened today. Happy 90th birthday Val.

https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.9114965befed5c7e33a05238e7c78e51?rik=1BYD3OwXjC%2fDoQ&riu=http%3a%2f%2fcdn.sportsmemorabilia.com%2fsports-product-image%2fval-fonteyne-edmonton-oilers-autographed-signed-8x10-photograph-jsa3-t5608476-1600.jpg&ehk=oq10u5t9%2ffZUIlP2VbJneJKuP%2b09ts6s2KlOUuFNoh4%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0

[Updated on: Sat, 02 December 2023 10:43]

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December 4 [message #795459 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 04 December 2021 11:31

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

A couple of one game wonders today:

Wayne Cowley
Born: December 4, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Scarborough, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 13, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 93-94 season.

Cowley was a career minor league goalie who came undrafted out of Colgate University in 1988 and then spent twelve years in pro hockey. The Oilers signed him to a minor league deal in 1992 and he was instrumental in leading the Cape Breton Oilers to the Calder Cup in 1993. He continued to be Cape Breton's starter in 93-94 when the Oilers gave him his first NHL contract. He was called up and played one game with the Oilers that year, giving up 3 goals in a loss. That would be his only NHL game. The Oilers released him after the season and he spent one more year in the AHL before going to Europe and wrapping his career with stints in Britain and Germany. He retired in 2000. After retiring he worked briefly in the airline industry (9/11 spooked him enough to choose another profession) and then purchased a sports bar in Toronto which he continues to run to this day. Happy 57th Wayne.

Curtis Hamilton
Born: December 4, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Tacoma, Washington.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 48th overall, June 26, 2010.
Oilers Career: 2014-15; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Czech Republic in 2015.

Hamilton was a winger in Saskatoon when the Oilers used a 2nd rounder on him in 2010. He signed with the team in 2011 and spent a full four seasons playing in the AHL with OKC. He accomplished little his first three seasons, and then had his best year in 14-15 which was enough to get him a one game look with the Oilers late in another lost season. The Oilers let him walk after that and he would head to Europe, playing in the Czech Republic, Finland, Austria and Britain. He's currently playing with the Manchester Storm in the EIHL. Happy 30th Curtis.

Real dry spell--nothing yesterday two players today with a total of 2 games and then now nothing tomorrow. Be back on Monday.

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December 6 [message #795521 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Mon, 06 December 2021 09:42

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Three players today--none of whom you are likely to recall unless you're pretty hardcore:

Gavin Kirk
Born: December 6, 1951 (turns 70 today) in London, England.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Birmingham (with Tom Simpson) for Tim Sheehy, December 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 52 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Birmingham, July 1978.

Kirk was a decent offensive centre out of Toronto in the OHA (he was born in England but raised in Toronto) where he put up 107 points in 62 games in his draft year. Despite being a third round pick by the Leafs in 1971, Kirk went the WHA route and would never play in the NHL. He spent the first four years of the league playing with Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary. He started 76-77 with Birmingham, but was traded to the Oilers early in the season. He would play 52 games with the Oilers that year getting 36 points as their third line centre. The Oilers didn't bring him back the next year and he would spend 77-78 playing in the AHL. After one more year in the WHA with Birmingham, he retired in 1979. No details on life the last 40 years so I'll just wish Gavin a happy 70th today.

Gary Lariviere
Born: December 6, 1954 (turns 67 today) in St. Catharines, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Vancouver (with Ken Berry) for Blair MacDonald and Lars-Gunner Petersson, March 10, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1982-83; 92 games (14 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released in 1983.

Larivierre was a d-man out of St. Catharines who went the WHA route. He played four full seasons in the league from 1975 to 1979 with Phoenix and Quebec, and then remained with the Nordiques when they merged into the NHL. The Oilers acquired him at the 1981 trade deadline and he would settle in as a depth defenseman with them over parts of three seasons. He was a regular for his first two years, but by 82-83 he was relegated as an extra and only played 17 games with the team. After the season he was released and he would finish his career playing three seasons with his hometwon St. Catharine's team in the AHL before retiring in 1986. He did some coaching after that, being an assistant with the Maple Leafs from 1987 to 1990. Can't find anything after that; hope your well Gary and happy 67th.

Nick Stajduhar
Born: December 6, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Kitchener, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 16th overall, June 26, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1995-96; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released in 1996.

Stajduhar was a top prospect d-man out of the London Knights. The Oilers used their last "Gretzky trade first rounder" on him in 1993. He turned pro in 1994 and had a decent first year with the Oilers' farm team in Cape Breton, but then suffered a concussion in an off ice incident (apparently he was sucker punched in a bar fight) in 1995 and never seemed to be the same again--not just in his play, but in his attitude. He would get a 2 game look with the Oilers in 95-96, but they seemed to simply wash their hands of him after this and he would spend the rest of his career playing in the minor leagues (IHL, AHL, ECHL UHL, and CHL) without ever showing the potential he once had. He retired in 2001 and for the third time in this post I must say that I can't find anything on his post hockey life. Hope things are better for you now Nick and happy 47th.

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Re: December 6 [message #795522 is a reply to message #795521 ]	Mon, 06 December 2021 09:58

Adam
Messages: 6803
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB

6 Cups

benv wrote on Mon, 06 December 2021 09:42

Nick Stajduhar
Born: December 6, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Kitchener, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 16th overall, June 26, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1995-96; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released in 1996.

Stajduhar was a top prospect d-man out of the London Knights. The Oilers used their last "Gretzky trade first rounder" on him in 1993. He turned pro in 1994 and had a decent first year with the Oilers' farm team in Cape Breton, but then suffered a concussion in an off ice incident (apparently he was sucker punched in a bar fight) in 1995 and never seemed to be the same again--not just in his play, but in his attitude. He would get a 2 game look with the Oilers in 95-96, but they seemed to simply wash their hands of him after this and he would spend the rest of his career playing in the minor leagues (IHL, AHL, ECHL UHL, and CHL) without ever showing the potential he once had. He retired in 2001 and for the third time in this post I must say that I can't find anything on his post hockey life. Hope things are better for you now Nick and happy 47th.

Who could forget Nick Stadjuhar!? Pretty tough luck being the last of the Gretzky picks. By the time he played, the other pieces of the Gretzky deal were all washed away. Gelinas had been sent to Quebec, so had Martin Rucinsky. Not only had Carson been sent to Detroit, but all that replaced him was gone too - Murphy to Chicago, Graves to New York, Klima to Tampa Bay. He was all that was left of a deal for the best player ever - and he looked to join at the point that the franchise was at it's lowest (to that point anyhow).

