| Born: | Aug 20, 1946 | Draft: | Undrafted |
| Hometown: | Flin Flon, Manitoba | Position: | Defense |
| Known For: | 2x WHA All-Star | Shoots: | Right |
| National Team: | Canada | Current Status: | Retired |
Al Hamilton (August 20, 1946) is a retired Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1979-80 season. Following a successful junior career with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Alberta Senior Hockey League (ASHL), Hamilton was signed by the New York Rangers. He split the first two seasons with the Rangers and their minor-league affiliate before earning a full-time role in the 1969-70 season. The following season, he joined the Buffalo Sabres and gained his scoring touch, amassing 64 points in 145 games.
Hamilton joined the WHA as a member of the Oilers and became a dominant force on their blue line. He posted career-highs in 1972-73 with 61 points in 78 games and followed it up with a career-high 14 goals the following season. Hamilton served as the Oilers captain from 1972 to 1976, aiding his team into the playoffs in two of the four seasons. He remained with the Oilers for four more seasons, making the postseason three times and collecting a total of 311 points in 455 WHA games, and 19 points in 31 games with the NHL Oilers.
An eye injury suffered in the 1978-79 season forced Hamilton into retirement. He remains in the Edmonton area in community affairs and as an Oilers alumni. His son, Steve Hamilton, is the current head coach of the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen.
Al Hamilton Statistics
Deeper Dive
Achievements
- Memorial Cup Championship (1966)
- CPHL – Second All-Star Team (1967)
- WHA Second All-Star Team (1974)
- WHA First All-Star Team (1978)
- “Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
- Inaugural member of the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame