Edmonton Oilers Community Farewell Show Raises $140 Million for Charity as Glen Sather Set to Be Honored with Statue Outside Rogers Place
Edmonton, AB — July 9, 2025
In a heartwarming celebration that brought together generations of fans, players, and hockey legends, the Edmonton Oilers hosted a historic Farewell Community Show this past weekend, raising a staggering $140 million for local and national charities. The emotional event, held at Rogers Place, was not only a farewell to a season of transformation but also a tribute to one of hockey’s most iconic figures: Glen Sather.
In a surprise announcement that sent the arena into a thunderous ovation, the Oilers organization revealed plans to honor Glen Sather with a bronze statue, to be installed just outside Rogers Place later this year. The monument will commemorate Sather’s immeasurable contributions to the franchise, the city of Edmonton, and the sport of hockey itself.
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A Night to Remember
Fans flooded the arena, many adorned in vintage Oilers gear, waving signs and Canadian flags, as tributes poured in for the team and the legacy of Glen Sather. The Farewell Community Show was a perfect blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and generosity. Featuring musical performances, alumni reunions, and a star-studded lineup of current and former Oilers players, the evening paid homage to the team’s golden eras and their promising future.
But the true highlight of the night came when Wayne Gretzky, flanked by fellow Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and Grant Fuhr, took center stage to unveil the statue plans for Sather, a man who had been the architect of the Oilers dynasty in the 1980s.
“Without Glen, there is no dynasty. There is no glory. He built us, believed in us, and led with unmatched passion,” Gretzky declared to a visibly emotional crowd. “This statue is more than deserved. It’s overdue.”
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Glen Sather: The Architect of Greatness
Glen Sather’s impact on hockey, and especially on the Edmonton Oilers, is nothing short of legendary. As the head coach and general manager during the Oilers’ most dominant years, Sather guided the team to five Stanley Cups between 1984 and 1990, revolutionizing the game with his fast-paced, high-octane philosophy.
Under his leadership, young stars like Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri thrived. Sather’s uncanny eye for talent and innovative style turned Edmonton into the center of the hockey universe during the 1980s.
Beyond his strategic brilliance, Sather was known for his loyalty to his players and his deep connection to the city of Edmonton. Though he later worked with the New York Rangers in various executive roles, he always remained a beloved figure in Alberta.
Now, as he approaches his 82nd birthday, the statue symbolizes a permanent homecoming and an enduring tribute to his legacy.
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Record-Breaking Charity Total
The $140 million raised during the Farewell Community Show is the largest single-night fundraising total in Canadian sports history. Funds will be distributed among a range of causes, including youth sports development programs, mental health initiatives, food banks, indigenous community support, and cancer research foundations.
“We wanted this night to be about more than hockey,” said Oilers chairman Daryl Katz. “We wanted it to reflect the heart of this city. Glen always said, ‘It’s not just what happens on the ice that matters. It’s what you do off it.’ Tonight, we showed the world what Edmonton stands for.”
In collaboration with major sponsors and community partners, the Oilers Foundation orchestrated a multimedia campaign leading up to the event, which helped generate the enormous donation pool. The night included a silent auction featuring historic memorabilia, including Gretzky’s game-worn jersey, Messier’s signed stick, and Sather’s iconic bench notes from the 1984 Stanley Cup Final.
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Reactions from the Hockey World
Tributes poured in from across the NHL and beyond, with messages from active stars like Connor McDavid, former rivals, and even international hockey figures.
“Glen’s influence transcends eras,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a video message. “This honor is fitting for a man who changed the game and shaped the identity of one of the league’s most storied franchises.”
Former Oilers captain and current coach Kris Knoblauch, who has spoken often about honoring the team’s rich legacy while building a new chapter, shared his admiration: “We try every day to live up to what Glen built here. His statue will stand as a reminder of the standard we must uphold.”
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The Statue and Legacy Project
Designed by renowned Canadian sculptor Leanne LeBlanc, the Glen Sather statue will depict the coach in his classic pose—arms folded, leaning against the bench, watching over his team with piercing focus. LeBlanc noted that the statue will “capture not just his appearance, but his spirit—calm, commanding, and visionary.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for October 9, 2025, coinciding with the Oilers’ season opener and the 40th anniversary of their first Stanley Cup win. The event will be open to the public and is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the country.
A “Legacy Walk” will also be developed alongside the statue, featuring plaques honoring key players and milestones from the Sather era, creating an educational and inspirational path for future generations of fans and athletes.
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A Fitting Farewell and a New Beginning
As fireworks lit up the Edmonton sky and the final notes of “O Canada” echoed through Rogers Place, fans left the arena with full hearts and hopeful spirits. The Glen Sather statue, soon to rise outside the stadium, is more than just a tribute—it’s a beacon for future greatness.
The Farewell Community Show not only celebrated a glorious past but also laid the groundwork for a brighter, more compassionate future. And at the center of it all stands a man whose vision turned a hockey team into a legend.
Glen Sather will now forever stand guard outside Rogers Place—watching, reminding, and inspiring.
Because in Edmonton, legends never leave.