I believe he was playing, and playing well, in pre-season when he was cracked on the head with a beer bottle outside of Barry T's. I had heard, although I don't know this to be true, that he had picked the fight. That makes some level of sense, as had he just been straight up jumped, then I think it likely that there would have been a lawsuit similar to the one that Scott Mellanby won when he was attacked in a bar fight - in that case Mellanby's counsel convinced the judge that had Mellanby not been injured that given his trajectory to that point he would have been able to play a larger role in his early NHL seasons, and gotten a larger contract as a result. (Some more background: https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/three-things-you-proba bly-didnt-know-about-scott-mellanby)

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Re: December 6 [message #795535 is a reply to message #795522 ]	Mon, 06 December 2021 11:48

oilfan94
Messages: 343
Registered: June 2006
Location: USA

No Cups

Adam wrote on Mon, 06 December 2021 11:58

I had never heard that story about Mellanby, thanks for sharing!

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December 7 [message #795563 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Tue, 07 December 2021 10:00

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Four alumni with birthdays today--I'm sure you will recognize a few of these names:

Garry Unger
Born: December 7, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles for 7th round pick, March 10, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1982-83; 75 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1983.

Unger was a great centre who broke into the NHL with Toronto in 1968. He would dress for the Leafs in a game on February 24, 1968 and then play every single game for nearly 12 years playing with four different teams (most of it with the Blues but he also played with Detroit and Atlanta) and racking up decent point totals, topping out at 83 points in 75-76. All in all he played 914 consecutive games, breaking the record of the time (later to be broken by Doug Jarvis). His streak only ended because his coach with the Flames chose to bench him for a game mid-season in 79-80--the only game he'd miss, otherwise his streak would have continued. Unger joined the Kings in 1980 and was dealt to the Oilers at the 1981 trade deadline where he would serve as a depth centre and provide veteran leadership. He was well past his prime during his Oiler time and wasn't an everyday player, playing only 75 games in three seasons. He retired at the end of the 82-83 season. He would return to hockey briefly a few years later, playing in Britain (where he got 238 points in 30 games one year as a 40 year old; again I have to ask the question--do they use goalies in the British league?) but gave that up in 1988. He would spend the next 27 years coaching in various leagues, including the IHL, CHL, WPHL, WHA2, and UHL. He settled in Banff in 2012 and coached high school there and is currently working with the Banff Hockey Academy. Happy 74th Garry.

Georges Laraque
Born: December 7, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Montreal, QU.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 31st overall, July 8, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1997-98 to 2005-06; 490 games (36 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Phoenix, July 5, 2006.

Laraque was a 2nd round pick of the Oilers, a big power forward out of Saint-Jean. He would turn pro in 1996 and after a couple of AHL years in Hamilton would find his way to the Oilers, transitioning into an enforcer role with a bit of offensive flair. Laraque became a huge fan favourite in Edmonton as he become known as perhaps the best fighter in the NHL. Laraque could also score as he showed when he got a hat trick in 2000 and when he tied for the team lead in scoring in the 2003 playoffs. After the 2006 cup run, when Laraque was healthy scratched often in the playoffs, the Oilers decided to let him walk in free agency, despite his desire to stay. He would eventually sign with Phoenix and he would play four more years with the Coyotes, Penguins, and Canadiens before retiring in 2010. Laraque has had his hand in many things since then, putting down roots in Edmonton. He's been on sports radio, Battle of the Blades, been appointed executive director of the CHL Player's Association, taken an Edmonton high school girl to her senior prom, challenged Mike Tyson to a fight for charity, and become owner of a series of health related businesses. Take a breath Georges and happy 45th.

Philip Larsen
Born: December 7, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Esbjerg, Denmark.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Dallas (with 7th round pick) for Shawn Horcoff, July 5, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14; 30 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver for 5th round pick, February 24, 2016.

Larsen was that rare Danish player that had success in pro hockey. A right shot d-man, he was a late 2008 pick by Dallas and came to North America from Sweden in 2010. He spent three years in Dallas' system getting 95 NHL games and 66 more in the AHL. The Oilers got him in a trade in in the 2013 offseason and he would spend 13-14 playing mostly in Edmonton, but dressed for just 30 games. He chose to go to the KHL after the season, but the Oilers kept his NHL rights and traded them to Vancouver a couple of years later. He joined the Canucks for the 16-17 season (after two years in the KHL), but played just 26 games after having an injury. He has since gone back to the KHL and is currently in his fifth season with Ufa. Happy 32 Philip.

Riley Sheahan
Born: December 7, 1991 (turns 30 today) in St. Catharines, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 5, 2019.
Oilers Career: 2019-20; 66 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Buffalo, January 8, 2021.

Sheahan was a University player out of Notre Dame when the Red Wings used a first rounder on him in 2010. He would finish school in 2012 and by 2014 had a regular spot on the Wings as third line centre. He would spend 5 years in Detroit before moving on to Pittsburgh and finally a brief stint in Florida. He was a free agent in 2019 and the Oilers signed him to be their 3rd/4th line centre. He served admirably in that role in his one year in Edmonton, but the impression was not lasting enough to score him a new contract with the team in the offseason. He would instead sign with Buffalo for one year, and then in 2021 sign with the expansion Kraken where he plays today. Happy 30th Riley.

[Updated on: Wed, 08 December 2021 11:53]

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December 8 [message #795635 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Wed, 08 December 2021 10:20

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today's single alumnus got his position on the list due to unique circumstances:

Sebastien Bisaillon
Born: December 8, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Mont-Laurier, QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 26, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2006-07; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Germany in 2009.

Bisaillon was an undrafted offensive d-man out of Val d'Or. After putting up 71 points in 05-06, the Oilers signed him to a contract, but he would still spend the 06-07 season in the QMJHL. We can be honest and say Bisaillon wouldn't be making this list if it weren't for a rash of injuries the Oilers suffered on defense late in the 06-07 season. They literally ran out of healthy blueliners in their organization in both Edmonton and the farms. After playing a game with just 5 defensemen in March, they yanked Bisaillon out of junior using an emergency provision and he would suit up for two games with the Oilers. These would be the only NHL games of his career (at least so far--I wouldn't bet much on the over though). He spent the next two years in the organization playing with Springfield in the AHL and Stockton in the ECHL and was set back by a brutal leg injury early in 07-08. He left the franchise in 2009 and would play 09-10 in Germany, 10-11 in Montreal's farm system, 11-12 in Austria and has played in France since 2013. He continues there to this day, currently playing with Grenoble. Happy 35th Sebastien.

