Cal Nichols, a well-known figure in Edmonton for his business acumen and community contributions, passed away at the age of 84. He is recognized for his instrumental role in ensuring the Edmonton Oilers remained in the city. Nichols’ dedication to the team was pivotal in various endeavors, such as a ticket drive in 1996 that significantly increased season ticket holders and securing investments to prevent the Oilers from being relocated to Houston.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted Nichols’ pivotal contributions, stating that without him, the Oilers might not have stayed in Edmonton. Nichols, as the head of the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG), played a crucial role in rescuing NHL hockey in the city during the 1990s. When the team faced financial challenges in 1997, leading to a potential sale to Houston, Nichols spearheaded a group of 38 investors, predominantly from Alberta, to purchase the team for $110 million Canadian dollars, ultimately becoming the largest ownership group in the NHL.
The EIG later sold the franchise to the current owner, Daryl Katz, in 2008. Former Oilers defenseman and Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe acknowledged Nichols’ significant impact on the team’s foundation. Lowe praised Nichols for his relentless efforts in securing the team’s future, emphasizing his pivotal role in the preservation of the Oilers in Edmonton.
Despite facing challenges, Nichols and his investor group managed to submit a $5-million deposit just hours before a critical deadline in March 1998, ensuring the team’s continued presence in Edmonton. This last-minute save solidified Nichols’ legacy as a driving force behind the Oilers’ enduring success.
Kevin Lowe expressed gratitude for Nichols’ leadership, recognizing his indispensable role in shaping the team’s trajectory, including the development of Rogers Place and the emergence of star player Connor McDavid. Nichols is survived by his wife, Edna, children Kristine and Ken, five grandchildren, and numerous individuals whose lives he positively impacted.