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Cape Breton Oilers
Cape breton oilers 200x200
City: Sydney, Nova Scotia
League: American Hockey League
Operated: 1988–1996
Home Arena: Centre 200
Colours: Orange and blue
Affiliates: Edmonton Oilers
Franchise history
1984–1988: Nova Scotia Oilers
1988–1996: Cape Breton Oilers
1996–2002: Hamilton Bulldogs
2003–2004: Toronto Roadrunners
2004–2005: Edmonton Road Runners
2010–present: Oklahoma City Barons
Championships
Calder Cups: One (1992–93)

The Cape Breton Oilers were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team relocated from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1988 and was renamed for Cape Breton Island. Home games were played in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, at Centre 200. The franchise moved to Ontario in 1996 and became the Hamilton Bulldogs.

History[]

For eight seasons (1988-1996) they were the primary farm team of the Edmonton Oilers which was reflected in their logo and uniform design. While the Oilers never finished the regular season atop either their division or the league, they did capture the Calder Cup during the 1992–93 playoffs.

Demise of the AHL on the East Coast[]

When the Cape Breton Oilers vacated Nova Scotia for Hamilton in 1996 and became the Hamilton Bulldogs, it marked the beginning of the end for AHL hockey in Atlantic Canada. Shortly thereafter, the Prince Edward Island Senators were deactivated. In 1999, the Fredericton Canadiens also moved west to become the Quebec Citadelles, later merging with the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Saint John Flames suspended operations in 2003 and then departed New Brunswick in 2005, eventually landing in Omaha, Nebraska for two seasons before moving to the Quad Cities and then to Abbotsford, British Columbia. The St. John's Maple Leafs were the last to leave the region, moving from Newfoundland and Labrador to Toronto in 2005 and being renamed the Marlies.

1992–93 Calder Cup[]

The Cape Breton Oilers 1992–93 playoffs was one of the most dominant in AHL history. In particular, during the 1993 playoffs, the Oilers posted a record of 14 wins and two losses, and were led by a playoff performance by forward Bill McDougall that remains virtually unparalleled in professional hockey to this date.

During the 16 games, McDougall scored 26 goals, and added 26 assists for 52 points. Fourteen years later, his records for goals, assists and points all stand, and his total of 3.25 points per game, is more than was ever matched in the NHL. Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record with 47 points.

Season-by-Season Results[]

Regular Season[]

Season Games Won Lost Tied OTL Points Goals
For
Goals
Against
Standing
1984–85 80 36 37 7 79 292 295 4th, North
1985–86 80 29 43 8 66 314 353 6th, North
1986–87 80 38 39 3 79 318 315 4th, North
1987–88 80 35 34 9 2 81 323 343 4th, North
1988–89 80 27 47 6 60 308 388 7th, North
1989–90 80 39 34 7 85 317 306 2nd, North
1990–91 80 41 31 8 90 306 301 2nd, North
1991–92 80 36 34 10 82 336 330 3rd, Atlantic
1992–93 80 36 32 12 84 356 336 3rd, Atlantic
1993–94 80 32 35 13 77 316 339 4th, Atlantic
1994–95 80 27 44 9 63 298 342 5th, Atlantic
1995–96 80 33 40 3 4 73 290 323 5th, Atlantic

Playoffs[]

Season 1st Round 2nd Round 3rd Round Finals
1984–85 L, 2-4, Maine
1985–86 Out of playoffs
1986–87 L, 1-4, Sherbrooke
1987–88 L, 1-4, Maine
1988–89 Out of playoffs
1989–90 L, 2-4, Springfield
1990–91 L, 0-4, Moncton
1991–92 L, 1-4, St. John's
1992–93 W, 4-1, Fredericton W, 4-0, St. John's W, 2-0, Springfield W, 4-1, Rochester
1993–94 L, 1-4, St. John's
1994–95 Out of playoffs
1995–96 Out of playoffs


Notable Alumni[]

  • Wade Campbell
  • François Leroux
  • Shjon Podein
  • Shaun Van Allen
  • Peter White
  • Tyler Wright
  • Miroslav Satan
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