[Updated on: Wed, 08 December 2021 10:41]

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December 9 [message #795660 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Thu, 09 December 2021 10:00

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today gives us an old WHA coach, a two time Czech rental with an interesting back story and a player we probably should never have let get away.

Bep Guidolin
Born: December 9, 1925 in Thorold, ON.
Oilers Coaching Career: 1976-77; 63 games (0 playoff games).
Oilers GM Career: 1976-77; 81 games (5 playoff games).
Died: November 24, 2008 (age 82) in Barrie, ON of undisclosed cause.

Guidolin has the distinction of being the youngest ever person to play in an NHL game. He was a left wing who made his debut with Boston in November 1942 (the first year of the "original six"--many of the NHL regulars were off fighting in WWII) when he was just 16 years, 11 months old. He would play four years with the Bruins, one with the Red Wings and then four with Chicago, where he played his last NHL season in 51-52 (278 points in a total of 519 games). He would spend the next nine years playing in various minor leagues, mostly in Ontario before retiring as a player in 1961. He started coaching in 1965 in the OHA, eventually moving up to the AHL and finally the NHL where he got a job as the coach of the Bruins in 1972. He coached Boston for two years then was hired by the new expansion Kansas City Scouts and coached them for one season in 74-75. This finally brings us to his short Oiler career; in 1976 he was hired by Bill Hunter to be the coach and GM of the team. He would be behind the bench for the first 63 games guiding the Oilers to a 25-36-2 record. At this he point he chose to fire himself as coach and concentrate on GM duties, hiring current Oiler player Glen Sather to coach for the rest of the season. He would be fired as GM after the Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. He coached a few more years in the AHL and OHL before giving it up in 1982. He spent the rest of his life in quiet retirement in Ontario until his death in 2008 at the age of 82. RIP Bep.

Petr Nedved
Born: December 9, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Liberec, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers (with Jussi Markkanen) for Dwight Helminen, Stephen Valiquette, and 2nd round pick, March 3, 2004.
Oilers Career: 2003-04; 2006-07: 35 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Phoenix, August 26, 2004.
Reacquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Philadelphia, January 2, 2007.
Left Oilers for good: Left to play in Czech Republic in 2007.

Nedved was a star centre from Czechoslovakia who famously defected to Canada after the 1989 world juniors. After a tremendous season in the WHL, he would be the 2nd overall pick of the Canucks in 1990 and jumped right into the NHL in 90-91. By his third year he found his scoring touch, getting 71 points in 92-93 with Vancouver. He would leave Vancouver in a contract dispute the next year and bounced around a lot over the next few years, playing with the Blues, Rangers, and Penguins (where he had his best NHL season of 99 points in 95-96). He joined the Rangers in 1998 and played six years on Broadway from whom the Oilers were able to acquire him late in the 03-04 season as a playoff drive rental. Nedved played 16 games down the stretch and was spectacular getting 15 points and nearly willing the Oilers into the playoffs (they fell just short). He signed with Phoenix in the off season and after a brief stay in Philadelphia found himself back in Edmonton midway through 06-07. This second go-round would be much less successful as the Oilers were playing out the stretch and Nedved only managed 5 points in 19 games. This would end his NHL career as he would go back to the Czech Republic and play another seven years before retiring in 2014. He's since become a GM managing the Czech national team. Happy 50th Petr.

Jeff Petry
Born: December 9, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 45th overall, June 24, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2010-11 to 2014-15; 295 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal for 2nd and 4th round picks, March 2, 2015.

Petry was the son of ex MLB pitcher Dan Petry and a 2nd round pick by the Oilers out of the USHL. He went the college route (Michigan State) and finally joined the team in 2010. After splitting his first year between OKC and Edmonton, he was a regular by 11-12 and found himself slowly moving up the Oilers depth chart. When Oilers' GM MacTavish foolishly signed Petry to a one-year deal in 2014, it brought him to UFA status at the end of the season, and the Oilers chose to trade Petry for draft picks at the 2015 deadline of another lost season. Since leaving Edmonton, Petry has proved an exceptional d-man with the Habs getting over 40 points in each of the last 4 seasons. He continues his career in Montreal and is currently considered Montreal's number one defenseman. I wish you were still here Jeff, but happy 34th.

One more interesting thing about Petry--the 2nd round pick the Oilers used to draft him was awarded to them by the NHL because they failed to sign their 2002 first rounder Jesse Niinimaki to a contract. Considering that Petry turned out to be a better player than anyone in the bottom half of the first round in 2002, the Niinimaki draft bust actually proved a good thing for the franchise. Now if only they had kept him.....

No December 10 birthdays, so we will return on Saturday.

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December 11 [message #795780 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 11 December 2021 11:16

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

You may remember today's alumnus who was in the system for a while in the mid-90s:

Ralph Intranuovo
Born: December 11, 1973 (turns 48 today) in East York, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 96th overall, June 20, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1995-96; 1996-97: 19 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Toronto, September 30, 1996.
Reacquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Toronto, October 25, 1996.
Left Oilers for good: Not re-signed after 96-97.

Intranuovo was a winger out the Soo Greyhounds who managed a 113 point season in 91-92 that lead to the Oilers making him a 4th round pick that year. He would spend four years in the Oilers' organization from 1993 to 1997 (minus a month with the Leafs when they claimed him on waivers in 1996--the Oilers would claim him right back). While he was a top point getter at the AHL level with both Cape Breton and Hamilton he was unable to replicate this with the Oilers. All in all he played 19 games with the Oilers and had just 5 points. He left the Oilers in 1997 and played two years in the IHL and then went to Europe and played 14 more years in Germany, Austria, and Italy before he retired in 2013. All I can find on him since then is a twitter account where he makes fanboy comments about the Leafs and Raptors. Hope your doing ok Ralph and happy 48th.

With no birthdays on either December 12 or 13, I'll take a couple of days off and be back on Tuesday.
donkey

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December 14 [message #795920 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Tue, 14 December 2021 09:57

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Just the one player today, but he's an important (and possibly underrated?) one in Oiler history:

Bill Ranford
Born: December 14, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Brandon, MB.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston (with Geoff Courtnall and 2nd round pick) for Andy Moog, March 8, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1987-88 to 1995-96; 1999-2000: 433 games (41 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Boston for Sean Brown, Mariusz Czerkawski, and 1st round pick, January 11, 1996.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 4, 1999.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 2000.

