The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

An up-close look at the rivalry between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, told from the perspective of those that were there. Sports writer and on-air personality Mark Spector pays tribute to the province's hockey heyday with a unique blend of humour and homage.


     "I hated every single guy on the Oilers, 'cause they all hated me." --Tim Hunter, the Calgary Flames
     
In the 1980s, the province of Alberta was home to the two best hockey teams in the NHL. Aptly dubbed "Death Valley" due to the sheer talent and ability of its players, the province not only begat rivalry with other NHL teams, but also sparked fierce competition within its own borders. Thus began The Battle of Alberta, the historic struggle between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames.
     In The Battle of Alberta, veteran sports journalist Mark Spector presents homage to Albertan hockey, and the two teams that inspired one of the most bitter competitions in NHL history. Through exclusive interviews with coaches, trainers, and players, Spector provides an unbiased, often hilarious look at the brawls, the clashes, and the schemes. 
     A chronicle of an unforgettable time in hockey history (filled with never-before-seen photographs), The Battle of Alberta is guaranteed to entertain fans and educate newcomers alike.

MARK SPECTOR is a sports journalist for SportsNet and has been reporting for the Canadian media for 27 years. His career spans multiple mediums, having hosted the Mark Spector Show on TEAM 1260 to being an Oilers beat reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He has interviewed some of the biggest sporting names of our generation, from Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, to Alex Rodriguez and Ichiro Suzuki. Mark resides in Edmonton, Alberta. This is his first book.