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.
[back]
[top]
|