Ranford was drafted out New Westminster in the 3rd round by Boston in 1985. He made a quick transition to pro hockey when he became the Bruins number on goalie for the 86-87 season, but then the Bruins demoted him to the AHL for the 87-88 season (he was replaced by Reggie Lemelin). The Oilers would acquire him at the 1988 trade deadline as part of a package for disgruntled Andy Moog and he would immediately return to the NHL as Fuhr's back up and never look back. After serving in this backup role for parts of three seasons from 1988 to 1990, Ranford was forced into the starting role when Fuhr suffered a season ending injury in 89-90. He had some struggles but eventually excelled in the role leading the Oilers to a fifth Stanley Cup and capturing the Conn Smythe trophy. Over the next six years he would start almost all Oiler games, allowing the Oilers to trade Grant Fuhr after 90-91 (Fuhr was suspended most of that season), with Ranford playing over 75% of games each season from 90-95 and being one of the best things about the 90s Oilers. In 95-96 the Oilers decided it was time for a change and would trade Ranford back to Boston halfway into the season after signing Curtis Joseph. Ranford would be passed around the league a bit playing with the Bruins, Capitals, Lightning, and Red Wings, before returning to Edmonton in 1999 to play one more season backing up Tommy Salo. He would call it a career after that in 2000, retiring as the all time games played leader among Oiler goalies (which he still is today). He would become a goaltending coach, starting out in the BCHL and WHL before becoming the LA Kings goalie coach in 2006, a job he continues to do today (15 years now). Happy 55th Bill.

Another day with no birthdays tomorrow--be back on Thursday.

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December 16 [message #796098 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Thu, 16 December 2021 10:03

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Two alumni celebrating a birthday today; both forwards born in Quebec--the second born just a few months after the first one retired:

Wayne Connelly
Born: December 16, 1939 (turns 82 today) in Rouyn, QU.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Calgary (with Claude St. Sauveur) for cash, January 1977.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 38 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Connelly was a talented offensive winger who came out of Peterborough in the old OHA junior league in the late 50s. He would turn pro in 1960 starting with the Canadiens but quickly moving on to the Bruins; for seven years (1960 to 1967) he split time between the NHL and minor league levels, but with expansion in 1967 became a full time NHLer. He was picked up by the North Stars in the expansion draft and would stay in the NHL for five years with Minnesota, Detroit (where he had his best NHL season in 69-70) and St. Louis. Two NHL notable firsts were that he scored the goal in 1966 on Bobby Orr's first ever NHL point and he's credited with the first ever goal on a penalty shot in the playoffs (1968). He defected over to the WHA in 1972 and would play nearly four seasons with the Minnesota Fighting Saints before being traded in 1976 to Cleveland. After short stints with the Crusaders and Cowboys he came to the Oilers midway through 76-77 where he would finish his career at the age of 37. He played 38 games with Edmonton (28 points) and would retire after the Oilers were eliminated in 5 games in the playoffs. Can't say much about his post hockey life (the only detailed article I could find was unfortunately behind a paywall) but he's still enjoying life, living in retirement near Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Happy 82nd Wayne.

Eric Belanger
Born: December 16, 1977 (turns 44 today) in Sherbrooke, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2011.
Oilers Career: 2011-12 to 2012-13; 104 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left for KHL in 2013 (after being bought out).

Belanger was a 4th round pick by the Kings in 1996. He would take a few years of AHL seasoning to make the NHL, but he did manage it in 2000 and would stay in the league for the next 13 years. He was never a star, generally being a third line centre and putting up 25-35 points a year. He spent six years in Los Angeles, but then moved around quite a bit: Carolina, Atlanta, Minnesota, Washington, and Phoenix. His one season with the Coyotes in 10-11 was his best point-wise (40 points) and it lead to the Oilers signing him to a lucrative three year deal. His time as an Oiler was a big disappointment as he got only 19 points in 104 games with the Oilers over two seasons. After the 12-13 season the Oilers had enough and bought out the last year of his contract. He would try out the KHL then retire after only 7 games in 2013. Since then he has spent 7 years coaching youth hockey in Quebec and was recently hired as the head coach of Trois-Rivieres in the ECHL which he continues to do today. Happy 44th Eric.

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December 17 [message #796158 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Fri, 17 December 2021 10:01

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Two players and a coach are our subjects today:

Ken Hitchcock
Born: December 17, 1951 (turns 70 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2018-19; 62 games (0 playoff games).

Hitchcock was an Edmonton native and when he failed to make it as a hockey player, quickly got into coaching, basically spending his life doing it starting in 1974 when he was just 22. He would spend ten years as coach of the Sherwood Park Crusaders, then moved on to Kamloops in the WHL where he was head man for six years. This lead to his first NHL job (assistant coach with Philadelphia) followed by three years coaching in the IHL (Kalamazoo). In January 1996 he was named head coach of the Dallas Stars and he would spend the next 23 years coaching different NHL teams (give or take a few pauses). During this time he is generally considered one of the most successful coaches, always able to find work quickly after he wore out his welcome with a team. He spent six years in Dallas where he won a Stanley Cup in 1999 and his teams would regularly beat the Oilers in the first round. This was followed by three years in Philadelphia, four in Columbus, six in St. Louis, and then one more in Dallas in 17-18, when he decided to retire after the season. This wouldn't last long as early in the 18-19 season he came out of retirement at the request of the Oilers to take over coaching duties for Todd McLellan. Hitchcock would coach the last 62 games of the season leading the Oilers to a 26-28-8 record which was not nearly enough to get them in the playoffs. He would not return the next year and spent the next two years as an advisor with the Oilers. He left the team earlier this year and is currently working as a coaching consultant with the Blues. Happy 70th Ken.

Frantisek Musil
Born: December 17, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Ottawa for Scott Ferguson, March 9, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1997-98 to 2000-01; 69 games (8 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 2001.

