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Acquired: Kari Takko (1990)
Departed: Bruce Bell (1990)

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 August 27 [message #791488 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 27 August 2021 12:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Just the single alumnus today--but he's one of the few hall of famers who retired an Oiler.



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

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

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 August 28 [message #791495 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 28 August 2021 12:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Three alumni today; but with a combined total of 17 games played, I won't blame you if you don't remember any of them.



Gary Cunningham
Born: August 28, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Welland, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Not much info on Cunningham. He got drafted out of the OHA by the Flyers in 1970, but would play the next three years in the minors, before Edmonton gave him a WHA shot in 1973. He spent 73-74 playing for the Oilers' farm team in Winston-Salem, but was called up for a 2 game look--the only major pro games of his short career. He retired after the season; the internet will divulge no more information about what he's been up to the last 47 years. Hope you are well Gary--happy 71st.



John Miner
Born: August 28, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Moose Jaw, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 220th overall, June 8, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Craig Redmond, August 10, 1988.

Miner was a scoring blueliner out of the Regina Pats. The Oilers took him with a late round pick in 1983. He joined the organization in 1985 and spent three years on the farm in Nova Scotia getting decent numbers and earning himself a 14 game call up to Edmonton during the 87-88 season. This would prove to be the only NHL games of his career. The Oilers dealt him to Los Angeles in August 1988 (in what was the second biggest trade between Edmonton and Los Angeles that week). He would play a few AHL games on the Kings' farm but spent the rest of his long career in Europe where he would play nearly 20 years in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and France until finally retiring at age 42 in 2008. Following his retirement he's remained in Europe and has coached in the Swiss and Austrian leagues. His last job seems to have been the head coach of Okanagan in Austria last year. Happy 56th John.


Tim Sestito
Born: August 28, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Rome, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 28, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New Jersey for conditional draft pick, July 9, 2009.

Sestitio was an undrafted centre out of the Plymouth Whalers who perservered to get himself some NHL time. After leaving the OHL in 2005, he spent a year in the ECHL and managed to earn himself a contract with the Oilers on his 22nd birthday. He would play three years in the Oilers' system playing in the AHL and ECHL as a defensive centre. He was able to finagle one game in Edmonton during the 08-09 season thus ensuring him immortality with this mention on the Oilfans birthday thread. He was dealt to the Devils in 2009 and he had much more luck there, playing six years in the organization; mostly in the AHL, but managing to play 100 games in New Jersey over the six years. He would end his career with a couple of years in the KHL and then retire in 2017. Since then he has served as a firefighter in his hometown of Rome, NY and has also coached with the Utica Junior Comets. Happy 37th Tim.



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 Re: August 28 [message #791504 is a reply to message #791495 ]
Sun, 29 August 2021 11:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
Messages: 7174
Registered: August 2005
Location: Edmonton, AB
6 Cups
benv wrote on Sat, 28 August 2021 12:03

Three alumni today; but with a combined total of 17 games played, I won't blame you if you don't remember any of them.



Gary Cunningham
Born: August 28, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Welland, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Not much info on Cunningham. He got drafted out of the OHA by the Flyers in 1970, but would play the next three years in the minors, before Edmonton gave him a WHA shot in 1973. He spent 73-74 playing for the Oilers' farm team in Winston-Salem, but was called up for a 2 game look--the only major pro games of his short career. He retired after the season; the internet will divulge no more information about what he's been up to the last 47 years. Hope you are well Gary--happy 71st.



John Miner
Born: August 28, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Moose Jaw, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 220th overall, June 8, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Craig Redmond, August 10, 1988.

Miner was a scoring blueliner out of the Regina Pats. The Oilers took him with a late round pick in 1983. He joined the organization in 1985 and spent three years on the farm in Nova Scotia getting decent numbers and earning himself a 14 game call up to Edmonton during the 87-88 season. This would prove to be the only NHL games of his career. The Oilers dealt him to Los Angeles in August 1988 (in what was the second biggest trade between Edmonton and Los Angeles that week). He would play a few AHL games on the Kings' farm but spent the rest of his long career in Europe where he would play nearly 20 years in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and France until finally retiring at age 42 in 2008. Following his retirement he's remained in Europe and has coached in the Swiss and Austrian leagues. His last job seems to have been the head coach of Okanagan in Austria last year. Happy 56th John.


Tim Sestito
Born: August 28, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Rome, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 28, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New Jersey for conditional draft pick, July 9, 2009.

Sestitio was an undrafted centre out of the Plymouth Whalers who perservered to get himself some NHL time. After leaving the OHL in 2005, he spent a year in the ECHL and managed to earn himself a contract with the Oilers on his 22nd birthday. He would play three years in the Oilers' system playing in the AHL and ECHL as a defensive centre. He was able to finagle one game in Edmonton during the 08-09 season thus ensuring him immortality with this mention on the Oilfans birthday thread. He was dealt to the Devils in 2009 and he had much more luck there, playing six years in the organization; mostly in the AHL, but managing to play 100 games in New Jersey over the six years. He would end his career with a couple of years in the KHL and then retire in 2017. Since then he has served as a firefighter in his hometown of Rome, NY and has also coached with the Utica Junior Comets. Happy 37th Tim.




1 for 3 for me. I remember Sestito - less famous than his tough guy brother.

"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
#FireBobbyNicks

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 Re: August 28 [message #791509 is a reply to message #791504 ]
Sun, 29 August 2021 14:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently offline welcometotheOC
Messages: 646
Registered: April 2010
Location: Also, sadly, Cowtown
No Cups
Adam wrote on Sun, 29 August 2021 11:26

benv wrote on Sat, 28 August 2021 12:03

Three alumni today; but with a combined total of 17 games played, I won't blame you if you don't remember any of them.



Gary Cunningham
Born: August 28, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Welland, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Not much info on Cunningham. He got drafted out of the OHA by the Flyers in 1970, but would play the next three years in the minors, before Edmonton gave him a WHA shot in 1973. He spent 73-74 playing for the Oilers' farm team in Winston-Salem, but was called up for a 2 game look--the only major pro games of his short career. He retired after the season; the internet will divulge no more information about what he's been up to the last 47 years. Hope you are well Gary--happy 71st.



John Miner
Born: August 28, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Moose Jaw, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 220th overall, June 8, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Craig Redmond, August 10, 1988.

Miner was a scoring blueliner out of the Regina Pats. The Oilers took him with a late round pick in 1983. He joined the organization in 1985 and spent three years on the farm in Nova Scotia getting decent numbers and earning himself a 14 game call up to Edmonton during the 87-88 season. This would prove to be the only NHL games of his career. The Oilers dealt him to Los Angeles in August 1988 (in what was the second biggest trade between Edmonton and Los Angeles that week). He would play a few AHL games on the Kings' farm but spent the rest of his long career in Europe where he would play nearly 20 years in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and France until finally retiring at age 42 in 2008. Following his retirement he's remained in Europe and has coached in the Swiss and Austrian leagues. His last job seems to have been the head coach of Okanagan in Austria last year. Happy 56th John.


Tim Sestito
Born: August 28, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Rome, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 28, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New Jersey for conditional draft pick, July 9, 2009.

Sestitio was an undrafted centre out of the Plymouth Whalers who perservered to get himself some NHL time. After leaving the OHL in 2005, he spent a year in the ECHL and managed to earn himself a contract with the Oilers on his 22nd birthday. He would play three years in the Oilers' system playing in the AHL and ECHL as a defensive centre. He was able to finagle one game in Edmonton during the 08-09 season thus ensuring him immortality with this mention on the Oilfans birthday thread. He was dealt to the Devils in 2009 and he had much more luck there, playing six years in the organization; mostly in the AHL, but managing to play 100 games in New Jersey over the six years. He would end his career with a couple of years in the KHL and then retire in 2017. Since then he has served as a firefighter in his hometown of Rome, NY and has also coached with the Utica Junior Comets. Happy 37th Tim.




1 for 3 for me. I remember Sestito - less famous than his tough guy brother.


2 of 3 for me. Never heard of Cunningham. I thought Miner was ok. Pretty impressive stretch in Europe, probably made a decent living, and well, Europe - I regret not lving in Europe at all (so far 😉).

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 Re: August 28 [message #791519 is a reply to message #791509 ]
Mon, 30 August 2021 10:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
OilPeg is currently offline OilPeg
Messages: 71
Registered: December 2010
Location: Winnipeg
No Cups
welcometotheOC wrote on Sun, 29 August 2021 15:21

Adam wrote on Sun, 29 August 2021 11:26

benv wrote on Sat, 28 August 2021 12:03

Three alumni today; but with a combined total of 17 games played, I won't blame you if you don't remember any of them.



Gary Cunningham
Born: August 28, 1950 (turns 71 today) in Welland, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1974.

Not much info on Cunningham. He got drafted out of the OHA by the Flyers in 1970, but would play the next three years in the minors, before Edmonton gave him a WHA shot in 1973. He spent 73-74 playing for the Oilers' farm team in Winston-Salem, but was called up for a 2 game look--the only major pro games of his short career. He retired after the season; the internet will divulge no more information about what he's been up to the last 47 years. Hope you are well Gary--happy 71st.



John Miner
Born: August 28, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Moose Jaw, SK.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 220th overall, June 8, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1987-88; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Craig Redmond, August 10, 1988.

Miner was a scoring blueliner out of the Regina Pats. The Oilers took him with a late round pick in 1983. He joined the organization in 1985 and spent three years on the farm in Nova Scotia getting decent numbers and earning himself a 14 game call up to Edmonton during the 87-88 season. This would prove to be the only NHL games of his career. The Oilers dealt him to Los Angeles in August 1988 (in what was the second biggest trade between Edmonton and Los Angeles that week). He would play a few AHL games on the Kings' farm but spent the rest of his long career in Europe where he would play nearly 20 years in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and France until finally retiring at age 42 in 2008. Following his retirement he's remained in Europe and has coached in the Swiss and Austrian leagues. His last job seems to have been the head coach of Okanagan in Austria last year. Happy 56th John.


