Pocklington became a partner in the Edmonton Oilers with Nelson Skalbania in 1975. He acquired Skalbania's half in 1977. During their final year in the World Hockey Association, he bought Wayne Gretzky from the Indianapolis Racers and later signed him to a 21-year contract. After the team moved to the National Hockey League, the team enjoyed tremendous success, winning 5 Stanley Cups 1984-85-87-88-90 in a 7 year span.