American Hockey League Wiki
Edmonton Road Runners
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City: Edmonton, Alberta
League: American Hockey League
Operated: 2004–05
Home Arena: Rexall Place
Colours: Blue, red, and gold
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

The Edmonton Road Runners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at the Rexall Place.

History[]

After the 2003–04 season the Edmonton Oilers announced that the Toronto Roadrunners would play the 2004–05 season in Edmonton. where they were based in the Oilers' own arena, Rexall Place. The NHL team's decision to re-locate its affiliate to Edmonton was an unusual one for a North American professional sports organization, and was likely influenced by the expectation that the 2004–05 NHL lockout would wipe out the 2004–05 NHL season. The expectation proved accurate, as the season was officially cancelled on February 16, 2005.

Although the team proved highly successful at the gate, finishing third in the AHL in attendance at 8,854 fans per game despite a disappointing season plagued by injury, the team announced on June 6, 2005 that they were requesting permission from the American Hockey League to suspend team operations. The decision was likely motivated by the improving lockout negotiations and the widespread belief that the Oilers would be back for the 2005–06 season, which was confirmed when the owners and players agreed on July 13, 2005 to a new six-year collective bargaining agreement. In 2004 with Edmonton looking for a new WHL team, Oilers President and CEO Patrick Laforge offered the Edmonton Roadrunners franchise to the city of Saskatoon in exchange for the Saskatoon Blades franchise. However the deal never worked out.

The Oilers still owned the rights to the dormant franchise, and after four years of dormancy, Edmonton decided to affiliate with the Springfield Falcons rather than operate the Road Runners. Beginning in the 2010-11 season, the franchise will be resurrected as the Oklahoma City Barons.

Season-by-Season Results[]

Season Games Won Lost Tied SOL Points Goals
For
Goals
Against
Standing
2004–05 80 32 33 11 4 79 201 223 6th, North
2005–06 - - - - - - - - Dormant
2006–07 - - - - - - - - Dormant
2007–08 - - - - - - - - Dormant
2008–09 - - - - - - - - Dormant