The former Oilers Head Coach, General Manager and President was joined on-ice by friends and family, including his children, grandchildren and wife Ann, along with fellow banner honourees Al Hamilton, Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, long-time radio broadcaster Rod Phillips, National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman, Oilers Entertainment Group CEO & Vice-Chair Bob Nicholson and fellow Vice Chair and Oilers legend Kevin Lowe.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since I left Edmonton for New York, but every time I come back, it feels like I never left,” said Sather as he addressed the fans at Rexall Place. “Anyone who’s ever lived here and left will attest, when you come back, you feel like you’re coming home.

“I want to thank you, the hockey fans in Edmonton. You represent this city and this sport with such an incredible passion and knowledge and I will always remember your loyalty and support. It’s difficult to put into words my gratitude for this honour. My sincere wish is that every one of you in this building has experienced something, anything in your life, that makes you feel like I do right now, the luckiest person on earth.”

‘Slats’ – as he became known around the League – was the architect of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty teams of the 1980s. The Oilers felt it was only fitting to honour one of hockey’s most touted figures in NHL history, with whom he spent 24 seasons of his illustrious career, with a special ceremony prior to their home game versus the New York Rangers.

“Glen Sather took his rightful place in Edmonton Oilers history joining our other legends in the hallowed rafters at Rexall Place,” said Bob Nicholson. “Glen was the architect of the Oilers Stanley Cup Champion teams, but more than that he moulded a generation of Oilers players and made a lasting impact in the community through his and Ann’s charitable work.

“On behalf of Daryl and Renee Katz and the Oilers organization we thank Glen for his contribution and we're honoured to host him, his friends and family, his fellow banner honourees and managerial colleagues from across the NHL for this very special evening. Oilers fans proved once again they are the greatest fans in the NHL by their support and passion at Rexall Place tonight.”

Following a video of his time with the team, Sather was presented with an original painting from the Tribute Gala held in his honour Thursday night. He was also gifted a framed miniature version of his banner.

“Glen was a mentor, motivator, protector, father-figure and friend for so many players that had the privilege of playing for him,” said Kevin Lowe. “There are maybe none more fitting than Glen Sather to be honoured as he defined what it means to be Once and Oiler, Always an Oiler.”

Adorned with five Stanley Cups, Sather’s banner is reflective of his accomplishments with the Oilers, winning the coveted Championship as head coach in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and as general manager and president in 1990. Sather still ranks nineteenth in regular season coaching wins all-time in the NHL.

Tonight’s events cap off a two-day celebration which also included a public event at the Winspear Centre Thursday and a very special Tribute Gala.