Edmonton's Era of Sports Champions: Oilers & Eskimos

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Kevin Lowe Reflects on Edmonton's Era of Sports Dominance

In a conversation with hockey Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe, we explored the remarkable period of sports success in Edmonton, highlighted by the achievements of the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Eskimos. During this era, the city became known as the "City of Champions," a title celebrated by signs posted at all city entry points. This nickname was well-earned as the Eskimos dominated the Canadian Football League, winning multiple Grey Cup championships, including an impressive streak of five consecutive titles.

Lowe shared insights into the cross-pollination of success between the two teams. Starting their NHL journey in the 1979-1980 season, the young Oilers squad drew significant inspiration from the well-established Eskimos. The football team's coach, Hugh Campbell, who hailed from the University of Washington, imparted valuable lessons. His philosophy, particularly his advice to players to "act like you've been there before" when it came to celebrations, resonated with the Oilers. Lowe credited these interactions and the ethos of respecting the opposition and prioritizing team unity as instrumental in the Oilers claiming five Stanley Cup victories in seven years.

The synergy between the two teams during this golden era of Edmonton sports clearly left a lasting impact, not only on the city but also on the players who were part of it, shaping a legacy of excellence that continues to be celebrated.