In Memoriam: Oil Kings & Oilers Pioneer Vic Mah

It is with deepest sympathy the Edmonton Oil Kings extend condolences to the Mah family following the passing of Vic Mah. Vic, 91, was one of the most spirited fans for both the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings and a fixture on the sports scene in Edmonton for years.

His passion for hockey led him on a path to establishing both franchises in our city while owning and operating the Blue Willow Restaurant, which became a regular stop for hockey players and fans alike. 
 
Vic was reported to be the fifth in line to buy Oilers season tickets in year one of the World Hockey Association and has subsequently renewed those seats for every year of the Oilers existence including 2011. He rarely missed a game and even had a consecutive game attendance streak that spanned more than 20 years.
 
He was on the Board of Directors for the Oil Kings back in the days when the team dominated junior hockey in the 1960s and 70s and was one of the first Founders Club members when the franchise was restored in 2007.
 
Vic was very proud of being on a first-name basis with every Oilers and Oil Kings captain, and the walls of his home and the restaurant are filled with pictures of himself with hockey celebrities from around the world. To this day, the Edmonton Oil Kings present the Vic Mah Blue Willow Trophy to the team’s unsung hero every month.
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mah family as they mourn the passing of one of our city’s most prominent hockey pioneers, and more importantly, a dear friend.

PHOTO: Vic Mah (middle) and his son Stan present the Vic Mah Blue Willow Trophy for the Oil Kings' unsung hero to Clayton Cumiskey during the 2008-09 season.