Tim Sestito
Born: August 28, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Rome, New York.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 28, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2008-09; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New Jersey for conditional draft pick, July 9, 2009.

Sestitio was an undrafted centre out of the Plymouth Whalers who perservered to get himself some NHL time. After leaving the OHL in 2005, he spent a year in the ECHL and managed to earn himself a contract with the Oilers on his 22nd birthday. He would play three years in the Oilers' system playing in the AHL and ECHL as a defensive centre. He was able to finagle one game in Edmonton during the 08-09 season thus ensuring him immortality with this mention on the Oilfans birthday thread. He was dealt to the Devils in 2009 and he had much more luck there, playing six years in the organization; mostly in the AHL, but managing to play 100 games in New Jersey over the six years. He would end his career with a couple of years in the KHL and then retire in 2017. Since then he has served as a firefighter in his hometown of Rome, NY and has also coached with the Utica Junior Comets. Happy 37th Tim.




1 for 3 for me. I remember Sestito - less famous than his tough guy brother.


2 of 3 for me. Never heard of Cunningham. I thought Miner was ok. Pretty impressive stretch in Europe, probably made a decent living, and well, Europe - I regret not lving in Europe at all (so far 😉).

John Miner is my neighbor's brother. The story of why he went to Europe from LA was that the Kings refused to give him an NHL deal and only wanted him to play in the A. He decided Europe would be better and off he went. His brother is a pretty good player too, but never made it out of the SJHL. I have a hat in my living room signed by the '88 oilers that John gave to his brother who gave it to me. It's one of my favorite pieces of Oiler shwag.

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

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

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

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

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 August 29 [message #791512 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 29 August 2021 19:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Blame Shaw for the lateness of today's post--no internet access until now.

Just a single alumnus today:



Shaun Van Allen
Born: August 29, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 105th overall, June 13, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1990-91 to 1992-93; 23 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Anaheim, July 22, 1993.

Van Allen was drafted by the Oilers in 1987 and spent six years in the Oilers system, mostly in the AHL. He would play just 2 games with the Oilers in his first five seasons, but finally got some big club time in 92-93 when he played 21 games. He was also an integral part of Cape Breton's run to the Calder cup that year. He would leave the Oilers as a free agent in 1993 and was immediately a full time NHLer, never playing in the minors again. He played three full years in Anaheim followed by four in Ottawa and then stints with Dallas and Montreal before returning to Ottawa for two more years and retiring in 2004 having played 794 NHL games. Since retiring, Van Allen has become a hockey broadcaster working both for Ottawa sports radio TSN 1200 and on Ottawa Senators' TV broadcasts. Happy 54th Shaun.


August 30 is a birthday-free day, so I'll be back on Tuesday to close out the month of August.

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 August 31 [message #791548 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 31 August 2021 09:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
We'll close off the month of August with a little bit of everything--two players, one coach and one GM:




Brian Conacher
Born: August 31, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Toronto, ON.
Oilers GM Career: 1977-78; 80 games (5 playoff games).

Conacher was a centre who started his pro career in 1962 and ended it in 1973. He played mostly in the minors but managed 155 NHL games with Toronto and Detroit as well as a full season in the WHA with Ottawa, after which he retired from playing. He coached in the minors for a few years and then was hired by Indianapolis in the WHA as their GM in 76-77 (seems like a big jump). The next year he took the job as the Oilers' GM and spent just the one year in the position before being replaced in 1978 by Larry Gordon. Conacher is also noted for working in broadcasting during his playing days, providing colour commentary for Foster Hewitt during the famed 1972 Canada-Russia summit series, as well as the 1976 Winter Olympics. He's a member of the famed Conacher hockey family (his uncle is hall of famer Charlie, his father Lionel, Canada's athlete of the half century for 1900-1950). Brian has done a lot of other jobs as well including building manager and president of the NHL alumni association. Happy 80th today Brian.


Kent Nilsson
Born: August 31, 1956 (turns 65 today) in Nynashamn, Sweden.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota for 2nd round pick, March 2, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1986-87; 1994-95: 23 games (21 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by New Jersey, October 2, 1989.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, January 26, 1995.
Left Oilers for good: retired in 1995.

Nilsson was an uber-skilled forward out of Sweden. He came over to North America when he was 22 and signed with Winnipeg in the WHA. After a couple of 107 points seasons there, he then went to Atlanta in the dispersal draft when the Jets moved to the NHL in 1979. He would play six years with the Flames (the last five in their new home in Calgary), consistently being their top point getter, having his best season in 80-81 with 131 points. The Flames dealt him to Minnesota in 1985 and two years later the Oilers nabbed him at the trade deadline for their 1987 playoff run. He would play just 17 regular season games with the team, but suited up for all 21 playoff games, playing wing with Messier and Anderson and winning his only Stanley Cup (much to Flames' fans chagrin). Despite getting a point a game during this period, the most enduring memory of his time as an Oiler is probably Ron Hextall cutting him down in game 4 of the Finals in one of the most blatant cheap shots at that time (Hextall was mad that Anderson had poked him a bit). Following the season Nilsson chose to go back to Europe and would play the next seven years in various European leagues in Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and Norway. He also was hired by the Oilers as a European scout (while still playing hockey) in 1992. In 1995 he would return to the Oilers, but the comeback was not successful with injury and age limiting him to just 6 games and 1 point. He would return to Europe and eventually retired in 1997. After retiring, Nilsson continued to work as a scout for the Oilers which he did until 2010 (quitting over the Oilers buying out his son Robert). Since leaving the Oilers, he's worked as a scout for the Panthers. Happy 65th Kent.


Ralph Krueger
Born: August 31, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Winnipeg, MB.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2012-13; 48 games (0 playoff games).

Krueger was a forward out of the WHL who chose to go to Germany when he was 20 in 1979 to fullfill hockey dreams. He spent his entire pro-career there until retiring in 1991. After retiring he immediately started his coaching career, coaching the VEU Feldkirch team in Austria for seven years and then being named the head coach of the Swiss national team, a job he did for 11 years until 2010. That year he accepted an offer from the Oilers to be an assistant coach under Tom Renney. When Renney was punted two years later, Krueger was named the head coach of the Oilers. He would last just the single lockout shortened season of 12-13--after leading the Oilers to a decent start, a miserable home-stretch cost him his job and he was fired in the offseason (after MacTavish fell in love with Dallas Eakins). Most curiously, Krueger became director of the Southampton soccer team in England for five years until being dismissed in 2019 (I honestly have no idea what qualified him for this job). He retuned to the NHL as the head coach of the Sabres in 2019, before being fired last year during Buffalo's brutal season. Hope you land on your feet Ralph--happy 62nd.



Alexei Mikhnov
Born: August 31, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Kiev, USSR.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 17th overall, June 24, 2000.
Oilers Career: 2006-07; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to Russia in 2007.

Mikhnov was a hulking Ukranian winger, whom the Oilers went a bit off board to draft in the first round in 2000. The dicey transfer arrangement between the NHL and Russia meant it took until 2006 before Mikhnov came over to North America (they had been trying to get him over since 2004). When he finally arrived for the 06-07 season, he would play 27 games in the AHL, while getting just a two game look with the Oilers. They gave up on him pretty quickly (didn't think he used his big body well enough), returning him to Russia to finish out the season, and he would never return. Mikhnov spent the next 13 years in the Russian Super League and the KHL. It looks like his last action was in 2019-20, although I can't find that he's officially retired. Happy 39th Alexei.

Wow, two-thirds of the way through the year already. I wasn't sure I would have the pluck to continue this all year, but I'm actually enjoying it. We'll see what September brings tomorrow.

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 September 1 [message #791560 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 01 September 2021 10:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Alright, let's kick off the last third of this thread with the two players born on September 1:



Dave Lumley
Born: September 1, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal (with Dan Newman) for 2nd round pick, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80 to 1983-84; 1984-85 to 1986-87: 386 games (87 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Hartford, October 9, 1984.
Reacquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Hartford, February 6, 1985.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 1986.

Lumley was a scoring winger out the University of New Hampshire, drafted by Montreal in 1974. When he finished University in 1977 he joined the Habs farm team in Nova Scotia and spent two years there, getting just a 3 game look in Montreal. He was traded to the Oilers in 1979 and immediately made the team out of camp, playing all 80 games in 79-80 and racking up 58 points. After a down year in 80-81, he had an incredible 81-82 getting 74 points (in just 66 games) and having a 12 game goal-scoring streak (only four players have had longer ones). As the team became dominated by it's young stars, Lumley settled into a third/fourth line role and his scoring dropped dramatically but he still contributed, and scored the clinching empty-net goal to secure the Oilers' first cup. Prior to the next season he was claimed on waivers by the Whalers, but the Oilers would get him back before the end of the season, allowing him to enjoy a second cup with the team in 1985. As age caught up with him his role was drastically reduced in 85-86, and after just a single game in 86-87 he chose to retire. He's lived in Edmonton ever since and is currently a business development consultant. Happy 67th Dave.


Doug Friedman
Born: September 1, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 14, 1997.
Oilers Career: 1997-98; 16 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Nashville in expansion draft, June 26, 1998.

Friedman was a forward out of Boston University, drafted with a late round pick by the Nordiques in 1991. From 1994 to 1997 he spent three years in the AHL never getting an NHL sniff. The Oilers signed him in 1997 and he split 97-98 between Edmonton and Hamilton, playing 16 games with the Oilers but getting 0 points. Somehow, the Predators decided he was their guy during the 1998 expansion draft, but his luck didn't improve. He would play just 2 games with the Predators and spend the rest of his career in the minors until he retired in 2001. From 2014-2018 he was athletic director of Kents HIll and then coached the USPHL's Twin City Thunder. He left the Thunder just a few months ago (June 2021) to take a job as director of hockey operations at Boston University (full circle). Happy 50th Doug.

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 September 2 [message #791587 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 02 September 2021 10:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Two players today, including the third of the three men who qualify as a player, coach and GM.


