WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Former Oil King Passes Away - Wayne Tennant Memorial

February 19, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - It is with deepest sympathy the Edmonton Oil Kings would like to extend our condolences to the family of Wayne Tennant. Wayne was a long time friend, ambassador, coach and contributor to the hockey community in Edmonton which included a long stint with the Oil Kings organization. Tennant was a scout for the organization for a decade until the franchise was moved to Portland to become the Winter Hawks. Eventually, Wayne was a part of the group lead by Vic Mah to bring the Oil Kings back to Edmonton back in 1978 - 79. He was instrumental in moving the Flin Flon Bombers franchise to the City of Champions and even got behind the bench as the Oil Kings Head Coach that season.

Wayne was a fixture in minor hockey on Edmonton's south side including his association with the Cessco Midget hockey team, a perennial supplier of players to the Western Hockey League. The Cessco Midget team won 5 City Championships and 1 provincial title in the span of 10 years with Wayne as the coach.

Wayne touched the lives of countless local pro hockey players who came in contact with him through his summer pro conditioning camps during a span of over 38 years. Wayne will also be remembered for his role in setting up the hockey programs at the Enoch and Hobbema Indian Reserves from 1975 - 1977.

We extend our condolences to the Tennant family and the Edmonton hockey family as we mourn the passing of a mentor to many and a true hockey friend.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 21, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Grace United Church located at 6215 - 104th Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Grey Nuns Hospital Infectious Disease unit under the direction of Dr. Curtis Boyington who became a close friend to Wayne and his family in such a short time: C/O Caritas Hospital Foundation, 11111 - Jasper Ave., Edm., AB, T5K 0L4

Or you can make a donation to the Brick Sports Central, an organization that assists underprivileged children with equipment so that they can participate in sports. (11847 - Wayne Gretzky Drive North, T5B 1Y2)

The Edmonton Oil Kings will remember Wayne Tennant with a moment of silence tribute at their next home game Wednesday February 25th against the Red Deer Rebels.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2009


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