Cal Nichols' Lasting Legacy: Keeping the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton

Cal Nichols, a businessman and hockey enthusiast, played a crucial role in keeping the Edmonton Oilers in their hometown. Born on April 25, 1942, in Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan, Nichols built his business career from scratch, taking over an Esso station at 19 and eventually growing it into the largest agency in Canada.

Nichols' most significant contribution to hockey was saving the Edmonton Oilers from relocation threats. In 1994, owner Peter Pocklington agreed to give local buyers the right to purchase the team for $100. Nichols co-chaired the Friends of the Oilers ticket drive and spearheaded the local ownership bid that became the Edmonton Investors Group.

Under his leadership, the Oilers achieved financial success, with Forbes valuing the club at $146 million by 2008. However, after rejecting multiple purchase offers from billionaire Daryl Katz, Nichols finally agreed to sell in December 2007 for $288 million ($188 million plus $100 million toward a new arena). Nichols resigned as chairman that same month.

Nichols' legacy extends beyond hockey. He helped found the Alberta Enterprise Group and was recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to business and community, including induction into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2014.