Glen Sather
Born: September 2, 1943 (turns 78 today) in High River, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 81 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired from playing in 1977.
Oilers coaching career: 1976-77 to 1979-80; 1980-81 to 1988-89; 1993-94: 1020 games (149 playoff games).
Oilers GM career: 1980-81 to 1999-00; 1586 games (212 playoff games).

Sather came out of Alberta as grinding winger, playing three years with the Oil Kings (1961-64) followed by three years in the minors. As with many bubble players of the late 60s he graduated to the NHL full time once it doubled in size in 1967. He would play ten years in the league with Boston, Pittsburgh, New York Rangers, St. Louis, Montreal, and Minnesota before coming to the WHA in 1976 and suiting up for the Oilers. He would play the entire 76-77 with Edmonton acting as a veteran leader (and a pretty good player--he had his best season point wise with 53 points, just one off the team lead). With 18 games left in the season the Oilers fired their head coach Bep Guidolin and replaced him with Sather who would act as a player/head coach for the remainder of the season (something that's unheard of nowadays). After the season, Sather retired as a player, but stayed on to coach the team, which he did for their last two years in the WHA and then their first in the NHL. Sather was promoted to GM in 1980 and hired Bryan Watson as the new head coach, but just 18 games into the season, he demoted Watson and went back to coach the team himself; he would act as both head coach and GM for the next 9 years. This was of course the zenith period of Oiler history as Sather lead them to four cups and worldwide acclaim during this period. In 1989 he quit his coaching duties and concentrated on just being the GM. He would manage the team for another eleven years (stepping back behind the bench for one more half-season stint in 1994), and then decided to leave the Oilers in 2000. Sather had enjoyed his relationship with Peter Pocklington and resented the new EIG ownsership group questioning many of his moves, as well as the Oilers' limited budget making it hard for him to compete with big market teams. He would go to the Rangers and he has been with that club ever since. He was president and GM of the Rangers from 2000 to 2015 when he quit the GM gig. He resigned the president job in 2019 and has been a senior advisor since then. Happy 78th Glen.



Don Jackson
Born: September 2, 1956 (turns 65 today) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota (with 3rd round pick) for Don Murdoch, August 21, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1981-82 to 1985-86; 262 games (52 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers (with Mike Golden, Miroslav Horava and future considerations) for Clark Donatelli, Vile Kentala, Reijo Ruotsalainen, and Jim Wiemer, October 2, 1986.

Jackson was a d-man who attended Notre Dame, where he was selected in the 2nd round by his hometown North Stars in 1976. He would spend four years (1977-1981) in the organization playing mostly in the minors playing just 27 NHL games over the four years. He was traded to the Oilers in 1981 and after another year in the minors (just 8 NHL games in 81-82) he was able to crack the Oilers lineup full time in the 82-83 season. This was good timing, as over the next four seasons he found a place on the Oilers' third pairing, contributing to two Stanley Cup wins. The Oilers moved on from him in 1986 in a blockbuster trade to the Rangers; he would play just 22 games on broadway and then retire in 1987. Over the last 32 years Jackson has become a prominent coach. After stints coaching in the ECHL, he was an assistant with the Nordiques, Penguins, Blackhawks, and Senators spanning 1991 to 2004. Since 2004 he has moved to Germany and has been coaching there for seventeen years now. His current job is the head coach of EHC Munchen (which he has held since 2014). Happy 65th Don.

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 September 3 [message #791635 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 03 September 2021 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
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Location: Edmonton
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Here are today's birthday alumni:



Tim Sheehy
Born: September 3, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Fort Frances, ON.
Position: Centre/Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England for Ron Climie, February 15, 1975.
Oilers Career: 1974-75 to 1976-77; 138 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Birmingham for Gavin Kirk and Tom Simpson, December 1976.

Sheehy was a Canadian-born American forward who who cut his teeth at Boston College (1967-1970). He followed that up with two years playing for the US National team and then signed with the Whalers in the newly formed WHA. He put up decent numbers in New England over nearly three years before being dealt to the Oilers in 1975. He would play parts of three season in Edmonton--a total of 137 games and 116 points. Early in the 76-77 season the Oilers dealt him to Birmingham. He would bounce between leagues the next couple of years, playing for the Bulls (WHA), the Red Wings (NHL), the Whalers (WHA) and finally ended his career after the 79-80 season getting just 12 more NHL games with the Whalers. Post career he's raised a family, been inducted into the US hockey hall of fame, and has worked as a player agent, currently being a partner of ICE Hockey Agency. He is the older brother of 80s Flames pest Neil. Happy 73rd Tim.



Martin Gerber
Born: September 3, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Burgdorf, Switzerland.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 6, 2010.
Oilers Career: 2010-11; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Sweden in 2011.

Gerber was a late bloomer in terms of NHL goalies. He came out of Switzerland playing in that league until 2001, when he was finally noticed by the NHL, being drafted by the Mighty Ducks that year (he was already 26). He came over to Anaheim in 2002 and immediately got the job as JS Giguere's backup for the next two season. He would return to Europe for the lockout 04-05 season, but signed with Carolina in 2005. He would play 60 games with the Hurricanes that year as their starter, but he would lose his job in the playoffs after struggling in the first round and being replaced by Cam Ward (who would lead the Canes to the Cup--BAD MEMORIES). The next year he went to Ottawa and it was deja-vu as he was initially the starter, but his struggles had him relegated to backup as he would watch Ray Emery lead the Senators to the finals (he had also watched Giguere lead the Mighty Ducks to the finals in 2003--so he was a the backup for 3 finals teams in 4 seasons). He reclaimed his starter job in 07-08 (Emery got injured), and started 08-09 in that role, but was again relegated to a backup status (this time to Alex Auld) later in the season. After a brief stint with the Leafs and a year in the KHL, the Oilers signed him for depth in 2010. He would be their starter in OKC, and would see just 3 games in Edmonton (all wins, 1.30 GAA, .958 Sv%; why didn't we use him more?). That would be the last of his time in North America as he would leave for Europe in 2011 playing out his career in Sweden and Switzerland until retiring in 2017. Happy 47th Martin.



James Neal
Born: September 3, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Whitby, ON.
Position: Left/Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Calgary for Milan Lucic and 3rd round pick, July 19, 2019.
Oilers Career: 2019-20 to 2020-21; 84 games (6 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Contract bought out in 2021.

Neal was a scoring winger out of the OHL, drafted in the 2nd round by the Stars in 2005. He spent one full year in the AHL before graduating to the NHL with the Stars in 08-09. He proved himself a reliable goal scorer getting at least 20 goals every year over the next ten years. After two more years in Dallas, he spent three in Pittsburgh, three more in Nashville and one in Vegas. The Flames signed him to a big five year deal in 2018 and he was a huge disappointment for them getting only 7 goals. He came to Edmonton the next year in a flip of bad contracts for Milan Lucic, and had a much better 19-20 season with the Oilers getting 19 goals (which as we know the NHL pro-rated to over 20 to cost the Oilers a draft pick). He regressed considerably in his second year in Edmonton getting Covid early in the season and then getting only 5 goals in 29 games. The Oilers chose to part ways with him in July, buying out the last two years of his contract; as of today he is still looking for a new team. Good luck with that James, and happy 34th today.

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 September 4 [message #791685 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 04 September 2021 12:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just a single WHA alumnus today:




Dave Inkpen
Born: September 4, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England (with Blair MacDonald and Mike Zuke) for Kevin Devine, Rusty Patenaude, Claude St. Saveur, and Barry Wilkins, September 9, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 19 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Quebec for (with Ken Broderick, Warren Miller, and Rick Morris) for Pierre Guite and Don McLeod, November 1977.

Inkpen was a d-man out of Edmonton who never played in the NHL, but did play four years of major pro in the WHA. After three years with the Oil Kings, he spent a year in the minors before getting a gig with Cincinatti in the WHA in 1975. After splitting 76-77 between the Stingers and Racers, Inkpen was involved in a blockbuster trade to the Oilers. He would spend only 2 months in his hometown playing 19 games (just a single point) before being involved in another multi-player trade to the Whalers. Following the dissolvement of the WHA in 1979, Inkpen spent a year in the minors and then went to Germany to finish off his career before retiring in 1984. It looks like he coached a bit in Germany after retiring, but I can't find any info on what he's been up to lately (my research brought up a "David Inkpen" who was recently arrested for child pornography in Newfoundland, but thankfully this is a different person). Happy 67th Dave.

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 September 5 [message #791703 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 05 September 2021 11:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We get to add that rare octogenarian to the list today:



Dave Dryden
Born: September 5, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Hamilton, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Chicago in dispersal draft, June 19, 1975.
Oilers Career: 1975-76 to 1979-80; 211 games (18 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1980.

Dryden was a goalie who was probably always overshadowed by his more famous hall-of-fame younger brother Ken who played the same position. Dave played his first NHL game way back in 61-62 for the Rangers, but would not see NHL action again until 65-66 with the Blackhawks. He would continue his career (mostly as a backup but occasionally as the starter) with Chicago and Buffalo until 1974 when he made the switch to the WHA. He spent 74-75 as the starter for the Chicago Cougars, and when the team folded after the season he was picked up by the Oilers. Somewhat surprisingly, he had his best years playing in his late 30s with the Oilers. He would be the Oilers main goalie for the rest of their WHA existence (four more years: 197 games) and then was protected by the Oilers in the 1979 dispersal draft as they move into the NHL. He would only play 14 games with the Oilers in 79-80 and he retired after the season. During his time as an Oiler Dryden was the first goalie to wear a mask-cage combination goalie mask, which is the norm now for goalies. He is currently the chair person of the Sleeping Children Around the World charity. Happy 80th Dave.



Ryan Potulny
Born: September 5, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia for Danny Syvret, June 6, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2008-09 to 2009-10; 72 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Chicago, September 9, 2010.

