By Taylor Rocca vis Western Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. – The Western Hockey League is mourning the passing of Cal Nichols, former Chairman of the Edmonton Investors Group, and a key player in bringing the WHL back to Edmonton.

Nichols passed away Saturday at the age of 84.

From Paradise Hill, Sask., Nichols made his name as the founder of Gasland Oil – an independent petroleum retailer in Western Canada. He eventually became best known for his role in saving the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers from relocation in the mid-1990s.

In 1996, with the Oilers future at risk, Nichols co-chaired the Friends of the Oilers ticket drive, helping to double the club’s season ticket base. Nichols then assembled a group of 38 local investors to purchase the Oilers for $110 million in 1998, ensuring the franchise would remain in Alberta’s capital.

On June 26, 2006, the Oilers and Edmonton Investors Group reached an agreement with the WHL to launch an expansion franchise for the 2007-08 season.

“After a lengthy process, we are pleased and proud to have WHL hockey return to the capital of Alberta,” Nichols said at the time. “As one of the top development hockey leagues in the world, the WHL is a proven stepping stone for many great hockey players while providing great family entertainment for hockey fans living in Northern Alberta.”

The Edmonton Oil Kings began play in the WHL at the onset of the 2007-08 season, joining the Central Division.

Led by Nichols, the Edmonton Investors Group owned the Oilers and Oil Kings until their sale to Daryl Katz in 2008, which helped to spur the development of Edmonton’s downtown arena, now known as Rogers Place.

“He was a real gentleman, and he had a great love for the game of hockey,” Oil Kings Governor Kevin Lowe said of Nichols to NHL.com.

On behalf of the WHL and its 23 member Clubs, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to Cal’s wife Edna, their children Ken and Kristine; their five grandchildren; and his many friends and colleagues.