For Edmonton Oilers fans, the game isn't just something you watch—it’s something you feel. And for generations, that feeling has been delivered through the crackling energy of the radio broadcast. From the snowy static of distant road games to the crystal-clear calls of a playoff clinch, the voices on the airwaves have narrated the team's epic history. This glossary breaks down the key terms, teams, and talents that make up the world of Oilers radio broadcasts, connecting you to the rich audio history of one of the NHL's most exciting franchises.
AM Radio
The original medium for Oilers hockey. For decades, fans tuned in on the AM band to follow the action, especially for road games outside the television broadcast area. The distinctive sound of AM radio, sometimes filled with static and distant signals, is a nostalgic hallmark for long-time supporters.
Bob Stauffer
The current host of "Oilers Now," the team's flagship daily radio talk show on 630 CHED. A former goaltender and longtime media personality, Stauffer provides insider analysis, interviews, and passionate debate, serving as a central hub for daily Oilers conversation and news.
Cam Moon
The current radio play-by-play announcer for Oilers games on 630 CHED, taking over the role in 2019. Moon brings a clear, energetic, and detailed call to every game, becoming the new primary voice for fans following the action without a screen.
Colour Commentary
The analysis provided alongside the play-by-play announcer. This role, filled by former players or coaches like Bob Stauffer or Louie DeBrusk on TV simulcasts, breaks down strategies, explains nuances, and shares insights from on-ice experience.
630 CHED
The iconic radio station (630 on the AM dial) that has been the long-time broadcast home for Edmonton Oilers games. Its powerful signal could be picked up across Western Canada, making it a lifeline for fans far from Edmonton.
Jack Michaels
The legendary, high-octane voice of Oilers television play-by-play on Sportsnet. While primarily a TV voice, his calls are so iconic they often bleed into the fan consciousness and are replayed constantly on radio highlight packages and talk shows.
Kevin Karius
A former long-time radio play-by-play voice for the Oilers, known for his smooth delivery and memorable calls throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He was the soundtrack for an era that included the 2006 Stanley Cup run.
Live Game Broadcast
The real-time play-by-play and commentary of an Oilers game on the radio. This is the core product, allowing fans to experience every shot, save, and goal through the announcer's descriptions, whether they're driving, working, or away from a TV.
Mobile App Streaming
The modern way to listen. Fans can now stream the 630 CHED broadcast live through the Oilers app or the station's own app, ensuring they never miss a face-off no matter where they are in the world.
Overtime Thriller
A broadcast term describing the tense, sudden-death periods that decide regular season and playoff games. Radio announcers amplify the drama, their voices rising with each scoring chance, making for some of the most memorable moments in broadcast history.
Post-Game Show
The immediate analysis and player interviews following the final buzzer. Hosted by Bob Stauffer and others, this segment breaks down the key moments, provides locker room sound, and sets the initial narrative after a win or loss.
Pre-Game Show
The broadcast that sets the stage before puck drop. It includes lineup news, injury updates, interviews with the head coach or players, and expert analysis to prepare listeners for the upcoming matchup.
Radio Call
The specific description of a major event, like a goal or a huge save. Legendary radio calls, such as those for an overtime playoff winner, become etched in franchise lore and are replayed for years.
Rod Phillips
The most legendary voice in Oilers history. He served as the radio play-by-play announcer from the team's WHA days in 1973 until his retirement in 2010. His rich baritone and famous "He scoooooores!" call narrated the entire Gretzky era and beyond.
Simulcast
When the television audio feed, including the play-by-play from Jack Michaels, is broadcast simultaneously on the radio. This sometimes occurs during national broadcasts or when the regular radio crew is assigned to other duties.
The "He Shoots, He Scores!" Call
The signature goal call popularized by Rod Phillips. His elongated, excited pronunciation of "scoooooores" became synonymous with Oilers goals for decades and remains a beloved piece of team culture.
The "Oilers Now" Theme
The recognizable musical intro for the daily talk show. For dedicated fans, hearing this theme song signals it's time for the latest news, rumors, and discussions about the team.
Tone Setting
How the play-by-play announcer establishes the game's mood early in the broadcast. Their energy level and descriptive language immediately inform the listener if it's a gritty, playoff-style battle or a wide-open offensive showcase.
Traveling Fan
A listener who relies on the radio broadcast while on the road. The strong signal of 630 CHED has historically allowed fans to follow the Oilers for hours on highways across the Western Conference, creating a shared, mobile experience.
Voice of the Fan
A term for how radio call-in segments and talk shows like "Oilers Now" amplify the perspectives, passions, and frustrations of the Oilers fanbase, creating a direct dialogue around the team.
WHA Days
The period from 1972-1979 when the Edmonton Oilers played in the World Hockey Association. Rod Phillips began his tenure here, meaning the team's radio broadcast history predates its entry into the NHL.
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