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Formation Years (1950-1971)

The end of the Second World War and the burgeoning oil industry brought new confidence and hope to Alberta in the 1950s. Instead of being regarded solely as a farming province, Alberta was becoming an economic powerhouse, drawing new residents from across the nation.

A new diverse and cosmopolitan Alberta was reflected in the province’s favourite game. New minor pro teams sprung up in Edmonton and Calgary, and a whole new breed of star players was being developed with a new junior program, the Edmonton Oil Kings, which was soon recognized in the best in the country.

At the time, Alberta was still not represented in the National Hockey League, but thanks to the Edmonton Flyers, Alberta’s capital had a close relationship with the Detroit Red Wings. Fans also followed the two Canadian NHL clubs, the Leafs and the Canadiens, with weekly doses of Hockey Night in Canada on the CBC.

Hockey also had moved from being a game to a part of a new pop culture as games were transmitted over radio and television. From the NHL to the minor leagues, the game was a key part of Alberta life throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

 

 

 

 

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