Barry Fraser, a Canadian ice hockey executive died in Edmonton, Alberta on December 4, 2022, at the age of 82. He was the Director of Scouting for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League from 1979 to 2000. The cause of his death is not yet revealed.
He was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Fraser attempted a professional hockey career as a player but his career was cut short due to knee injuries. He decided to pursue his dreams of being in the National Hockey League as a scout.
Fraser was credited with building the foundation which led to the Oilers’ dynasty of 1983–1990.
He was present when drafting big-name players such as Grant Fuhr, Kevin Lowe, Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, Paul Coffey, and many more, as well as when the Oilers purchased Wayne Gretzky from the Indianapolis Racers.
In 1983, the Edmonton Oilers went to the Stanley Cup for the first time. They did not win but proved Fraser a legitimate drafting scout. His name is on the Stanley Cup 5 times with Edmonton in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990.
Fraser is survived by his children; Brenda Fraser and Lori Fraser.