Potulny was an American centre, drafted by the Flyers in 2003. After three years at the University of Minnesota, he joined the Flyers, playing mostly with their AHL affiliate (just 44 NHL games over three years). He was traded to the Oilers in 2008 and would spend two years with Edmonton; about equal time with the Oilers and Springfield. He was a fairly useful depth forward on a not very good team (35 points in 72 games with Edmonton). He left Edmonton in 2010, and after getting a handful of games in Chicago and Ottawa, would spend most of his time in the AHL until he left for Europe in 2015. He played in the Finnish and British leagues and then retired in 2018. Since then he has become an assistant coach at his alumnus, the University of Minnesota. Happy 37th Ryan.

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 September 6 [message #791709 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 06 September 2021 11:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Just a single short term alumnus on this Labour Day Monday:



Wayne Bianchin
Born: September 6, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Nanaimo, BC.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Pittsburgh in WHA expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80; 11 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Italy in 1980.

Bianchin was a winger out the Western league, drafted in the 2nd round by Pittsburgh in 1973. He immediately joined the Penguins and would spend the next six years in the organization playing 264 games with them (missing much of his second season with a neck injury). While not a huge scorer his best season was 76-77 when he got 28 goals. He would be selected by the Oilers in the 1979 expansion draft, but a back injury limited him to just 11 games with the Oilers. He decided to play in Italy the next year and he would spend two years there before retiring in 1982. It looks like he has remained in Italy after retirement, becoming an Italian citizen. Happy 68th Wayne.

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 September 7 [message #791713 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 07 September 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Just a single Oiler who played a single game born today:



Lindsay Middlebrook
Born: September 7, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Collingwood, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New Jersey (with Paul Miller) for Ron Low and Jim McTaggart, February 19, 1983.
Oilers Career: 1982-83; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released in 1983.

Middlebrook was an undrafted goalie out of St. Louis University. He toiled in the AHL for two years before getting his first NHL opportunity with the Jets in 79-80. From 1979 to 1983 he played mostly in the minors but got in 37 games with Winnipeg, Minnesota, New Jersey, and finally Edmonton. He spent just two months in the Oilers' organization, mostly in Wichita, but gets on the thread for his one appearance with the Oilers in 1983--a start where he allowed 3 goals and got the win. The Oilers released him after the season and that would be it for his NHL career. He played three more years in the minors and then retired in 1986. Post career he was head coach of the Lindenwood University from 2013 to 2017. Happy 66th Lindsay.


On a quick personal note, even though he played just one game with the team, I was trying to figure out why I remember Middlebrook and it finally dawned on me. When I was a kid, I had a calendar with all the Oiler official team pictures from each of their seasons. During the glory days, there was always the same two goalies: Fuhr and Moog in the picture and I remember the 82-83 photo stood out because there was a third goalie in the picture--which was of course Middlebrook. I wondered why he was the only non Fuhr/Moog goalie that ever got into one of the pictures. I assume it was just timing, his short stint just happened to be when they were taking the photo.

https://icehockey.fandom.com/wiki/1982%E2%80%9383_Edmonton_O ilers_season

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 September 8 [message #791752 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 08 September 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Here are two support players you should remember:



Norm MacIver
Born: September 8, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Thunder Bay, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Hartford for Jim Ennis, October 10, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90 to 1991-92; 79 games (31 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Ottawa, October 4, 1992.

MacIver was a point producing d-man who went undrafted and played four years at the University of Minnesota. He would then have a thirteen year NHL career playing for seven different teams. After two years with the Rangers and one with the Whalers, the Oilers acquired him in 1989 and he would spend the entire 89-90 season (save 1 game with Edmonton) and most of 90-91 in Cape Breton. The Oilers called him up permanently late in the 90-91 season and he would be a contributor playing 21 games in the regular season and all 18 in the playoffs. He seemed to breakout the next year spending the entire season in Edmonton and getting 40 points in just 57 games from the backend. Despite this the Oilers waived him and he was picked up by Ottawa; he would have an even better season in 92-93 leading the Senators with 63 points on a truly terrible Ottawa team (that total would have been the highest on the 92-93 Oilers by a good 15 points). He never came close to these totals again as he continued to bounce around going to Pittsburgh, Winnipeg/Phoenix, and ending with a year in the IHL before retiring in 1999. MacIver went into coaching with Springfield in the AHL and then the Bruins in the NHL (both as an assistant). Starting in 2006, MacIver took a job with the Blackhawks as director of player development. He became assistant GM in 2012 and in January 2021 was hired by the Seattle Kraken as director of player personal. Happy 57th Norm.


Teddy Purcell
Born: September 8, 1985 (turns 36 today) in St. John's NF.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Tampa Bay for Sam Gagner, June 29, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2015-16; 143 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Florida for 3rd round pick, February 27, 2016.

Purcell was a winger who went undrafted, but fought his way through some lower leagues to eventually get a contract with the Kings in 2007. After a couple of years in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Lightning and had his best seasons in Tampa Bay. He would spend just over four seasons with the Lightning topping out at 65 points in 11-12. The Oilers acquired him in 2014 and he would play a season plus in Edmonton. He didn't miss a single game, playing 143 games and getting 66 points before being dealt at the 2016 deadline to Florida. He would wrap up his career with a brief return to Los Angeles and a stint in the KHL before retiring in 2018. Happy 36th Teddy.

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 Re: September 8 [message #791755 is a reply to message #791752 ]
Wed, 08 September 2021 10:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Wed, 08 September 2021 09:54

Here are two support players you should remember:



Norm MacIver
Born: September 8, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Thunder Bay, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Hartford for Jim Ennis, October 10, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90 to 1991-92; 79 games (31 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Ottawa, October 4, 1992.

MacIver was a point producing d-man who went undrafted and played four years at the University of Minnesota. He would then have a thirteen year NHL career playing for seven different teams. After two years with the Rangers and one with the Whalers, the Oilers acquired him in 1989 and he would spend the entire 89-90 season (save 1 game with Edmonton) and most of 90-91 in Cape Breton. The Oilers called him up permanently late in the 90-91 season and he would be a contributor playing 21 games in the regular season and all 18 in the playoffs. He seemed to breakout the next year spending the entire season in Edmonton and getting 40 points in just 57 games from the backend. Despite this the Oilers waived him and he was picked up by Ottawa; he would have an even better season in 92-93 leading the Senators with 63 points on a truly terrible Ottawa team (that total would have been the highest on the 92-93 Oilers by a good 15 points). He never came close to these totals again as he continued to bounce around going to Pittsburgh, Winnipeg/Phoenix, and ending with a year in the IHL before retiring in 1999. MacIver went into coaching with Springfield in the AHL and then the Bruins in the NHL (both as an assistant). Starting in 2006, MacIver took a job with the Blackhawks as director of player development. He became assistant GM in 2012 and in January 2021 was hired by the Seattle Kraken as director of player personal. Happy 57th Norm.


Teddy Purcell
Born: September 8, 1985 (turns 36 today) in St. John's NF.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Tampa Bay for Sam Gagner, June 29, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2015-16; 143 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Florida for 3rd round pick, February 27, 2016.

Purcell was a winger who went undrafted, but fought his way through some lower leagues to eventually get a contract with the Kings in 2007. After a couple of years in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Lightning and had his best seasons in Tampa Bay. He would spend just over four seasons with the Lightning topping out at 65 points in 11-12. The Oilers acquired him in 2014 and he would play a season plus in Edmonton. He didn't miss a single game, playing 143 games and getting 66 points before being dealt at the 2016 deadline to Florida. He would wrap up his career with a brief return to Los Angeles and a stint in the KHL before retiring in 2018. Happy 36th Teddy.



I believe MacIver was picked in the expansion draft by Ottawa, was he not?

I really liked him with Dave Manson - was a nice pairing, with MacIver super smooth and calm, and Manson as the big, mean, chaotic guy. Always thought MacIver would have done better if he was 3 inches taller. He was a guy like Greg Hawgood who could put up points but who hockey GMs didn't like because he wasn't the archetypal defenceman.

My off-the-wall MacIver story: My aunt's work in 1992-93 had a hockey pool with a fairly decent number of people in it. You had to pick a single player from each team, and a certain number of those had to be defencemen. Somehow I ended up getting invited to participate - the high school age nephew probably didn't seem that threatening, but no one else who picked a team picked Norm MacIver or had heard about a young Finn named Teemu Selanne who I picked as my selection from the Jets. I won by an enormous margin and pocketed a pretty decent dollar from that pool, but never got invited to participate again...

"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
#FireBobbyNicks

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 Re: September 8 [message #791757 is a reply to message #791755 ]
Wed, 08 September 2021 12:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Adam wrote on Wed, 08 September 2021 10:06



I believe MacIver was picked in the expansion draft by Ottawa, was he not?





Nope: Mark Lamb was Ottawa's expansion draft pickup from the Oilers. MacIver was a waiver claim just prior to the start of the season. So obviously the Oilers' simply didn't want him--seems very strange to me given his 91-92 season (and a big mistake given his 92-93 season).

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 Re: September 8 [message #791759 is a reply to message #791757 ]
Wed, 08 September 2021 12:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Wed, 08 September 2021 12:20

Adam wrote on Wed, 08 September 2021 10:06



I believe MacIver was picked in the expansion draft by Ottawa, was he not?





Nope: Mark Lamb was Ottawa's expansion draft pickup from the Oilers. MacIver was a waiver claim just prior to the start of the season. So obviously the Oilers' simply didn't want him--seems very strange to me given his 91-92 season (and a big mistake given his 92-93 season).


