Alberta Oilers
1972-73
Edmonton was brought into the WHA's fold early on. The very colorful Bull Hunter aided the team and the league to get off their feet. Without Hunter Gary Davidson and Dennis Murphy say that the league wouldn't have got of their feet. The WHA co-founders liked what they saw in Edmonton, because they were a large Canadian city, far from an NHL team and Hunter lived their.
With these thoughts in mind the Wha granted a franchise to Edmonton on November 1, 1971. Originally named the Edmonton Oil Kings the team name was changed to the Alberta Oilers, because some games would be played in Calgary and others in Edmonton.
During the first season the team signed players from the NHL. None were as notable as Bobby Hull or Derek Sanderson, but they helped enhance the look of the team. Former Maple Leaf Jim Harrison was offered $75,000 a year from the Oilers to jump leagues and teams. Also Buffalo's Al Hamilton and Pittsburgh's
Val Fonteyne joined the team. On the ice the team played to a respectable 38-37-3 record. This forced them to a one game match versus the Minnesota Fighting Saints, but unfourtunately they lost 4-2. After the season was done Ray Kinasewich was fired and the team changed their name to the Edmonton Oilers.
Alberta Oilers Year-by-Year Year W L T pts. Finish Playoffs 1972-73 35 39 4 74 4th Western Lost 4-2 to Minnesota in a Tiebreaker
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