As of March 1, 2020, the Edmonton Oil Kings Alumni is expanding their ranks, to include all WHL graduate players from the Edmonton area, who have played a minimum of 1 year (68 games) in the WHL.
"Not only has the game changed drastically over the years, but so have the methods by which each club is able to operate", stated Darryl Havrelock, founder of the Oil Kings Alumni. When junior hockey came to Edmonton back in the 50's, there was a Sponsorship system in place, whereby each club was supported financially to a certain degree, by one of the six NHL clubs, with many hometown boys playing on each team. Such is not the case nowadays, as all CHL clubs follow a Draft plan similar to the one utilized by today's 32-team NHL. Players from all over the world, come to each WHL team via their Draft system. It's tough if not impossible for any Alumni to survive by operating like it was still the '50's. And, we all wear the same uniform nowadays, chuckled Havrelock. Maybe we can start something here for other clubs to take a look at, and maybe follow suit."
"Our Alumni is likely the most active in all of today's Western Hockey League cities", cited Havrelock. "Each year we hold roughly 7 events, well attended, and go a long way at keeping the guys all together. There are numerous Edmonton & area boys playing in the WHL, and we want to welcome them into our expanded Alumni which will be known as the OIL KINGS & WHL ALUMNI
Our Premier Alumni Event is our annual Golf Tournament, now in it's 13th year. Our other events range from Breakfasts or lunches, to A Night at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre, to a Mystery Golf Day, or we've taken in a ball game. One thing we've made certain of, is to welcome our golf tourney sponsors to these events. They are the ones who support us & make it possible for us to remain active as a group". We consider them to be part of our Alumni group.
So, calling all former WHL players in the Edmonton area. If you are interested in becoming part of the Oil Kings & Western Hockey League Alumni, go to our "ALUMNI REGISTRY PAGE, fill it out & follow the instructions.
If you have any questions,
contact either Darryl Havrelock at 780-469-5718 or email dotanddk@shaw.ca
or
contact Gregg Pilling at 780-486-2125 or 780-909-3691 or email gregg@thepillings.ca
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