Interesting. It does seem an odd decision, given the Oilers defence to that year was:

Dave Manson 83GP 15-30-45
Greg Hawgood 29GP 5-13-18/Brian Benning 18GP (trade partway through the year - Philly also got Beranek for Benning, which looks horrible in hindsight)
Geoff Smith 78GP 4-14-18
Brian Glynn 64GP 4-12-16
Luke Richardson 82GP 3-10-13
Chris Joseph 33 GP 2-10-12
Igor Kravchuk 17GP 4-8-12 (acquired late in the year for Joe Murphy
Craig Muni 72 GP 0-11-11 (traded late in the year)
Brad Werenka 27GP 5-4-9


So the main guys would have been Manson, Richardson, Glynn, Muni, Geoff Smith with the sixth spot held down by an assortment of people at different times. Given the trade of Hawgood too, I wonder if Ted Green wasn't highly biased towards big defencemen. None of those guys below 6'2. That's the only way the Benning deal makes sense too - Hawgood is second in points for the whole year despite leaving a third of the way through and the Oilers sent a sweetener to get a bigger guy (although to be fair to Benning - he was on fire in Philly ahead of that trade 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
#FireBobbyNicks

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 September 9 [message #791768 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 09 September 2021 10:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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So no players, coaches or GMS celebrating a birthday today, but here's a newly minted octogenerian who definitely deserves his place in Oiler history:



Rod Phillips
Born: September 9, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Play by Play Career: 1973-74 to 2010-11; 3542 games

Phillips was a local late night television broadcaster when he took over for Bryan Hall (who did radio play by play for the Alberta Oilers in the first season) even though he had never done it before. From the start of the 73-74 season to November 2008, Phillips missed a total of two games with illness--he was the ultimate iron man, doing his job even when he was ill. Many Oiler fans (myself definitely among them) were often glued to our radios listening to Phillips in the days before all the games were televised. When I lived in Calgary I would often be moving my portable radio around the room trying to find the place where I could get a trace of the AM feed from Edmonton and listen to the game. Phillips was definitely a big Oiler homer and his enthusiasm for the game was definitely infectious. He announced his retirement after the 09-10 season, but did come back to do a 10 game farewell tour in 10-11. After that he retired to Arizona and has been enjoying life there for the past decade. His 3542 game number is up in the rafters at Roger's place. Happy 80th Rod.

[Updated on: Thu, 09 September 2021 12:14]

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 Re: September 9 [message #791771 is a reply to message #791768 ]
Thu, 09 September 2021 11:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently offline welcometotheOC
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benv wrote on Thu, 09 September 2021 10:04

So no players, coaches or GMS celebrating a birthday today, but here's a newly minted octogenerian who definitely deserves his place in Oiler history:



Rod Phillips
Born: September 9, 1941 (turns 80 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Play by Play Career: 1973-74 to 2010-11; 3542 games

Phillips was a local late night television broadcaster when he took over for Bryan Hall (who did radio play by play for the Alberta Oilers in the first season) even though he had never done it before. From the start of the 73-74 season to November 2008, Phillips missed a total of two games with illness--he was the ultimate iron ma , doing his job even when he was ill. Many Oiler fans (myself definitely among them) were often glued to our radios listening to Phillips in the days before all the games were televised. When I lived in Calgary I would often be moving my portable radio around the room trying to find the place where I could get a trace of the AM feed from Edmonton and listen to the game. Phillips was definitely a big Oiler homer and his enthusiasm for the game was definitely infectious. He announced his retirement after the 09-10 season, but did come back to do a 10 game farewell tour in 10-11. After that he retired to Arizona and has been enjoying life there for the past decade. His 3542 game number is up in the rafters at Roger's place. Happy 80th Rod.




Wow, now I really feel old!! Really miss Rod's game calls. The current guy has never been good and was a terrible choice as a replacement in my opinion.

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 September 10 [message #791779 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 10 September 2021 10:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Today is two-first-names-right shot-defenseman day:




Gord Mark
Born: September 10, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, February 1, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1994-95; 30 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 94-95 season.

Mark was a defenseman out of the WHL, drafted by the Devils in 1983. He spent three years in the Devils' organization from 1985 to 1988 playing 55 NHL games. He left hockey for five years and did not play from 1988 to 1993. I cannot find why this gap exists (if anyone knows, please speak up). He made a comeback playing the 92-93 season in Cape Breton and then splitting the next two years between Edmonton and Cape Breton, playing 30 games in Edmonton over two seasons. He wound down his career with two years in the IHL before retiring for good in 1997. I cannot find much else on Mark, except a clip from Robin Brownlee who called him a farmer from Irma who is the worst NHL player he has ever seen (harsh). Wherever you are now, Gord, happy 57th.



Chris Joseph
Born: September 10, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Burnaby, BC.
Position: Defenceman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with Dave Hannan, Moe Mantha, and Craig Simpson) for Paul Coffey, Dave Hunter, and Wayne Van Dorp, November 24, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1987-88 to 1993-94; 154 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay for Bob Beers, November 11, 1993.

Joseph was a top prospect d-man, drafted 5th overall by the Penguins in 1987. He made the Penguins right off the bat in 1987, but was soon part of the big package sent to the Oilers for Paul Coffey. He would spend six years in the Oilers organization playing both in Edmonton and Cape Breton, but never quite being able to live up to his initial potential. He was always on the periphery never able to establish himself as a top guy. The Oilers finally dealt him to the Lightning in 1993 and he would continue a long and steady career in the NHL (playing with Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Phoenix, and Atlanta). In 2001 he went to Europe where he played for five years (Finland, Germany, and Italy) before retiring in 2006. After retiring he returned to Edmonton and became a firefighter. He was struck with tragedy when his 20 year old son Jaxon was killed in the Humboldt bus crash in 2018. Hope things are better now Chris and happy 52nd.

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 Re: September 10 [message #791780 is a reply to message #791779 ]
Fri, 10 September 2021 14:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Fri, 10 September 2021 10:12

Today is two-first-names-right shot-defenseman day:




Gord Mark
Born: September 10, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, February 1, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1994-95; 30 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 94-95 season.

Mark was a defenseman out of the WHL, drafted by the Devils in 1983. He spent three years in the Devils' organization from 1985 to 1988 playing 55 NHL games. He left hockey for five years and did not play from 1988 to 1993. I cannot find why this gap exists (if anyone knows, please speak up). He made a comeback playing the 92-93 season in Cape Breton and then splitting the next two years between Edmonton and Cape Breton, playing 30 games in Edmonton over two seasons. He wound down his career with two years in the IHL before retiring for good in 1997. I cannot find much else on Mark, except a clip from Robin Brownlee who called him a farmer from Irma who is the worst NHL player he has ever seen (harsh). Wherever you are now, Gord, happy 57th.



Chris Joseph
Born: September 10, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Burnaby, BC.
Position: Defenceman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with Dave Hannan, Moe Mantha, and Craig Simpson) for Paul Coffey, Dave Hunter, and Wayne Van Dorp, November 24, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1987-88 to 1993-94; 154 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay for Bob Beers, November 11, 1993.

Joseph was a top prospect d-man, drafted 5th overall by the Penguins in 1987. He made the Penguins right off the bat in 1987, but was soon part of the big package sent to the Oilers for Paul Coffey. He would spend six years in the Oilers organization playing both in Edmonton and Cape Breton, but never quite being able to live up to his initial potential. He was always on the periphery never able to establish himself as a top guy. The Oilers finally dealt him to the Lightning in 1993 and he would continue a long and steady career in the NHL (playing with Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Phoenix, and Atlanta). In 2001 he went to Europe where he played for five years (Finland, Germany, and Italy) before retiring in 2006. After retiring he returned to Edmonton and became a firefighter. He was struck with tragedy when his 20 year old son Jaxon was killed in the Humboldt bus crash in 2018. Hope things are better now Chris and happy 52nd.



I believe that Gord Mark did go back to farming both times he left the NHL...not 100% positive on that, but I think he was a farmer through and through...

"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
#FireBobbyNicks

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 September 11 [message #791781 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 11 September 2021 10:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Here are the four ex-Oilers that had their birthdays ruined twenty years ago:




Warren Williams
Born: September 11, 1952 (turns 69 today) in Duluth, Minnesota.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 29 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Warren "Butch" Williams was an undrafted winger who played junior hockey in Oshawa. He perservered through the minor leagues in the early 70s and eventually got himself an NHL deal with St. Louis for the 73-74 season. He spent three years in the NHL with the Blues and Golden Seals, spending as much time in the minors as in the NHL (108 total NHL games). When California cut him loose in 1976, the Oilers gave him a shot and he would play 29 games with them during the 76-77 season. He would retire from playing after the season. Since retiring he returned to his hometown of Duluth and dabbled in carpentry as well as managing the local junior A hockey squad. Happy 69th Butch.


Mike Comrie
Born: September 11, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 91st overall, June 26, 1999.
Oilers Career: 2000-01 to 2002-03; 2009-10: 235 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia for Jeff Woywitka and 1st and 3rd round picks, December 16, 2003.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 10, 2009.
Left Oilers for good: Signed as free agent by Pittsburgh, September 3, 2010.

Comrie was a local boy and son of prominent Edmonton businessman Bill Comrie when he was drafted by the Oilers out of the University of Michigan in 1999. The Oilers signed him to a lucrative incentive laden contract after he tore up the WHL to start the 00-01 season and he immediately joined the Oilers for the second half, contributing 22 points in 41 games. He had his best year the next year in 01-02 when he got 60 points, tied for the team lead. After a decent 02-03, he held out of the start of 03-04 in a contract dispute that turned ugly with Comrie and Lowe hurling insults at each other through the media. He would eventually be traded to Philadelphia (after Lowe famously asked Comrie to pay back 2.5 million to complete a potential deal to Anaheim that would have netted the Oilers a pre-star Corey Perry) but would be shipped to Phoenix before the end of the season. He bounced around a bit from Phoenix to Ottawa to the Islanders, back to the Senators and then miraculously signed a free agent deal with the Oilers in 2009, with everybody letting bygones be bygones. He spent just the one season (09-10) in Edmonton, played one more in Pittsburgh before retiring in 2011. He has famously married and then divorced actress Hillary Duff--surprisingly I can't find much else about him since retirement, so I'll just wish him a happy 41st today.


Zack Stortini
Born: September 11, 1985 (turns 36 today) in Elliot Lake, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 94th overall, June 21, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2006-07 to 2010-11; 256 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Nashville, July 5, 2011.

