By the Numbers: The Significance of #31 in Edmonton Oilers

Every hockey fan knows that certain jersey numbers stick with you. Sometimes it’s a goal you saw live, sometimes a save you still can’t believe happened. For Edmonton Oilers fans, number “31” has always meant one thing: the goalie. Over the years, five different goaltenders wore number “31” in Edmonton, and together they helped turn it into the franchise’s most recognizable goalie number. From the early days to the dynasty years and beyond, number “31” followed the story of Oilers NHL hockey.

1. Ed Mio

Ed Mio was the first Oilers goaltender to pull on number “31”, back when the team was still settling into life in the NHL. Playing behind a young, high-powered lineup (e.g., Gretzky, Messier, Kurri, Coffey), Mio often had to weather the ups and downs that come with an evolving team. His time in Edmonton may not get talked about much anymore, but he laid the groundwork—number “31” was officially a goalie’s number for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

2. Grant Fuhr

Then came Grant Fuhr, and everything changed. Fuhr didn’t just wear “31”—he owned it. During the Oilers’ dynasty, he was a major reason the Oilers captured five Stanley Cup championships, making the big save when it mattered most. Fuhr’s athleticism, confidence, and calm under pressure turned “31” into a symbol of winning. For many fans, seeing number “31” instantly brings Fuhr to mind.

3. Fred Brathwaite

Fred Brathwaite wore number “31” in the mid-1990s, a very different era for the Oilers. Brathwaite, who made his NHL debut with the Oilers on October 18, 1993 (6-3 road loss to Winnipeg), spent three seasons with the Oilers (1993-1996) playing in 40 games.

4. Curtis Joseph

Curtis “Cujo” Joseph brought fire and personality to Edmonton, wearing number “31” during his time with the Edmonton Oilers. Known for his compete level and leadership, Joseph helped the Oilers stay relevant and dangerous, especially in high-pressure moments. He fit right in with the tradition that had already grown around the number “31” in Oil Country.

5. Joaquin Gage

Joaquin Gage was the final Edmonton Oilers goalie to wear number “31”. Often serving in a back-up role (e.g., behind Salo), Gage represents the last chapter before the number’s story came to a close—one final link between past and present.

Forever in the Rafters

Today, number “31” is retired in honour of Grant Fuhr, and no Oilers goaltender will ever wear it again. Hanging in the rafters, number “31” is a reminder of championships, clutch saves, and the memorable goalies who carried the load in Edmonton’s crease. For Oilers fans, number “31” isn’t just a number—it’s part of the team’s history, and it always will be.