The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers were founded on November 1, 1971, with the team playing its first season in 1972, as one of twelve founding franchises of the major professional World Hockey Association (WHA). The Oilers subsequently joined the NHL in 1979, as one of four franchises introduced through the NHL merger with the WHA. After joining the NHL, the Oilers went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1989–90. For their success in the 1980s, the Oilers team of this era has been honored with dynasty status by the Hockey Hall of Fame.