Stortini was a scrappy winger out the OHL, and 4th round pick by the Oilers in 2003. After a couple of years in the AHL, the Oilers called him up during the 06-07 season and admired his tenacity, giving him a full time job with the team for the next few years. He became a fan favourite in Edmonton for his willingness to scrap anyone, even though he probably lost more fights than he won (and had a reputation for hanging on for dear life). Nevertheless, he managed 256 games with the Oilers over five seasons, not seeing the AHL until his last season with the team in 10-11. The Oilers let him walk after that, and he signed with Nashville, but would play just 1 game with them in 11-12. He would spend the rest of his career in the AHL until he retired in 2019. Since then he has been an assistant coach in the WHL with the Sudbury Wolves. Happy 36th Zack.



Ben Scrivens
Born: September 11, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Spruce Grove, AB.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles for 3rd round pick, January 15, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 78 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Montreal for Zack Kassian, December 28, 2015.

Scrivens was an undrafted goalie who spent four years at Cornell University. He turned pro in 2010, signing with the Leafs and worked his way up from the ECHL to the AHL to finally get some time as the Leafs' backup in 11-12 and 12-13. He was dealt to the Kings in 2013 and served as Jonathan Quick's backup until taking over the starting role when Quick got injured. His great play during this period caught the Oilers' attention and they acquired him (after Quick came back and the Kings wanted to use Jones as the backup). Scrivens settled in with Edmonton becoming the starter in his one and a half years with the team. The hi-lite came when he got an NHL record 59 save shutout just two weeks after the Oilers acuqired him. After dressing for 57 games with Edmonton in 14-15, it was expected he would become the backup in 15-16 after the Oilers acquired Cam Talbot. But the Oilers chose to go with Anders Nilsson as backup to Talbot and Scrivens suddenly found himself in the AHL. The Oilers would deal him to Montreal where he would play another 15 NHL games and then he went to Russia and played two years in the KHL before retiring in 2018. Since retiring he's gone back to school to finish his degree. Happy 35th Ben.

One more thing I'll say about Scrivens--I remember him as giving the best interviews. He came off as quite smart with a no BS style--his "superstitions are stupid" stance was particularly refreshing coming from a pro athlete. On a personality level, I think he might have been my favourite Oiler of all time.

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 September 12 [message #791788 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 12 September 2021 12:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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The first ever coach of the Oilers is our subject today. Until I did the research I hadn't realized he passed away just two week ago (not worthy of even a mention in the media?):



Ray Kinasewich
Born: September 12, 1933 in Smoky Lake, AB.
Oilers Coaching Career: 1972-73; 45 games (0 playoff games)
Died: August 30, 2021 (age 87) of an undisclosed cause in Vancouver, BC.

Kinasewich was a minor league forward who played pro-hockey from 1953 to 1965, but never made the NHL (much tougher to do in the original six era). After he retired, he was hired by Bill Hunter to coach the Oil Kings, leading them the Memorial Cup in 1966. He went on to coach in the AHL, before being targeted by Hunter again in 1972 to be the very first coach of the Alberta Oilers. He wouldn't even finish out the season as he went 20-23-2 and Hunter decided to fire him an finish the season himself. It looks like he was out of hockey after that, but there's not too much info on him these last 50 years or so. He founded his own business with his brothers (K Bro Linen systems) and eventually retired to Vancouver. He passed away just two weeks ago on August 30, 2021 at the age of 87 of an undisclosed cause. RIP Ray.

Bad year for ex-Oiler coaches; Kinasewich is the third to pass away this year after John Muckler and Bryan Watson. Let's hope it stops at three.

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 September 13 [message #791791 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 13 September 2021 09:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just a lone Russian d-man from the 90's today:



Igor Kravchuk
Born: September 13, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Ufa, USSR.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Dean McAmmond) for Joe Murphy, February 24, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1992-93 to 1995-96; 160 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to St. Louis (with Ken Sutton) for Donald Dufresne and Jeff Norton, January 4, 1996.

Kravchuk was a Russian blueliner who was a stalwart in his home country in the late 80s. That's him as the one man back on the famous 3 on 1 goal scored by Mario Lemieux in the 1987 Canada Cup. He was 25 when he came over to play in the NHL in 1992, joining the Blackhawks. He came to Edmonton for Joe Murphy late in the 92-93 season and would be one of Edmonton's top blueliners for the next three years. He had his best NHL season in 93-94 getting 50 points (he never had more than 35 in any other season). The Oilers dealt him to St. Louis midway through the 95-96 season and he would continue his NHL career through Ottawa, Calgary, and Florida before retiring in 2002. He has returned to Russia and has coached in the KHL, comeback to Canada to coach Bantam hockey, and is currently the Youth Hockey Supervisor for the Avangard Omsk in the KHL. Happy 55th Igor.

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 September 14 [message #791803 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 14 September 2021 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Today's lone birthday boy will certainly evoke memories of an OT winner a few years back.




David Desharnais
Born: September 14, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Laurier-Station, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal for Brandon Davidson, February 28, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2016-17; 18 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 4, 2017.

Desharnais was an undrafted undersized forward out of the QMJHL who slowly managed to work his way up to an NHL career. He played three years in Hamilton in the AHL and finally managed to crack the Habs lineup during 10-11 season. In 11-12 he exploded for 60 points with Montreal and he would become a useful contributor over the next few years. By the 16-17 season (after 10 years in the Canadiens' organization) his numbers were down and the Oilers acquired him as a deadline rental for their playoff run. He played mostly on the fourth line with the Oilers and is best remembered for getting the OT winner in game 5 versus the Sharks--believe it or not but this remains (as of this writing) the only playoff OT winner the Oilers have since the 2006 cup run (they've lost 5 straight playoff OT games since then). Back to Desharnais--he signed with the Rangers in 2017, and then went to Europe (KHL and Swiss league). He's currently in his third season with Fribourg-Gotteron. Happy 35th David.

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 Re: September 14 [message #791843 is a reply to message #791803 ]
Wed, 15 September 2021 12:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kr55 is currently offline Kr55
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benv wrote on Tue, 14 September 2021 10:01

Today's lone birthday boy will certainly evoke memories of an OT winner a few years back.




David Desharnais
Born: September 14, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Laurier-Station, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal for Brandon Davidson, February 28, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2016-17; 18 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 4, 2017.

Desharnais was an undrafted undersized forward out of the QMJHL who slowly managed to work his way up to an NHL career. He played three years in Hamilton in the AHL and finally managed to crack the Habs lineup during 10-11 season. In 11-12 he exploded for 60 points with Montreal and he would become a useful contributor over the next few years. By the 16-17 season (after 10 years in the Canadiens' organization) his numbers were down and the Oilers acquired him as a deadline rental for their playoff run. He played mostly on the fourth line with the Oilers and is best remembered for getting the OT winner in game 5 versus the Sharks--believe it or not but this remains (as of this writing) the only playoff OT winner the Oilers have since the 2006 cup run (they've lost 5 straight playoff OT games since then). Back to Desharnais--he signed with the Rangers in 2017, and then went to Europe (KHL and Swiss league). He's currently in his third season with Fribourg-Gotteron. Happy 35th David.



Top 3 Chia move getting him? :)

"We need to get better immediately. That starts today"
- Lowe, 2013

"Next year I would forecast as another developmental year"
- MacT, 2015

5 x $5,000,000

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 Re: September 14 [message #791845 is a reply to message #791843 ]
Wed, 15 September 2021 12:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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Kr55 wrote on Wed, 15 September 2021 12:21

benv wrote on Tue, 14 September 2021 10:01

Today's lone birthday boy will certainly evoke memories of an OT winner a few years back.




David Desharnais
Born: September 14, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Laurier-Station, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal for Brandon Davidson, February 28, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2016-17; 18 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 4, 2017.

Desharnais was an undrafted undersized forward out of the QMJHL who slowly managed to work his way up to an NHL career. He played three years in Hamilton in the AHL and finally managed to crack the Habs lineup during 10-11 season. In 11-12 he exploded for 60 points with Montreal and he would become a useful contributor over the next few years. By the 16-17 season (after 10 years in the Canadiens' organization) his numbers were down and the Oilers acquired him as a deadline rental for their playoff run. He played mostly on the fourth line with the Oilers and is best remembered for getting the OT winner in game 5 versus the Sharks--believe it or not but this remains (as of this writing) the only playoff OT winner the Oilers have since the 2006 cup run (they've lost 5 straight playoff OT games since then). Back to Desharnais--he signed with the Rangers in 2017, and then went to Europe (KHL and Swiss league). He's currently in his third season with Fribourg-Gotteron. Happy 35th David.



Top 3 Chia move getting him? :)



Arguably we needed the defensive depth more for that playoff run.

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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 Re: September 14 [message #791860 is a reply to message #791803 ]
Thu, 16 September 2021 09:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dragon_Matt is currently offline Dragon_Matt
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a shift that lasted 3 seconds!

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 September 15 [message #791841 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 15 September 2021 11:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Doubtful you'll remember either of today's alumni; I actually remember one of Greenlay's games back in 1990 and thinking he looked pretty good (thus I was surprised how bad his stats are).



Gerry Pinder
Born: September 15, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Saskatoon, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

A forward out of Saskatoon, Pinder made his NHL debut during 69-70 when he made the Hawks and played the full season with them. After another year in Chicago followed by a year with the Golden Seals, he made the league switch when the WHA started up in 1972, signing with the Cleveland Crusaders. He spent four full seasons in Cleveland (the entire existence of the franchise--he holds a lot of the franchise records--guess he's the original CrusaderPi(nder)). He would then play one season in San Diego, before signing with the Oilers to start the 77-78 season. This would be a short lived experiment, as he would play just 5 games before an eye injury forced him to retire. He's been a busy guy since retiring; he became an owner of the Regina Pats until 1986, worked briefly for the Oilers in their television broadcasts, and also lived and worked in Calgary in both real estate and oil. Happy 73rd Gerry.


Mike Greenlay
Born: September 15, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Vitoria, Brazil.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 189th overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1989-90; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Tampa Bay, July 29, 1992.

