10/09/2026
Oilers Fans! Who was there when Edmonton star Glenn Anderson came to town?
When Gasland opened in Edson in 1989, Edmonton Oilers star Glenn Anderson (who just turned 66!) was present at the grand opening to sign autographs.
And we know at least one Oilers fan was there! Shon Larkin, is this you?
The famous Oiler winger was hired to promote Gasland and attend company openings and events by Canadian entrepreneur Cal Nichols, who started the service station chain in 1985. At one point there were over 50 locations across Western Canada. In 1996, he sold Gasland’s petroleum marketing business to Huskey Energy. Nichols is also credited with saving the Edmonton hockey franchise several times over and is the man ‘most responsible for keeping the National Hockey League in Edmonton and for ensuring its future.’
Glenn Anderson was famously a key member of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty, winning five Stanley Cups with Edmonton between 1984 and 1990 before adding a sixth with the New York Rangers in 1994. His NHL career ended in 1996, but he remained active in hockey afterward through alumni and charitable events. Anderson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Oilers retired his No. 9 in 2009.
The Edson Gasland, as pictured, was located across from A & W, where the CO-OP is now. When it opened, the October 10th edition of the Edson Leader wrote an article that described the new gas station as ‘much more’.
At the time, Gasland was a full-service station, which meant a gas attendee came to your vehicle, pumped the gas, checked fluid levels, washed the windshield, all while you sat in your vehicle and discussed what your plans were for the rest of your day. Although full-service gas stations were very common, Gasland also had convenient store that offered a grocery line, fast food and an in-store bakery.
Some may remember heading to Gasland with a pocket full of pennies, making a beeline for the bulk candy bins and carefully choosing their favourite penny candy. And if you were lucky enough to have a quarter, a giant sour soother was definitely going in that bag!
Today, most convenience stores offer a lot more than gas, but the personal side of stopping for fuel has changed considerably. These days, you pay at the pump, fill your own tank, wash your windows and check your fluids without having to say hello to anyone.
Of course, if you head inside for a snack, a drink or a few essentials, there is still someone there to greet you, at least for now!
Edson has long been known as a stopping point between Edmonton and Jasper, but we’re so much more than that! However, our service stations have been part of the community for generations, serving locals, welcoming travellers and offering everything from a friendly conversation to a bag of candy along the way.
