Peter Pocklington is a Canadian businessman and former owner of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. He was born in 1941 in London, Ontario, and grew up playing hockey. Pocklington played junior hockey for the London Nationals and the Stratford Cullitons before moving on to play for the University of Western Ontario.
After his playing career ended, Pocklington became involved in the business world. He started out in the insurance industry before moving on to other ventures, including real estate and the automotive industry. In the 1970s, he became interested in owning a professional sports team and began looking for opportunities.
In 1976, Pocklington purchased the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA). The team had struggled financially in its early years, but Pocklington saw potential in the young players on the roster, including Wayne Gretzky. Pocklington made a number of shrewd moves to build the team, including acquiring Gretzky from the Indianapolis Racers in 1978.
The Oilers joined the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979, and Pocklington continued to build the team into a powerhouse. The Oilers won five Stanley Cup championships in seven years between 1984 and 1990, with Gretzky leading the way. Pocklington was known for his aggressive management style and willingness to make bold moves, such as trading Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.
Pocklington's ownership of the Oilers was not without controversy. He clashed with Gretzky over contract negotiations and was criticized for his handling of the team's finances. In 1998, he sold the team to a group of local investors.
After leaving the hockey world, Pocklington continued to be involved in business and philanthropy. He faced legal troubles in the early 2000s, including charges of fraud and bankruptcy fraud, but ultimately avoided jail time.
Overall, Peter Pocklington's hockey career was marked by both success and controversy. He played a key role in building the Edmonton Oilers into one of the most dominant teams in NHL history, but also faced criticism for his management style and financial decisions.
🏒