Musil was a highly prized stay at home d-man out of Czechoslovakia, drafted in the 2nd round by the North Stars in 1983 (there was concern he wouldn't be able to get out of Czechoslovakia--otherwise he would have gone much higher). He would come over in 1986 and would spend four years with Minnesota followed by five with Calgary and two more with Ottawa. The Oilers acquired him in 1997; he would spend four seasons with the franchise, but was hampered by injuries and his age, which limited him to just 69 games with Edmonton (he missed the entire 99-00 season). He retired in 2001. He would immediately move upstairs and become a scout with the Oilers. A role he performed for 16 years. He left Edmonton in 2017 and has worked in the same role for Buffalo since then. Happy 57th Frank.

Vincent Damphousse
Born: December 17, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Montreal, QU.
Position: Centre/LW (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Toronto (with Peter Ing, Luke Richardson, Scot Thornton, future considerations, and cash) for Glenn Anderson, Craig Berube, and Grant Fuhr, September 19, 1991.
Oilers Career: 1991-92; 80 games (16 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal (with 4th round pick) for Shayne Corson, Brent Gilchrist, and Vladimir Vujtek, August 27, 1992.

Damphousse was an exceptional junior scorer (over 2 points a game in his draft year) and was selected 6th overall by the Leafs in 1986. He would jump right into the NHL playing five years in Toronto and leading them in scoring in his last two seasons there. In 1991 he was the big piece the Oilers got from Toronto in a big blockbuster trade involving Anderson and Fuhr. Damphousse would play just one season in Edmonton but it was a great one--he lead the team in scoring with 89 points. Despite this, Damphousse was not content in Edmonton and asked for a trade which the Oilers obliged, moving him to his hometown Habs in September 1992. Damphousse would have his best season in 92-93 with Montreal winning the cup and getting 97 points while becoming the only NHL player in history to lead three different teams in scoring in three consecutive years. He would spend 7 years in Montreal, followed by another 6 in San Jose, and his scoring was consistently good. He retired in 2004 having gotten 1205 points in 1378 games. Since retiring he has worked as a hockey analyst with the French language RDS station. Happy 54th Vincent.

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Re: December 17 [message #796162 is a reply to message #796158 ]	Fri, 17 December 2021 10:41

oilfan94
Messages: 343
Registered: June 2006
Location: USA

No Cups

benv wrote on Fri, 17 December 2021 12:01

Vincent Damphousse
Born: December 17, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Montreal, QU.
Position: Centre/LW (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Toronto (with Peter Ing, Luke Richardson, Scot Thornton, future considerations, and cash) for Glenn Anderson, Craig Berube, and Grant Fuhr, September 19, 1991.
Oilers Career: 1991-92; 80 games (16 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal (with 4th round pick) for Shayne Corson, Brent Gilchrist, and Vladimir Vujtek, August 27, 1992.

Damphousse was an exceptional junior scorer (over 2 points a game in his draft year) and was selected 6th overall by the Leafs in 1986. He would jump right into the NHL playing five years in Toronto and leading them in scoring in his last two seasons there. In 1991 he was the big piece the Oilers got from Toronto in a big blockbuster trade involving Anderson and Fuhr. Damphousse would play just one season in Edmonton but it was a great one--he lead the team in scoring with 89 points. Despite this, Damphousse was not content in Edmonton and asked for a trade which the Oilers obliged, moving him to his hometown Habs in September 1992. Damphousse would have his best season in 92-93 with Montreal winning the cup and getting 97 points while becoming the only NHL player in history to lead three different teams in scoring in three consecutive years. He would spend 7 years in Montreal, followed by another 6 in San Jose, and his scoring was consistently good. He retired in 2004 having gotten 1205 points in 1378 games. Since retiring he has worked as a hockey analyst with the French language RDS station. Happy 54th Vincent.

The funny thing I always remember about Damphousse was that in 2004 he actually signed a 1 year deal with Colorado, and then retired right before the 2005-06 season. In 2004 a lot of players were trying to get 2 year deals (like Todd Harvey) I think because they were worried about the lockout, and I wonder why he only went with one. He is one of the star players who you could point to and say the lockout put an abrupt end to his career.

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Re: December 17 [message #796228 is a reply to message #796158 ]	Sat, 18 December 2021 19:36

stemhovlichski
Messages: 346
Registered: March 2006
Location: NSR

No Cups

benv wrote on Fri, 17 December 2021 10:01

Two players and a coach are our subjects today:

Ken Hitchcock
Born: December 17, 1951 (turns 70 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2018-19; 62 games (0 playoff games).

Got my first pair of VacuTacks from Hitch at United!

Restored: "We're sucking hind banana here." - Pat Quinn, Jan 18, 2010

"...the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical." - NBC's Ryan Dadoun Jan 2, 2015

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December 18 [message #796210 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 18 December 2021 12:52

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today's alumnus:

Daniel Cleary
Born: December 18, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Carbonear, NF.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Chad Kilger, Christian Laflamme, Ethan Moreau, and 2nd round pick) for Jonas Elofsson, Dean McAmmond, Boris Mironov, and 2nd round pick, March 20, 1999.
Oilers Career: 1999-2000 to 2002-03; 220 games (10 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Phoenix, July 15, 2003.

Cleary was a first round pick by Chicago in 1997, drafted out of Belleville. He was traded to the Oilers in his first year with the Hawks, and would spend just over 4 years in the Oilers organization. After playing most of 99-00 in Hamilton , he graduated full time to the Oilers by late 2000 and would become a valuable winger playing on the 3rd and occasionally second line. For some reason reason the Oilers simply gave up on him after the 02-03 season, buying out his reasonable $1 million contract. Cleary would sign with the Coyotes for the 03-04 season and then signed with the Red Wings after the lockout. Cleary's career found a resurgence in Detroit, and he would play ten full seasons with the Wings having his best years. He was finally cut from the team in 2015 and would play a season in the AHL before retiring in 2016. He would coach one year in the AHL and then was named Director of Player Development with the Red Wings in 2017--a job he continues to do to this day. Happy 43rd Daniel.

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December 19 [message #796278 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sun, 19 December 2021 12:31

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

As I edge closer to finishing off this thread, take a look at today's two birthday boys:

Ken Brown
Born: December 19, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Port Arthur, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for cash, July 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1974-75; 52 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1975.

Brown was a goalie out of Moose Jaw. He was signed by the Hawks in 1968 and spent four years in their system, but only managed 1 NHL game with Chicago, playing the rest with their minor league team in Dallas. He would try out the WHA in 1972 and eventually found himself as the backup for the Alberta Oilers in their first season. He would play 20 games that year and then spend the entire 73-74 season in the minors. He would return to Edmonton for the 74-75 season playing in another 31 games in a three-headed goalie system necessitated by Jacques Plante's refusal to go on the road. This would be it for his career as he would never play pro again. He would take a job doing colour commentary for the Oilers on the radio (with Rod Phillips) which he did until 1988. After that he worked for the Oilers in marketing and later took a job with the Edmonton Sun. He eventually moved to Austin Texas where he continues to enjoy his retirement. Happy 73rd Ken.

