Long-time sports journalist Cam Tait joins EdmontonOilers.com to deliver his eight thoughts on Craig MacTavish and Randy Gregg's induction into the Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame on Friday. Living with Cerebral Palsy his entire life, Cam hasn't let his condition prevent him from having a successful 45-year career as a sports writer, with bylines seen in the Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Sun.
8. A carpenter for The House That Love Built
Dr. Randy Gregg was one of the first people to lend his name, and, more importantly, his time to Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton – the brick house, which has been expanded a number of times since it first opened in 1985. Gregg was the honorary chair of the house, but the tall red-headed defenceman who, once after morning practice, said "hockey players aren't busy" was hands-on with his involvement. He organized a provincial charity golf tour, among several other fundraising events.
7. MacT's many roles in Oil Country
Craig MacTavish would have, if given the opportunity, driven the Oilers team bus. And wash it, too. MacTavish came to Edmonton in 1986, the opening night of a love affair with the Oilers, and was cast first as player, then coach, then general manager, and then vice-president of hockey operations.
6. Run, Randy, Run
Gregg founded the FunTeam in the early 1990s. In 1992, he organized a group of runners to run the 24-hour Jasper-Banff Relay. One of the volunteers was legendary University of Alberta Golden Bears coach Clare Drake, whom Gregg played for. Drake was taking his night shift at 12 midnight driving the team motorhome. Mr. Drake fell asleep at the wheel – only for a few seconds – before he woke up, making a quick left turn, keeping the motorhome out of the ditch.
5. They call me Coach
Coach MacTavish spent nine seasons behind the Oilers bench, accumulating a .537 winning percentage. The 2005-06 season was unforgettable, though, as MacT took the eighth-seeded Oilers to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. He was quoted about his nine years as Oilers coach, saying in typical entertaining fashion, he had a good two months.
4. Who's that guy without a helmet?
MacTavish was the last player in the NHL to suit up without a helmet – and Oilers fans saw that over eight seasons. In 701 games, the 10th most in franchise history, MacTavish scored 155 goals and 332 points. He won three Stanley Cup titles wearing Oilers silks: 1987, 1988 and 1990. The London, Ont. native was later Edmonton's captain for 148 games.
3. A short-lived retirement
Gregg hung up his skates following the Oilers being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 1986. He soon returned, though, and played four more seasons for the Oilers, leading to three more Stanley Cup championships. He had a breakout in his second full season, 1983-84, registering 40 points, and skated his way into a spot on the 1984 Canada Cup team.
2. MacT: the ultimate organizer
MacTavish brings people together and, often, a little competition is involved. But always – ALWAYS – fun is a priority. Whether it's running a National Football League pool for the team he was playing for, or coordinating a round of golf with friends he has known for years, if MacT is around, get ready to have fun – and laugh.
1. On a personal note...
In 1977, I saw Gregg as a guest speaker at the Canadian Athletic Club year-end banquet and he made a lifetime impression. As a University of Alberta medical student, he told the audience – teenagers playing on CAC teams – hockey should be seen as fun and what really matters is education. Because, Gregg said, education can take people to countless places. Gregg combined both in a championship way.
