Oilers vs Jets

Lore & Background

The Oilers and Jets were both founding members of the WHA in 1972. The Oilers finished first in the WHA standings in 1978–79, but lost to the Jets in the Avco World Trophy Final. The Jets left the WHA after the 1977–78 season to join the NHL early, so Wayne Gretzky, who joined the Oilers in 1978–79, never faced the Jets in the WHA. The Oilers joined the NHL in 1979 along with the Jets, but the original Jets relocated to Phoenix in 1996. The current Jets franchise is the relocated Atlanta Thrashers, which moved to Winnipeg in 2011.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed over the ice at the Winnipeg Arena, casting long shadows across the blue paint as the Edmonton Oilers lined up for the face-off. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and anticipation; this was more than a game, it was a statement of intent from Alberta to Manitoba. As the puck dropped, Wayne Gretzky glided forward with effortless grace, his stickhandling mesmerizing the crowd, while the Jets' defensemen closed in like wolves, desperate to break the rhythm of the dynasty.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is rooted in the WHA era, but the source does not specify any notable players or games beyond the 1979 Avco World Trophy Final. The Oilers won the Stanley Cup five times after joining the NHL (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990), while the original Jets never won the Cup. The current Jets franchise has not won the Stanley Cup.

Did You Know?

• The Oilers and Jets were both founding WHA franchises in 1972.
• The Oilers lost to the Jets in the 1979 Avco World Trophy Final.
• Wayne Gretzky never played against the Jets in the WHA, as the Jets left the WHA after the 1977–78 season.
• The original Winnipeg Jets relocated to Phoenix in 1996; the current Jets are the relocated Atlanta Thrashers.