Former Hockey Canada Presdient Bob Nicholson Becomes Vice-Chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group

Bob Nicholson has been announced as the new Vice-Chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), abortion a new sports and entertainment company.

The new company will manage the Katz Group’s growing family of sports and entertainment assets, and operate Rogers Place, the new home of the Edmonton Oilers.

Mr. Nicholson recently retired as President and CEO of Hockey Canada and will assume his new role following a brief transition period. He will continue to serve as Vice-President of the International Ice Hockey Federation.

In his role as Vice-Chairman, Mr. Nicholson will work closely with Daryl Katz, Kevin Lowe and Patrick LaForge to expand the group’s sports and entertainment offerings, deliver outstanding fan experiences, secure major new sponsorships and events, and operate Rogers Place. Currently under construction, Rogers Place will be North America’s leading sports and entertainment venue when it opens its doors in September 2016. Mr. Nicholson will also serve as an Alternate Governor for the Edmonton Oilers on the NHL Board of Governors.

Kevin Lowe has been named Vice-Chairman of the new organization, and will continue to play a leadership role with the organization’s Hockey Operations. Patrick LaForge has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of OEG and will be responsible for the group’s business operations.

“Bob Nicholson is an exceptional talent with a world-class reputation and deep relationships across the hockey world, from junior player development to world-scale events and large corporate sponsors,” said Daryl Katz. “He has been an innovator in driving new sport-based revenue models and we feel very fortunate he has chosen to move to Edmonton and become part of our team as we build a leading Canadian sports and entertainment company.”

“This was an opportunity for me to stay connected to the game I love, work with a hugely promising franchise and be part of an organization that fully understands the power of sports and entertainment to build brands, strengthen communities and inspire young people to excellence,” said Mr. Nicholson. “I am very excited to be joining Daryl, Patrick, Kevin and the rest of the team, and look forward to saying more about our plans once I get my feet on the ground.”

In addition to the Edmonton Oilers, OEG owns the 2014 Memorial Cup Champion Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) and the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL), as well as Aquila Productions, an award-winning producer of film and television, live events and broadcasts, and corporate and branded messaging services.