Scott Pearson
Born: December 19, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Cornwall, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Quebec for Martin Gelinas and 6th round pick, June 20, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1994-95; 100 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Buffalo for Ken Sutton, April 7, 1995.

Pearson was top prospect out of Kingston who was taken 6th overall by Toronto in 1988. Despite his high pedigree, he struggled to stay in the NHL for his first five years in the league where he was playing in both the AHL and NHL every year first with the Leafs and then with Quebec. The Oilers took a chance on him in 1993 and he would have his best NHL season with the Oilers in 93-94 getting 37 points in 72 games. His production dipped the next year and the Oilers would deal him to Buffalo at the 1995 trade deadline. After 41 games in Buffalo, he would spend most of the rest of his career in the minors, getting just a handful more NHL games until he went to Germany in 2000. He retired in 2001 after one year in the DEL. After retirement he would eventually settle in Atlanta and worked in the healthcare industry, becoming the Director for Vizient. Happy 52nd Scott.

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December 20 [message #796305 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Mon, 20 December 2021 12:41

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today's solitary alumnus is timely as he just made a return to the team after a long absence:

Cooper Marody
Born: December 20, 1996 (turns 25 today) in Brighton, Michigan.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia for 3rd round pick, March 21, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to present; 7 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Marody was a late round pick by the Flyers in 2015 after a good season in the USHL. He was just wrapping his 3rd season at the University of Michigan when the Oilers acquired him for a draft pick in March 2018. He turned pro later that year and is in his fourth season with the organization, playing almost entirely in Bakersfield. He's been a good point producer there, and was given a 6 game look in 18-19. He had injury issues the following season, but did have a good 20-21 campaign with the Condors on a line with Benson and McLeod. He's having another decent season this year and of course two days ago got his first NHL game in almost three years and got his first NHL point. Hope to see more good stuff in the future; happy 25th Cooper.

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December 21 [message #796335 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Tue, 21 December 2021 09:40

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Two players born on the traditional Winter Solstice: One from the first ever season and one from the latest. In addition I will also talk about a player that was erroneously missed three months ago:

John Fisher
Born: December 21, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Ayr, Scotland.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73; 40 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1973.

Fisher was a centre; Scotland born, but Canada raised. He played junior in St.Catharines and turned pro in 1968. He would never make the NHL playing four years from 1968 to 1972 in the minors. The Alberta Oilers gave him his first and only major pro shot in 1972 and he would play 40 games with the Oilers in 72-73. His 0 goals and 5 assists were obviously not enough to impress and he would never play hockey again after 1973. He became an assistant coach with the Edmonton Mets in the AJHL for the 73-74 season; beyond that I have no other information on his life these past 47 years. Hope your well John, and happy 74th.

Cody Ceci
Born: December 21, 1993 (turns 28 today) in Ottawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right),
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 28, 2021.
Oilers Career: 2021-22 to present; 25 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Ceci was a top prospect d-man who played junior for his hometown 67s and then was drafted by his hometown Senators, 15th overall in 2012. He quickly managed to transition to the NHL in 2013-14 and was a good point producing blueliner with Ottawa from 2014 to 2019. He was traded to Toronto in 2019 and spent one year with the Leafs, which was considered quite poor by his standards. He would sign with Pittsburgh in 2020 and had a much better 20-21 campaign, which lead to the current four year pact he is on with the Oilers. So far he has played 25 games and has established himself as a solid second pairing guy (playing mostly with Duncan Keith) who can provide offense. He seems to have mostly succeeded in making Oiler fans forget about Adam Larsson (although maybe not Ethan Bear). Happy 28th Cody.

I had thought Gary MacGregor was also born on December 21, but when I did the research today, I realize I must have misread, since his birthday is actually September 21. So I apologize to the late MacGregor and present his story now, as well as retroactively in the September 21 post.

Gary MacGregor
Born: September 21, 1954 in Kingston, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 37 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Indianapolis, July 1978.
Died: April 20, 1995 (age 40) in Kingston, ON of a heart attack.

MacGregor was a superior junior forward out of Cornwall who managed 174 points in 66 games in his last junior season. He was a second round pick in both the NHL and WHA but went to the WHA with the Chicago Cougars in 1974. He would put up 76 points in 78 games in 74-75, but his career would spiral downward from there. He managed only 38 in 75-76 with Denver/Ottawa and Cleveland, and was reduced to 21 with New England and Indianapolis in 76-77. The Oilers took a chance on him signing him for the 77-78 season, but he would play just 37 games with them getting 13 points (can't find an explanation for his sudden inability to put up points) and he would spend some time in the minors that year. The Oilers cut him loose after the season and he would play 17 more games with the Racers, and then spend a year in the AHL and one more in Germany before he retired in 1982. Not sure what he did after retiring, but he would eventually settle back in his hometown of Kingston where he died of a heart attack in 1995 at the tragically young age of 40. RIP Gary.

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December 22 [message #796359 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Wed, 22 December 2021 09:54

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Three alumni today. Weird coincidences: the two WHA players not only share a birthday, but both lived in Sudbury, were teammates on the 73-74 Oilers and then were both simultaneously selected by Indianapolis in the 1974 WHA expansion draft and were then teammates on the Racers.

Roger Cote
Born: December 22, 1939 in Belleterre, QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1973-74; 119 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Indianapolis in expansion draft, May 30, 1974.
Died: July 16, 2020 (age 80) in Sudbury, ON of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Cote was a stay-at-home d-man who played his junior hockey in Toronto before turning pro in 1960. He would spend the next 12 years playing minor hockey, mostly in the AHL, without ever getting an NHL sniff. The formation of the WHA in 1972 gave him his break as he was able to sign on with the new Alberta Oilers. He spent two full seasons manning the Oilers' blueline as a dependable verteran depth guy (he was already 32). The Oilers would lose Cote to Indianapolis in the 1974 expansion draft. He would play the 74-75 season with the Racers and then retire after the season. He would settle in Sudbury, ON and become a miner. He passed away last year, peacefully at the age of 80. RIP Roger.

