One of the defining figures in Edmonton Oilers history has died.
Cal Nichols, the Edmonton businessman who rallied investors to help keep the franchise in Alberta, died on Sunday at 84. A native of Saskatchewan, Nichols is best known for organizing 38 investors to create the Edmonton Investors Group in the late 1990s, a move that helped block a push by Texas businessman Leslie Alexander to buy the Oilers and move them to Houston.
That effort came at a critical moment for the club, which was dealing with financial trouble. EIG ultimately won the fight to keep the team in Edmonton, buying the Oilers for $70 million in 1998 and holding ownership until 2008. Nichols served throughout that stretch as the group’s founder, chairman and NHL governor.
The Oilers announced his death on Sunday afternoon.
“On behalf of his family, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of former Edmonton Investors Group Chairman, Cal Nichols,” the team shared on social media. “Our hearts are with Nichols’ family and friends. Once an Oiler, Always an Oiler.”
The team also confirmed in a release that Nichols remained a season seat holder until his death.
Nichols’ role in the franchise’s survival stands as his lasting sports legacy. He was the force behind the ownership group that kept the Oilers in Edmonton, and later helped set the stage for another ownership change when the team attracted the interest of Daryl Katz in 2007.
The pharmacy magnate made four offers before EIG agreed to sell the club to Katz for $200 million in 2008. Katz has owned the Oilers ever since.
Away from hockey, Nichols was recognized with the Order of Canada in 2015. He was also inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal that same year.
Nichols is survived by his wife, two children and five grandchildren.
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