Well, it’s the
middle of summer, and hockey fans are clamouring for anything about hockey.
Myself, I’ve been on Youtube searching up old WHA videos, which will probably
explain why I am writing this article today.
I have come to the
conclusion that the Edmonton Oilers need to honor their past history from the
former WHA more than they have, as they are the final WHA franchise remaining
active. This season also marks the 40th Anniversary of the founding of
the World Hockey Association, which was on June 10th, 1971.
The franchise is
one of the Charter Franchises of the WHA, beginning operations as the Alberta
Oilers in 1972. They went on to become one of the most prominent and stable
franchises in the league, and attracted many fans to their games throughout the
years. They signed stars such as Jacques Plante, Al Hamilton, Jim Harrison, Ron
Chipperfield and more. They also have the distinct prestige of having played
the first and last games ever played in the WHA. The Oilers also scored the
first and last goals in WHA history as well. This team has so much history and
prestige behind it, that it is kinda puzzling why they don’t flaunt it a bit
more.
So, how could they
honor that part of their history? Well, here are some suggestions of mine, feel
free to make your own suggestions at the bottom of this page. I am eager to
hear them.
One would be to
introduce (or re-introduce) this jersey as an alternate;
This was the first
jersey ever worn by the Oilers, which was in the first game played in the WHA,
in Ottawa, where they defeated the Ottawa Nationals 7-4 on October 11th, 1972. The Oilers’ Rob
Anderson scored the first goal in WHA history in that game. I personally think
that this jersey is a classic and should be worn once in a while by the club.
Another option
would be to retire Jacques Plante’s #30 which he wore during his tenure with
the Oilers. I cannot understand why they haven’t done this yet. Plante is a
legend to hockey and its fans, and his contributions to the Oilers’ legacy MUST
be recognized. To me, it almost feels like Plante is being snubbed by the
Edmonton Oilers organization. His number deserves to be in the rafters of
Rexall Place.
A third option
could be to put the WHA logo on the ice of Rexall Place or on the shoulder of
the Edmonton Oilers’ jerseys, with a script reading “40th
Anniversary” across the top or bottom of the logo.
Whatever the case, it seems to me
that the Edmonton Oilers should call more attention to their WHA history, as
without the World Hockey Association, Edmonton would not have the Oilers, and
would not have the reputation as the City of Champions. Let’s give the WHA and
the Oilers’ the credit and the accolades they so deservingly ought to have.
By Paul Neumann
By Paul Neumann
Good read. Have you ever thought of emailing this article to the oilers?
ReplyDeleteI always wished they wore these!! classic and awesome! speaking of banners, they should have the WHA 1977-78 League Champions banner up (best reg. seas. record)....but that, and Jaques Plante banner both being WHA and not NH, I can't see the League going for that :(
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