Bob Fitchner
Born: December 22, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Sudbury, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 31 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Indianapolis in expansion draft, May 30, 1974.

Fitchener came out of Brandon, turning pro in 1970 after being drafted by the Penguins. He never made it to Pittsburgh, playing three years in the minors before trying out the WHA in 1973. He signed with the Oilers and would split the 73-74 season evenly between Edmonton and their farm team in Winston Salem (31 games for each but 3 points in Edmonton and 32 with Winston Salem--interesting). The Oilers would lose him in the 1974 expansion draft and he seemed to find his game with the Racers. He would play one and a half seasons with Indianapolis and then four and a half with Quebec (staying with them in their move to the NHL) until he retired in 1981. He settled in Brandon, MB and tried his hand at several endeavours including real estate, University coaching, and eventually settled in the motel business. Happy 71st Bob.

Kirk Maltby
Born: December 22, 1972 (turns 49 today) in Guelph, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 65th overall, June 20, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1995-96; 164 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Detroit for Dan McGillis, March 20, 1996.

Maltby was a winger out of Owen Sound the Oilers nabbed with a 3rd round pick in 1992. He spent the 92-93 season with Cape Breton and then made the Oilers out of camp in 1993. He would spend nearly three seasons with the Oilers playing as a third/fourth line forward and appearing in 164 games with them. The Oilers dealt him to Detroit at the 1996 trade deadline and amazingly (for a depth player) Maltby would spend the next 14 years in Detroit serving as a reliable bottom six guy to the Wings' plethora of star players. He finally retired in 2010 after four cups and over 900 games with the Red Wings. He has not surprisingly stayed in Detroit and has worked (and continues to work) as a pro scout with the team since 2010. Happy 49th Kirk.

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December 23 [message #796377 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Thu, 23 December 2021 11:24

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Happy Festivus, where we air our grievances (a lot this year) and celebrate the birthdays of two skilled Czech born Oilers:

Petr Klima
Born: December 23, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Chomutov, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit (with Adam Graves, Joe Murphy, and Jeff Sharples) for Jimmy Carson, Kevin McClelland, and 5th round pick, November 2, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90 to 1992-93; 1996-97: 274 games (60 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay for 3rd round pick, June 16, 1994.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, February 26, 1997.
Left Oilers for good: Left to play in Germany in 1997.

Klima was a skilled offensive Czech winger who defected to North America and joined the Red Wings in 1985. He would play four full seasons in Detroit and was one of their top offensive players. Klima came to the Oilers early in the 89-90 season as the most established player in the Jimmy Carson deal. He had a great season, getting 53 points in 63 games in Edmonton, but wasn't always a favourite of coach John Muckler for his lack of defensive awareness. Klima's most famous moment as an Oiler came in game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final when he was benched for the entire 3 period overtime until Muckler finally gave him a shift and he scored the OT winner. Klima would continue for three more years in Edmonton, dazzling with his speed, and occasionally frustrating with his lack of defensive play and off-ice alcohol issues. After leading the Oilers in scoring in 92-93 (with 48 points--that was a bad team) he was dealt to the Lightning for a draft pick. He would play three years in Tampa Bay then spend the 96-97 season bouncing around three teams ending with a trip back to the Oilers where he added another 16 games to his Edmonton total. He wouldn't last after that and would spend a few more years playing in Europe and North America before retiring in 2003 after two years playing back home in the Czech republic. For the last five years he's been coaching in the Czech league. Happy 57th Petr.

Ales Kotalik
Born: December 23, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Jindrichuv Hradec, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo for 2nd round pick, March 4, 2009.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 19 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 9, 2009.

Kotalik was a late round pick by the Sabres in 1998. Buffalo brought him over in 2001 and by the 02-03 he was full time in the NHL. By 05-06 he started to really rack up the points getting 62 (his career best). By the trade deadline of 2009, the Sabres were in a rebuild and dealt Kotalik to the Oilers for a draft pick. He would play 19 games down the stretch that year getting 11 points, but the Oilers ultimately failed to get in the playoffs. That would be the extent of his Oiler career as he chose to sign with the Rangers in the offseason. He struggled in New York and only lasted a half season before being dealt to Calgary where he was even worse and was sent to the AHL. He would eventually return to the Czech Republic in 2011 and finish off his career in his home country until he retired in 2014. Since then he's done a little coaching and GMing in the Czech league, although it looks like he's been out of the game since 2018. Hope things are good and happy 43rd Ales.

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Re: December 23 [message #796388 is a reply to message #796377 ]	Thu, 23 December 2021 14:24

CrudeRemarks
Messages: 1698
Registered: November 2010
Location: Edmonton

1 Cup

I hope benv does everyone's wedding anniversaries next year.

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.

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December 24 [message #796411 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Fri, 24 December 2021 11:10

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

It's Christmas Eve and you've probably got things to do, so let's keep this short:

Wayne Muloin
Born: December 24, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Dryden, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for Bill Evo and future considerations, January 4, 1976.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 10 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 75-76 season.

Muloin was born in Dryden, Ontario but played his junior hockey in Edmonton with the Oil Kings from 1959 to 1962. After a year with the WHL Edmonton Flyers, he made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 63-64. He would play just 3 games in Detroit and then would have to wait six years to get back to the show. He spent 1963 to 1969 in three different minor leagues, before finally getting another NHL shot in 1969 with Oakland. He managed to stick for two full years with the Seals as a depth blueliner, but was back in the AHL for 71-72. He then made the jump to the WHA and would play three and a half years in Cleveland with the Crusaders where he was one of their regular d-men. The Oilers acquired him mid-season in 75-76, but he would suit up for just 10 games with Edmonton over the rest of the year (injuries? not sure). He played the 76-77 in the AHL and then retired. The internet will not divulge his activities since then, so I will just wish Wayne a happy 80th birthday today.

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Re: December 24 [message #796413 is a reply to message #796411 ]	Fri, 24 December 2021 11:45

welcometotheOC
Messages: 613
Registered: April 2010
Location: Also, sadly, Cowtown

No Cups

benv wrote on Fri, 24 December 2021 11:10

Ok, here’s one I do not remember AT ALL! … been about 5 or 6 like that. Thanks again benv for this! One of the highlights of pandemic anno 2!!

Merry Christmas!

