Daryl Katz is a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who is best known for his ownership of the Edmonton Oilers, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Katz was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1961 and grew up as a fan of the Oilers. He attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a degree in law.
Katz began his career as a lawyer, but soon transitioned into business. He founded the Katz Group, a privately held company that operates a variety of businesses, including pharmacies, real estate, and sports and entertainment. In 2008, Katz made headlines when he purchased the Edmonton Oilers for $200 million, becoming the sole owner of the team.
Under Katz's ownership, the Oilers struggled on the ice, failing to make the playoffs in the first few years. However, Katz was committed to turning the team around and invested heavily in player development and recruitment. In 2015, the Oilers drafted Connor McDavid, a highly touted prospect who would go on to become one of the best players in the NHL.
In 2017, the Oilers made the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, thanks in large part to McDavid's performance. However, the team was eliminated in the second round. The following year, the Oilers missed the playoffs again, leading to the firing of head coach Todd McLellan.
Despite the team's struggles, Katz remained committed to the Oilers and to the city of Edmonton. He was instrumental in the construction of Rogers Place, a state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2016. The arena has been praised for its design and amenities, and has helped to revitalize the downtown area.
Katz has also been involved in philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various causes. In 2018, he made a $25 million donation to the University of Alberta to establish the Daryl Katz Centre for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, which focuses on developing new treatments for diseases.
In recent years, Katz has faced some controversy over his business dealings. In 2019, it was reported that the Katz Group had been involved in a tax dispute with the Canada Revenue Agency, and that Katz had been under investigation by the RCMP for alleged bribery. However, no charges were ever laid.
Overall, Daryl Katz's tenure as owner of the Edmonton Oilers has been marked by both successes and challenges. While the team has struggled on the ice at times, Katz's commitment to the city of Edmonton and his philanthropic efforts have earned him respect and admiration.
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