Edmonton Oil Kings Named Winner of WHL Business Award for 2023-24
Published on April 30, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today the Edmonton Oil Kings as the winner of the WHL Business Award for the 2023-24 WHL Regular Season.
The WHL Business Award is presented annually to the WHL Club that best exemplifies giving back to the community and producing an electrifying game-day experience for fans.
"On behalf of the entire Edmonton Oil Kings organization, it is my privilege and honour to accept the 2024 WHL Business Award," said Kevin Radomski, Director of Business Operations for the Oil Kings. "This award means a lot to our organization as we take tremendous pride in delivering unsurpassed entertainment value while having fun and supporting our community. The largest thank you goes to our fans. Our fans show their passion night in and night out with over 250,000 strong attending our games this past season, while helping us raise over $100,000 for causes and charities right here in Edmonton. Without our fans, we truly are nothing. This is a nod to the absolute best fans in the WHL."
This represents the second time in franchise history the Edmonton Oil Kings have been recognized with the WHL Business Award. The Oil Kings were previously recognized during the 2017-18 season. The Oil Kings were also a finalist for the WHL Business Award in 2022-23.
"The criteria for this award are business innovation, digital initiatives, ticketing programs, and communication and collaboration with Clubs from around the League," commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. "The Edmonton Oil Kings hosted significant theme nights and community appearances, creating distinct and unique relationships with their community, and they've initiated creative and inclusive ticketing programs, having doubled memberships over the past three years.
"Congratulations to Kevin Lowe, Bob Nicholson, Kevin Radomski, and everyone at the Oil Kings organization. You are this year's winners of the Western Hockey League Business Award."
WHL Business Award Finalists
B.C. Division - Prince George Cougars
East Division - Saskatoon Blades
U.S. Division - Portland Winterhawks
The Oil Kings led the WHL in attendance during the 2023-24 season, averaging nearly 7,500 fans per night, up from 6,500 in 2022-23.
Edmonton's business team focused year-long efforts on providing unsurpassed entertainment for families at a world-class facility in Rogers Place. The creation of Kid's Food Combos was a key component on delivering the message of value that goes beyond the initial ticket purchase. The Kid's Food Combo provided families with eight individual food options at an affordable price and fans flocked to the new offering.
The Oil Kings Season Seat Membership pricing model offered dedicated fans a value-based "No Frills" option in addition to a more comprehensive "all-in" model. As a result of this new approach to Season Seat Membership, the Oil Kings have drastically increased the volume of Season Seat Membership and renewed existing members at a much higher rate than previously. Edmonton Oil Kings Season Seat Membership has doubled from what it was three seasons ago, despite the challenges of an on-ice product that is rebuilding after winning the 2022 WHL Championship.
The Oil Kings remain committed to the community and youth hockey in Northern Alberta. Part of a core mandate of the Club, the Oil Kings started the season with two key fundraisers for minor hockey associations when they hosted preseason games in Grande Cache and Enoch First Nation, Alta. Representing the first time WHL hockey was played in each community, these games raised over $30,000 for the Grande Cache Minor Hockey Association and nearly $10,000 for the Enoch Minor Hockey Association.
Throughout the season, the Oil Kings were engaged in various community endeavours, including 10 school visits, a trip to the Stollery Children's Hospital, numerous minor hockey practices, and arranging and participating in blood drives in partnership with Hockey Gives Blood and Canada Blood Services.
Three theme jersey nights brought energy to Rogers Place and helped the Oil Kings raise nearly $45,000 for three different charities.
Oil Kings Teddy Bear Toss Game theme jersey auction raised nearly $18,000 for Santas Anonymous.
Auction of SpongeBob SquarePants theme jerseys for RE/MAX Presents Nickelodeon Night for Children's Miracle Network raised over $15,000 for Stollery Children's Hospital.
Auction of fan-designed jerseys through Superstore Jersey Design Contest raised nearly $10,000 for PC Children's Charity.
A fourth theme jersey auction - the Oil Kings camouflage jersey for military appreciation - is set to raise further funds for Valour Place, a military family support house in Edmonton.
The Oil Kings also introduced a number of new theme nights, including An Afternoon with Elvis, Oil Rumble featuring live professional wrestling matches, and the Ghostbusters Game.
WHL General Managers voted on the 2024 WHL Business Award.
Winners of the WHL Business Award (since 2004)
2023-24: Edmonton Oil Kings
2022-23: Spokane Chiefs
2021-22: Everett Silvertips
2020-21: Not presented due to COVID-19
2019-20: Lethbridge Hurricanes
2018-19: Everett Silvertips
2017-18: Edmonton Oil Kings
2016-17: Regina Pats
2015-16: Victoria Royals
2014-15: Kelowna Rockets
2013-14: Seattle Thunderbirds
2012-13: Dave Chyzowski, Kamloops Blazers
2011-12: Corey Nyhagen, Moose Jaw Warriors
2010-11: Mike Moore, Calgary Hitmen
2009-10: Zoran Rajcic, Everett Silvertips
2008-09: Mike Bortolussi, Medicine Hat Tigers
2007-08: Kip Reghenas, Calgary Hitmen
2006-07: Bruce Vance, Prince Albert Raiders
2005-06: Dave Andjelic, Medicine Hat Tigers
2004-05: Roger Lemire, Vancouver Giants
2003-04: Mark Stiles, Calgary Hitmen
Western Hockey League Stories from April 30, 2024
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- Edmonton Oil Kings Named Winner of WHL Business Award for 2023-24 - WHL
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- Red Deer Rebels Awarded Jim Donlevy Memorial Trophy as WHL Scholastic Team of the Year for 2023-24 - Red Deer Rebels
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- From the Farm Presented by Alberta Chicken: Luke Powell - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Cougars Drop 4-1 Decision in Game 3 in Portland - Prince George Cougars
- Nguyen Nets Hat-Trick, Hawks Take Game 3 at Home - Portland Winterhawks
- Eastern Conference Championship Shifts to Moose Jaw - Moose Jaw Warriors
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