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Re: December 24 [message #796419 is a reply to message #796411 ]	Fri, 24 December 2021 14:36

Skookum Jim
Messages: 3869
Registered: March 2006
Location: Burnaby, BC

3 Cups

benv wrote on Fri, 24 December 2021 10:10

Thanks for all that you've done with this thread Benv, super appreciated! 👍🏻
Merry Christmas to all! 🎄🌟

https://media2.giphy.com/media/KDH9hJ2mSEUYU/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47zoc7i56hgchtpjhim65rq9svssqxdb7e8b0bnpxy&rid=200.webp&ct=g

https://media2.giphy.com/media/11YoNDzlP6VSSs/giphy.webp?cid=ecf05e47l75wg11suexa9dsh5q03io70zt2cow84g0zbc64p&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g

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

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December 25 [message #796425 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sat, 25 December 2021 10:01

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Happy Christmas everyone. I know the most important thing on your mind today is: "I wonder if any ex-Oilers celebrate their birthday on Christmas?". Well wonder no more! The answer is:

Yeah, there's one.

Jim Dowd
Born: December 25, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Brick, New Jersey.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Nashville (with Mikhail Sthalenkov) for Drake Berehowsky, Greg DeVries, and Eric Fichaud, October 1, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1998-99 to 1999-2000; 70 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, June 23, 2000.

Dowd was a New Jersey native and a star at Lake Superior State University. He was drafted by his hometown Devils in 1987 and would take a slow route to the NHL spending a few years in the AHL. Late in 94-95 he finally made the jump to the NHL and would immediately win a cup with the Devils. He would continue to bounce a bit between NHL and AHL and also around the league a bit going to Vancouver, the Islanders and Flames. The Oilers picked him up just prior to the 98-99 season, and he would spend the entire campaign (save 1 game in Edmonton) playing for Hamilton. In 99-00 he had his best NHL season to date with the Oilers playing in 69 games and getting a couple of big goals in the playoffs. The Oilers would lose him to Minnesota in the 2000 expansion draft and he would have his most NHL success with the Wild playing four years. The last four years of his career were another whirlwind as he played for Montreal, Chicago, Colorado, New Jersey (again), and Philadelphia before finally retiring in 2008 at age 40. Since then he's returned to his home of New Jersey and done charity work as well coach local minor hockey. Happy 53rd (and Merry Christmas) Jim.

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December 26 [message #796429 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Sun, 26 December 2021 08:55

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

The two alumni with Boxing Day b-days were definitely at opposite ends of the fortune spectrum. Ullman was a naturally gifted star with both a lengthy hall of fame career and long life that continues into his late 80s. Cave had to fight and claw for every NHL game he got and was then cut down tragically young in the prime of his career and life.

Norm Ullman
Born: December 26, 1935 (turns 86 today) in Provost, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1975-76 to 1976-77; 144 games (9 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Ullman was a supremely skilled centre who started and ended his career in Edmonton. Born in Provost, he played junior with the Oil Kings from 1952 to 1954 and then spent two years with the Edmonton Flyers. He made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 1955, and by his second season in Detroit he was their top centre and one of the best in the NHL, playing with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. He would play 13 full seasons with the Wings, having his best season in 64-65 when he got 83 points, just four off the league leader (Stan Mikita). Late in the 67-68 season he was involved in a blockbuster trade that saw him go to the Maple Leafs. He would spend another seven plus seasons in Toronto, still able to wrack up points into his late 30's. In 1975 he came full circle and signed with the Oilers in the WHA. He would play two full seasons in Edmonton and was still able to put up points at the age of 40, easily leading the Oilers with 87 points in 75-76. He finally retired at 41 in 1977 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. All reports seem to indicate he was a humble, unassuming guy, and I have to assume that's true since I can't really find anything on his post-retirement life. He's the 2nd oldest living Oiler alumnus (only Val Fonteyne is older). I hope your well Norm and a happy 86th today.

Colby Cave
Born: December 26, 1994 in North Battleford, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Boston, January 16, 2019.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to 2019-20; 44 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Still with Oilers at time of death.
Died: April 11, 2020 (age 25) in Toronto, ON of a brain bleed.

Cave was an undrafted forward who played his junior hockey with Swift Current. After four full years where he improved each year, he managed to attract the attention of the Bruins and was awarded a two way contract in 2015. He would play three full seasons in the AHL before finally getting his first NHL look in 2018. He managed to stick with the Bruins to start the 18-19 season but was waived after 20 games and claimed by the Oilers. He would remain in Edmonton for the remainder of the 18-19 season, playing 33 games in a fourth line role. He would spend the majority of the 19-20 season in Bakersfield but would play another 11 games with the Oilers, highlighted by a spectacular goal on a solo end-to-end rush versus Pittsburgh. A month after hockey was shut down in March 2020 due to Covid-19, Cave suffered a brain bleed on April 6. Five days later he was shocking pronounced dead at a Toronto hospital at the age of just 25. It's been about 20 months now but it's still seems so shocking that this could happen to a young healthy athlete. RIP Colby.

[Updated on: Mon, 27 December 2021 12:55]

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December 27 [message #796438 is a reply to message #771063 ]	Mon, 27 December 2021 10:28

benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton

No Cups

Today's lone alumnus should be well known to you:

Fernando Pisani
Born: December 27, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 195th overall, June 22, 1996.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2009-10; 402 games (30 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Chicago, August 18, 2010.

Pisani was an Edmonton native drafted as a late rounder by the Oilers in 1996. He had a long journey to the NHL playing 3 years in the AJHL, three years at Providence College and then two and a half years with Hamilton in the AHL before he finally made his NHL debut in 02-03. He would immediately become a regular fixture on the Oilers' third line, being known as a good penalty killer and providing reasonable offense. He is of course best known for his out of body experience in the 2006 playoffs when he was one of the driver's of the Oilers' cup run when he scored an amazing 14 goals in 24 games (he had 18 in 80 that regular season). He still holds the distinction of being the only player to score a shorthanded OT winner in the Stanley Cup Final. He managed to parlay that magical run into a lucrative four year deal with the Oilers, but after a decent 06-07, he would develop ulcerative colitis in 2008 which hampered his play and caused him to miss a lot of time on the remaining years of his contract, greatly reducing his effectiveness. When his contract was up in 2010 the Oilers' cut ties with Pisani and he would sign in Chicago. He spent one year with the Hawks, but chose to retire in 2011 when he determined his illness prevented him from playing anymore. He's been coaching in the Edmonton area since retiring where he's been an assistant at the UofA (until 2016) and since then has worked as development coach with the Oil Kings. Happy 45th Fernando.

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