Only 83 days remain until the Oilers’ home opener, bringing back memories of Ales Hemsky’s dazzling skill, clutch performances, and unforgettable moments that defined a thrilling era in Edmonton hockey.

With just 83 days remaining until the Edmonton Oilers’ home opener, fans are counting down the days to another chapter in one of hockey’s most passionate markets. The number 83 holds particular meaning for Oilers faithful—not just as a marker on the calendar, but as the number worn by one of the most talented and dynamic players to ever don the copper and blue: Ales Hemsky.

Hemsky, the silky-skilled winger from Pardubice, Czech Republic, was a beacon of excitement for Oilers fans during some of the franchise’s most turbulent years. While the team was often mired in rebuilds, near misses, and long playoff droughts, Hemsky consistently delivered moments of brilliance—highlight-reel goals, jaw-dropping passes, and an unwavering love for the game that endeared him to a generation of fans.

As the Oilers prepare for a new season with eyes on contention and glory, it’s only fitting to take a step back and reflect on the career of the player who made the number 83 iconic in Edmonton.

Ales Hemsky: The Beginnings of a Star

Drafted 13th overall in the 2001 NHL Draft, Ales Hemsky arrived in Edmonton with lofty expectations. A standout junior player with the Hull Olympiques in the QMJHL, Hemsky had already demonstrated elite puck skills, creativity, and a flair for offense that was rare for his age.

By the 2002–03 season, Hemsky made his NHL debut with the Oilers at just 19 years old. It didn’t take long for fans to realize that he was something special. His hands were magical, his vision unmatched, and his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces was borderline supernatural.

Early on, he showed flashes of brilliance but needed time to develop consistency and strength against NHL-level competition. Still, coaches and teammates knew they had a player capable of changing a game with a single shift.

The 2005–06 Season: A Coming-of-Age Moment

For both Hemsky and the Oilers, the 2005–06 season was a defining one.

Coming out of the lockout, Edmonton was a team in transition, and expectations were modest. But a series of bold trades—most notably the acquisition of Chris Pronger and Dwayne Roloson—turned the team into a legitimate contender. Hemsky, now in his early 20s, was given more responsibility and flourished.

He scored 77 points (19 goals, 58 assists) in 81 games that season and emerged as the Oilers’ top offensive threat. His performance helped propel the team to the playoffs—something they hadn’t done since 2003.

And then, the magic happened.

Stanley Cup Run: Hemsky’s Playoff Brilliance

The 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs remain one of the most unforgettable moments in Oilers history—and Ales Hemsky was right at the heart of it.

His most iconic moment came in Game 6 of the first-round series against the Detroit Red Wings. Trailing late in the third period, Edmonton needed a hero. Hemsky delivered, scoring the game-tying and game-winning goals within minutes of each other to cap a stunning comeback and eliminate the heavily favored Red Wings.

That game, more than any other, solidified Hemsky’s status as a fan favorite. He was electric, fearless, and clutch. As the Oilers advanced past San Jose, Anaheim, and into the Final against Carolina, Hemsky continued to play a crucial role—though his offensive numbers were somewhat muted by tighter playoff checking.

Though Edmonton ultimately fell short in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, Hemsky had officially arrived as the face of the franchise.

The Post-Finals Era: Lone Bright Light in a Dark Time

After 2006, the Oilers struggled to recapture their playoff form. Chris Pronger’s departure triggered a slow decline into years of rebuilding. And through it all, Hemsky stayed.

For nearly a decade, he was one of the few constants. From 2007 to 2012, Hemsky routinely led the team in scoring or remained near the top, often playing through injuries and with a revolving door of linemates. He posted 70+ points in back-to-back seasons (2007–08 and 2008–09) and became known league-wide as one of the most creative players in the game.

Hemsky was often criticized for not shooting enough, for being too unselfish, or for getting hurt too frequently. But anyone who watched him closely knew the truth: he was doing everything he could to carry a team in transition.

Despite the absence of playoff appearances, he never complained, never asked for a trade, and remained loyal to a city that embraced him as one of its own.

The Arrival of the New Core and a Graceful Exit

As the Oilers began drafting future stars like Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle, and eventually Connor McDavid, it became clear that a new era was forming. Hemsky, now a veteran, played the role of mentor in his final seasons with Edmonton.

In March 2014, after 11 seasons and over 600 games with the Oilers, Hemsky was traded to the Ottawa Senators. It was an emotional departure. Fans knew it was coming—but that didn’t make it any easier.

He would go on to have stints in Ottawa, Dallas, and Montreal, but his most memorable years would always belong to Edmonton.

Legacy in Edmonton

What is Ales Hemsky’s legacy in Edmonton?

For some, it’s the 2006 playoff run. For others, it’s the dazzling dekes, no-look passes, and effortless zone entries. But above all, Hemsky represents a unique era in Oilers history—a bridge between the legends of the past and the promise of the future.

He never won a Stanley Cup. He never made an All-Star team. But his contributions were deeply felt and widely appreciated. He was a quiet star—humble, hardworking, and loyal.

In an era filled with disappointment, Hemsky was a reason to watch, a reason to hope, and a reason to believe.

Hemsky by the Numbers

• Regular Season Games (with Oilers): 652

• Goals: 142

• Assists: 335

• Points: 477

• Playoff Games: 24

• Most Points in a Season: 77 (2005–06)

• Memorable Moment: Game-winning goal vs. Detroit, 2006 Playoffs

What Oilers Fans Say

Even today, fans speak about Hemsky with reverence:

• “He was the only reason I kept watching during those lean years.”

• “Hemmer had hands like nobody else. It felt like he could stickhandle in a phone booth.”

• “Underrated. Underappreciated. But absolutely beloved.”

His jersey can still be seen in the stands at Rogers Place—a testament to the impression he left on an entire generation of Oilers fans.

Looking Ahead: The Oilers in 83 Days

As Edmonton counts down to the 2025–26 home opener, excitement is building. The team is now a legitimate contender. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a supporting cast of rising stars and playoff-tested veterans, the Oilers are aiming for more than just a strong start—they want a Cup.

But the foundation of that ambition was built by players like Hemsky, who carried the Oilers’ spirit through difficult times. His resilience, flair, and loyalty laid the groundwork for the culture we now see in Edmonton’s locker room.

Honoring #83

As we look ahead to opening night in 83 days, it’s worth pausing to honor the number itself—#83—and the player who made it matter.

Ales Hemsky wasn’t just a skilled winger. He was an artist on ice, a humble warrior, and a symbol of hope during a decade when it was sometimes hard to find any.

In a city that reveres its hockey heroes, Hemsky holds a special place. He gave Oilers fans a reason to cheer when there wasn’t much else to celebrate. And as this new generation of Oilers aims to finish what Hemsky and others started in 2006, we remember him not just for his goals or assists—but for what he represented:

Loyalty. Grace. And pure, unfiltered hockey joy.