Born in Brazil, but raised in Calgary, Greenlay was a goalie who played in Lake Suprerior State as well as the Saskatoon Blades after being drafted by the Oilers in 1986. He signed with the Oil in 1989 and spent three years with the franchise, playing mostly in the AHL and ECHL. During the 89-90 season, he was called up to back up Ranford for a few games after Fuhr was injured. He managed to get in two games (the only NHL games of his career), but his numbers were an unenviable 11.75 GAA and 0.765 save%. He left the Oilers in 1992, signing with Tampa Bay, but he spent the rest of his career in the AHL, IHL, and ECHL until he retired in 1996. He went into broadcasting after retirement and currently serves as the colour commentator for Minnesota Wild television broadcasts. Happy 53rd Mike.


No birthdays tomorrow so no post tomorrow. Back on Friday.

[Updated on: Wed, 15 September 2021 13:08]

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 Re: September 15 [message #791862 is a reply to message #791841 ]
Thu, 16 September 2021 09:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GabbyDugan is currently offline GabbyDugan
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benv wrote on Wed, 15 September 2021 11:55

Doubtful you'll remember either of today's alumni; I actually remember one of Greenlay's games back in 1990 and thinking he looked pretty good (thus I was surprised how bad his stats are).



Gerry Pinder
Born: September 15, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Saskatoon, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

A forward out of Saskatoon, Pinder made his NHL debut during 69-70 when he made the Hawks and played the full season with them. After another year in Chicago followed by a year with the Golden Seals, he made the league switch when the WHA started up in 1972, signing with the Cleveland Crusaders. He spent four full seasons in Cleveland (the entire existence of the franchise--he holds a lot of the franchise records--guess he's the original CrusaderPi(nder)). He would then play one season in San Diego, before signing with the Oilers to start the 77-78 season. This would be a short lived experiment, as he would play just 5 games before an eye injury forced him to retire. He's been a busy guy since retiring; he became an owner of the Regina Pats until 1986, worked briefly for the Oilers in their television broadcasts, and also lived and worked in Calgary in both real estate and oil. Happy 73rd Gerry.

No birthdays tomorrow so no post tomorrow. Back on Friday.


I don't know anything about Pinder's hockey career, but I used to go to Saskatoon often when I was getting my trucking business off the ground. The Pinder name was very prominent in Saskatoon's pharmacy and political circles and had been for generations. I'm kind of surprised Gerry Pinder didn't follow in the family footsteps and chose a lifetime in hockey. (maybe Oscargasm knows a few of the details). Mr. Pinder sure seemed to play for a lot of pro teams that became defunct, Glad that wasn't the fate of the Oilers.


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 September 17 [message #791895 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 17 September 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Two forwards today, including a guy who was much maligned on this board a decade ago.



Valeri Zelepukin
Born: September 17, 1968 (turns 53 today) in Voskresensk, USSR.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New Jersey (with Bill Guerin) for Jason Arnott and Bryan Muir, January 4, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1997-98; 33 games (8 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia for Daniel Lacroix, October 5, 1998.

Zelepukin was one of the many Russians who came over to North America in the early 90s with the fall of the USSR. He joined the Devils in 1991 and had an immediate impact as a scoring winger (his best season was 64 points in 92-93). He was amidst his seventh season with the Devils in 97-98 when he was dealt to the Oilers as part of the Arnott-Guerin swap. He was a bit past his prime, but would finish the season with the Oilers playing 33 games and another 8 in the playoffs. It was just the half season in Edmonton as he was off to Philadelphia prior to the start of 98-99. He would play two years with the Flyers, one with the Hawks and then toil in the AHL until he returned to Russia in 2002. He finished his career with four years in the Russian league until retiring in 2006. After retirement he spent four years as Sports Manager for Meallurg in the KHL and most recently as the GM of Severstal. Happy 53rd Valeri.



Shawn Horcoff
Born: September 17, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Trail, BC.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 99th overall, June 27, 1998.
Oilers Career: 2000-01 to 2012-13; 796 games (35 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Dallas for Phillip Larsen and 7th round pick, July 5, 2013.

The Oilers drafted Horcoff out of Michigan State in the 3rd round of 1998. After finishing college he spent half a season in the AHL before jumping up to the Oilers during the 00-01 season. He would spend the next thirteen years on the team, slowly working his way up from the fourth to occasionally the top line centre. He had his best season in 05-06 getting 73 points and leading Oiler forwards in points (behind just Pronger) during the Stanley Cup run that year. After a bit of an off year in 06-07 he was having another great season in 07-08 until being sidelined with injury. Over the next five years, as the Oilers continued to rebuild, he found his offensive role diiminished as he made way for younger players. He was named captain in 2010 and would hold that role for his last three years with the team. His 796 games with the team is fifth all time. Horcoff was not generally a fan favourite as many thought he was overpaid for what he brought (he was lucky (maybe smart?) in that his two long term contracts were both negotiated after his best seasons). But there's no denying he was a warrior as an Oiler, and we will always remember his 05-06 heroics (blocking a puck with his face to preserve a win against Detroit and scoring the OT winner in game 3 versus the Sharks). He finally moved on in 2013 wrapping his career with two years in Dallas and another in Anaheim before retiring in 2016. Since then he has worked for the Detroit Red Wings as their director of player development. Happy 43rd Shawn.

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 September 18 [message #791921 is a reply to message #771063 ]
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benv is currently offline benv
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Just a single alumnus today:



Andrew Miller
Born: September 18, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, April 17, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2015-16; 15 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Carolina, July 1, 2016.

Miller was an undrafted winger out of Yale when the Oilers signed him in 2013. He would spend three years in the Oilers' system playing 159 games with OKC and Bakersfield (where he put up decent numbers) and getting in 15 games with the Oilers. He looked decent in his time in Edmonton, getting 6 points and scoring his only goal on a penalty shot (the only player in Oiler history who can say that). The Oilers moved on from him after the 15-16 season and he would sign with Carolina. He played two years in with their AHL affiliate without getting an NHL sniff, before heading to Europe and playing a year in the Swiss league followed by a year in the KHL (19-20). It looks like he sat out 20-21, but hasn't officially retired yet. Happy 33rd Andrew.

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 September 19 [message #791930 is a reply to message #771063 ]
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benv is currently offline benv
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Today's alumnus is an enigmatic Finn that doesn't get talked about around here much.



Joni Pitkanen
Born: September 19, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Oulu, Finland.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia (with Geoff Sanderson and 3rd round pick) for Joffrey Lupul and Jason Smith, July 1, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08; 63 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Carolina for Erik Cole, July 1, 2008.

Pitkanen was a top prospect d-man out of Finland, drafted 4th overall by the Flyers in 2002. He joined the Flyers in 03-04 and by 2007 was a top 25 scoring defenseman in the league. The Oilers acquired him in 2007 as the main piece in a big trade in hopes he would be the offensive d-man they needed (after a year without Pronger). His production went down a bit in 07-08 but he was still second in d-man scoring on the team despite missing 19 games. Rumours are that he was a bit odd and didn't fit in with his teammates which may have been the catalyst for his departure after just one season. He was traded to the Hurricanes where he would rebound and play for the next five seasons. He started to run into injury troubles in 11-12 and after the 12-13 season he would sit out the next two years with a heel injury. He tried a comeback in Finland in 15-16 but it lasted just 3 games and he retired permanaently in 2016. Following his retirement he worked for a couple of years as a scout with Carolina. Happy 38th Joni.

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 September 20 [message #791944 is a reply to message #771063 ]
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benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Another two players from days gone by:




Kerry Ketter
Born: September 20, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Prince George, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in 1972 WHA professional draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 48 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New England (with Steve Carlyle) for Paul Hurley and Clarke Jantze, February 2, 1976.

Ketter is another ex-Oil King who eventually came back to play with the Oilers. He was a defenseman who spent his entire pro-career on the bubble to making the big show. He had one year in the NHL (72-73) with the expansion Atlanta Flames, but spent the rest of his career up to 1975 in the minors. The Oilers gave him a shot for the 75-76 season and he would play 48 games for them (10 points). They traded him in February to New England, but he would never suit up for the Whalers or for any other team again. He seems to have disappeared off the grid since 1976. Wherever you are, Kerry, I hope things are good and happy 74th today.


Mike Forbes
Born: September 20, 1957 (turns 63 today) in Brampton, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Boston in WHA expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80 to 1981-82; 18 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Released in 1983.

Forbes was a right shot d-man and 3rd round pick by the Bruins in 1977. He played most of his career in the minors, managing just 50 total NHL games. After playing 32 games with the Bruins in 77-78 he was in the minors until the Oilers scooped him in the WHA expansion draft. He spent four years in the organization, almost all in the minors, but he did play 18 games with the Oilers and was a pretty good point producer from the back end in Wichita. The Oilers released him after 82-83 and he would continue in the minors until retiring in 1987. He was busy after retiring, becoming owner and GM of the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Salt Lake Golden Eagles (IHL), commissioner of the CHL for a few years, and most recently coaching in the ACHA. Happy 63rd Mike.

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 September 21 [message #791973 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 21 September 2021 09:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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With today's two players we have "the old" in an early 80s guy who has passed away and "the new" with a player just starting his Oiler career and the youngest guy to appear on this list so far.


EDIT: added Gary MacGregor (missed in the original pass through) on December 21:

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.



Matti Hagman
Born: September 21, 1955 in Helsinki, Finland.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 11, 1980.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1981-82; 147 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to Finland in 1982.
Died: October 11, 2016 (age 61) in Espoo Finland of an undisclosed illness.

Hagman was a Finnish star forward who came over from Finland to North America to join the Bruins in 1976. He played a season and a bit with the Bruins but he decided to jump to the WHA early in the 77-78 season (apparently he clashed with Don Cherry over his playing time--big surprise there) and finished the season with the Nordiques. He returned to Finland in 1978, but was coaxed back in 1980 by the Oilers whom he signed with prior to the 80-81 season. He would spend two full seasons in Edmonton getting a total of 112 points playing both as their third line centre or as a winger playing with Messier and Anderson. He came to camp in 1982 but suffered an injury and eventually returned home to Finland and would never play in the NHL again. He would play another ten years in Finland before retiring in 1992. Post career he did some coaching both in Switzerland and Finland. He died in 2016 of an undisclosed illness at the age of 61. RIP Matti.



