started · updated
Cal Nichols, businessman who saved Edmonton Oilers, dies at 84
Cal Nichols, the prominent businessman credited with saving the Edmonton Oilers from relocation, has died at the age of 84.
Nichols played a pivotal role in the late 1990s when the Oilers faced financial instability and the threat of moving to Houston. He co-chaired the ‘Friends of the Oilers’ ticket drive in 1996, which doubled the team’s season ticket base. In 1998, he spearheaded the Edmonton Investors Group, assembling 38 local investors to purchase the franchise for $110 million, ensuring the team remained in Edmonton. He served as the group’s chairman and the team’s governor until the franchise was sold to Daryl Katz in 2008.
Beyond his impact on hockey, Nichols was a successful figure in the oil and gas industry, co-founding Northridge Canada Inc. and Gasland Oil. His community contributions earned him several honors, including the Order of Canada and induction into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Edna, two children, and five grandchildren.
Entities
Cal Nichols · Daryl Katz · Edmonton Investors Group · Edmonton Oilers · Gary Bettman
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cal Nichols died at the age of 84. 24-ore.com · www.dailyfaceoff.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Edmonton Investors Group sold the team to Daryl Katz in 2008. 24-ore.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nichols was a recipient of the Order of Canada. 24-ore.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nichols led a group of 38 investors to purchase the Oilers for $110 million in 1998. 24-ore.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nichols helped found Northridge, Canada’s first private crude oil and natural gas marketing company. www.dailyfaceoff.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nichols co-chaired the Friends of the Oilers ticket drive in 1996. 24-ore.com · www.dailyfaceoff.com · ca.news.yahoo.com