From his hiring, he worked actively to build pride of ownership for the organization while exploring ways to strengthen and stabilize the club commercially.

One of LaForge’s most broadly known achievements was his role in producing the inaugural regular season NHL game played outdoors, called the Heritage Classic.

The Heritage Classic paved the way for an annual outdoor hockey game in the NHL, attracting fans worldwide.

The once legendary major junior team won two Memorial Cups before leaving town in 1976, but were reborn under Oilers ownership.

On April 24, 2015 LaForge stepped down as president & chief operating officer of Oilers Entertainment Group.