Cal Nichols, Edmonton businessman who saved Oilers from relocation, dead at 84
The founder of Edmonton Investors Group, which kept the NHL team in the city during the 1990s relocation crisis, died Saturday.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cal Nichols, the Saskatchewan-born businessman who spearheaded the Edmonton Investors Group and saved the Oilers from relocation to Houston in the late 1990s, died Saturday at 84.
Nichols gathered 38 investors to form the EIG in response to Texas businessman Leslie Alexander's attempt to buy and move the team. The group purchased the Oilers in 1998, raising $110 million to keep the franchise in Edmonton. The EIG held ownership until 2008, when it sold the team to Daryl Katz for $200 million.
"If it wasn't for Cal, the Oilers wouldn't be in Edmonton," Katz said in a 2008 interview. "Cal, more than anyone, deserved to continue to be involved."
Before his sports-world prominence, Nichols built a business career in oil and gas. He worked for Esso and Imperial Oil, helped found Northridge (which later formed part of TransCanada Pipelines), and started Gasland Oil, which grew into one of Western Canada's largest service station chains.
Nichols also co-chaired the Friends of the Oilers campaign, which pushed to increase season ticket sales during the ownership crisis. He remained a season-seat holder until his death. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2015, 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 Edna, children Ken and Kristine, and five grandchildren. Bruce Saville, another key EIG member, died last fall.
The facts
When did Cal Nichols die?
Cal Nichols died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at age 84.
What did Cal Nichols do to keep the Oilers in Edmonton?
Nichols formed the Edmonton Investors Group with 38 investors and purchased the Oilers in 1998 for $110 million to prevent the team's relocation to Houston.
When did the Edmonton Investors Group sell the Oilers?
The Edmonton Investors Group sold the Oilers in 2008 to Daryl Katz for $200 million.
What honors did Cal Nichols receive?
Nichols was inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2002, received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2015.