Ryan McLeod
Born: September 21, 1999 (turns 22 today) in Mississauga, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 40th overall, June 23, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2020-21 to present; 10 games and counting (4 playoff games).

McLeod played four years in the OHL getting better with each season. He was drafted by Edmonton in 2018 in the 2nd round and turned pro in 2019. He played two seasons in Bakersfield and was called up to finish 20-21 in Edmonton, playing 10 games down the stretch as well as all four playoff games. The offense (at least at the NHL level) is yet to come, but there is obviously high hopes for his future here as he is expected to at least start the season in Edmonton. Hopefully we will see a marked improvement in 21-22. Happy 22nd Ryan.

[Updated on: Tue, 21 December 2021 09:42]

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 September 22 [message #792051 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 22 September 2021 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Three players today, all first round picks that were later acquired by the Oilers:



Craig Redmond
Born: September 22, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Dawson Creek, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from NY Rangers, November 1, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1989.

Redmond was a top prospect, being drafted 6th overall by the Kings in 1984. He went right from the Canadian National Team to the Kings' lineup in 84-85, getting 39 points from the backend in his rookie season. By 86-87 he had injury issues and missed most of the season (as well as the next season) trying to recover. The Kings gave up on him at this point and the Oilers acquired him prior to the 88-89 season. He would play 21 games in Edmonton and had a decent 13 points, but they demoted him to Cape Breton after that. He would finish the year in the AHL and then retired after the season at the age of only 25. He would make a comeback attempt six year later playing for Cape Breton in 95-96, but is was short lived. He lives in Vancouver and works as a project manager for multiple land developing companies. Happy 56th Craig.



Pat Falloon
Born: September 22, 1972 (turns 49 today) in Foxwarren, MB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 21, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1998-99 to 1999-00; 115 games (4 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh, February 4, 2000.

Falloon was also a top prospect, being the 2nd overall pick (and first ever pick by the Sharks) in the 1991 draft (after Eric Lindros). After lighting up the WHL, he had a tremendous first season in the NHL getting 59 points in 91-92. While this would be his career high, he would continue to put up points, but was still shuffled around the league, first to Philadelphia, then Ottawa before the Oilers were able to sign him in 1998. After a decent first season in 98-99 (40 points) he played only sporadically in 99-00 (the switch in coaches was a big factor here--Low was a big fan, but Lowe was not). He would be claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh and finish 99-00 with them and that would be it for his NHL career. After a season in Switzerland he returned to his home of Foxwarren and played seven years in the lowly NCHL (where he was a superstar getting nearly 5 points a game) until he retired in 2008. He continues to work as a grain farmer on the family farm in Manitoba; happy 49th Pat.


Ethan Moreau
Born: September 22, 1975 (turns 46 today) in Huntsville, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Daniel Cleary, Chad Kilger, Christian Laflamme, and 2nd round pick) for Jonas Elofsson, Dean McAmmond, Boris Mironov, and 2nd round pick, March 20 1999.
Oilers Career: 1998-99 to 2009-10; 653 games (40 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Columbus, June 30, 2010.

Moreau was a mid-1st round pick by the Hawks in 1994. A top scorer in the OHL he established himself in the NHL as a checking/penalty killing forward, never putting up more than 32 points in a season. After three years in Chicago, the Oilers acquired him in a blockbuster trade in 1999 and he would spend eleven years in Edmonton. Early on he formed a dynamic third line with Marchant and Grier and after they both left, he would play with various linemates on the third and fourth lines. He was made captain in 2007, spending his last three seasons with the team in that role. After the 09-10, the Oilers intended to buy him out, but were saved the trouble when Columbus claimed him. He would play one year in Columbus and another in Los Angeles before retiring in 2012. After retiring he worked for three years as a scout with Montreal and then as an assistant coach at Niagara University. He's currently Niagara's director of hockey operations. Happy 46th Ethan.

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 September 23 [message #792124 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 23 September 2021 09:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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The beat goes on. Here are today's two birthday alumni:



Joffrey Lupul
Born: September 23, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Fort Saskatchewan, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Anaheim (with Ladislav Smid, two 1st round picks, and 2nd round pick) for Chris Pronger, July 3, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2006-07; 81 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with Jason Smith) for Joni Pitkanen, Geoff Sanderson, and 3rd round pick, July 1, 2007.

Obligatory shout out to another player from my hometown. Lupul was a scoring star out of the WHL and 1st round pick by the Mighty Ducks in 2002. By 05-06 he found himself a regular top line forward in Anaheim. Before he knew it, however, he found himself dealt to the Oilers as the main piece in the Pronger trade. Lupul's one season in Edmonton was a disappointment--he had just 28 points in 81 games and seemed to suffer a bit of "Jimmy Carson syndrome" where he felt the pressure of trying to replace a superstar and was never very comfortable. The Oilers sent him to Philadelphia in 2007 and he would rebound back to 50 points. He returned to Anaheim in 2009 and then eventually to Toronto 2011. He had his best season with the Leafs in 11-12 getting 67 points in 66 games. He eventually suffered injury problems and would be forced to retire in 2016 (some speculation that he was forced into this by the Leafs for cap reasons). Since retiring he's moved to New York City and is part owner of the Due West bar. Happy 38th Joffrey.



Pontus Aberg
Born: September 23, 1993 (turns 28 today) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Nashville for Mark Letestu, February 25, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2017-18; 16 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Anaheim, October 1, 2018.

Aberg was a Swedish forward who came to North America in 2014 after being drafted in the 2nd round by Nashville in 2012. He spent nearly four years in the Preds' system, mostly playing in the AHL, but he did start to show NHL skill and played 52 games with Nashville. He joined the Oilers for the end of the 17-18 season and played 16 games with the team getting 8 points. He came to camp the next year but was claimed by the Ducks after the Oilers demoted him. He started 18-19 in Anaheim with a bang but soon cooled off and was eventually demoted to the AHL again. Since then he's spent time with Minnesota and Toronto and played the 20-21 season in the KHL. Happy 28th Pontus.


No ex-Oilers have a September 24 birthday so we will return on Saturday.

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 September 25 [message #792251 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 25 September 2021 11:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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One player and one special guest today:


Kim Issel
Born: September 25, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Regina, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 21st overall, June 21, 1986.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for Brad Aitken, March 5, 1991.

Issel was one of the many 1st round picks the Oilers made in the 80s that never panned out. After a couple of point-a-game years in Prince Albert he joined the Oilers' organization in 1987 and played nearly four years in the system, almost all of it in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton in the AHL, where he maintained his point-a-game pace. His only taste of the NHL was a four game look by the Oilers in 88-89, and that would be it. They traded him to Pittsburgh in 1991 (played in the IHL while with the Pens) and he then went to Europe and played seven years across various leagues in Austria, Italy, Britain, Slovenia, and Germany before retiring in 1998. After retirement he moved back to Prince Albert and became a police constable. Happy 54th Kim.


And our special guest:

Joey Moss
Born: September 25, 1963 in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Locker-room attendant: 1984-85 to 2019-20.
Died: October 26, 2020 (age 57) in Edmonton of complications from Alzheimer's.

Joey's story is well enough known. He had Down's syndrome and when Wayne Gretzky was dating Joey's older sister Vikki in the early 80s, Wayne took an instant liking to Joey and admired his work ethic. He convinced the Oilers' to give Moss a job in the Oilers' dressing room in 1985 and history was made. While Wayne and Vikki never lasted, the relationship between Joey and the Oilers lasted 35 years. The hundreds of players, coaches, and other employees that have come and gone through the decades all had nothing but positive things to say about Moss as he just did his job and loved every minute of it. His popularity lead him to working for the Eskimos as well in the summer when his Oiler duties were finished. While there are probably other sports organizations that have a similar story, I can't think of any. Joey died last year from complications from Alzheimer's disease and the Oilers will be paying tribute to him this Tuesday at their pre-season opener. RIP Joey.

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 September 25 [message #792264 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 26 September 2021 10:19 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
We'll keep things short and sweet today:


Wes George
Born: September 26, 1958 (turns 63 today) in Young, SK.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, June 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Indianapolis for future considerations, November 1978.

George was a winger out of the Saskatoon Blades and late round pick of the Red Wings. He chose to sign with the Oilers in 1978 and would play just 3 games with the team before being dealt to Indianapolis. After 9 games with the Racers he was demoted to the minors and he would never get back to major pro. He hung around playing in the minors for two more years but then retired in 1981. I cannot find any traces of his activities in the last 40 years. Hope things are well Wes and happy 63rd.

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 September 27 [message #792287 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 27 September 2021 09:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 601
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Always sad when I tackle a new day in this thread only to find out a player has recently passed away:




Miroslav Frycer
Born: September 27, 1959 in Ostrava Czechoslovakia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for 10th round pick, January 3, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Germany in 1989.
Died: April 27, 2021 (age 61) in Koberice, Czech Republic of a blood disorder.

Frycer was a star forward in Czechoslovakia when he defected to Canada in 1981. He was immediately signed by the Nordiques but was traded to the Leafs before the 81-82 season was over. He had his best years in Toronto playing over six seasons and having his career high of 75 points during 85-86. After a very public feud with Leafs coach John Brophy (I actually remember him continuing to talk about how much he hated Brophy even after he left Toronto) he was dealt to the Red Wings in 1988 and would subsequently be traded to the Oilers mid-season in 88-89. He got 10 points in 14 games as an Oiler but chose to go and play in Germany before the playoffs. He would finish out his career in Germany and Italy before retiring in 1992. After retirement he spent 25 years coaching in Europe from 1995 to 2020, mostly in Italy but also with stints in Poland and the Czech Republic. His last job was head coach of Orli Znojmo in the Czech league in 19-20. Tragically he became ill with a blood disorder that lead to his hospitalization and eventual death just 5 months ago in April at the age of 61. RIP Miroslav.

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