Our AJHL Okotoks Oilers AND WMBL Okotoks Dawgs blog

One season ends, another begins

2011-04-09T10:07:00.001-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers 2010/11 season came to an end on March 29th. after giving up a 3 to 1 series lead, only to lose to the Camrose Kodiaks in 7 games.

The Okotoks Dawgs season gets underway on June 1st, with 5 away games, then coming home to play the 2011 home opener June 9th.

Come out and support these local teams. They offer great entertainment and value for your dollar.

Visit the official websites

2011-04-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Baseball
Okotoks Dawgs
here

Hockey
Okotoks Oilers
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Oilers’ head coach steps down on eve of opener

2010-09-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

by John Barlow - Editor - Western Wheel

As the team was boarding the bus for their season opener in Camrose on Friday the Okotoks Junior A Oilers learned they would be doing so without their head coach.

On the eve of the 2010-2011 season Oiler head coach and general manager Garry VanHereweghe abruptly announced he was stepping down effective immediately and associate coach Chris Fuss will be the interim bench boss until a replacement can be found.

A tired looking VanHereweghe was sitting at his desk Friday afternoon as the team prepared to head to Camrose and said he was stepping aside for personal reasons and it was the best decision for himself, his family, the organization and, most importantly, the players.

“Now was the time,” said VanHereweghe who added a different personality was needed behind the bench.

“Obviously, I am not the right fit for the players’ expectations and the organization’s expectations,” said VanHereweghe. “They need someone who is a more suitable match for these players.”

He said the Oilers are an outstanding organization and with the players currently on the roster Okotoks will have a strong team this season. However, during an extremely competitive camp where rookies were pushing veterans for roster spots it became clear to VanHereweghe he was not the man to lead them this season.

“It was a difficult decision,” he said. “This is a great group of kids and it is tough to walk away, but they felt we were not going in the right direction.

“From the perspective of the team and where they want to go they have to be comfortable with the coach and if they do not fully trust the coach it is not going to work.”

VanHereweghe said stepping off the bench and retaining his GM duties was not an option either. He said he needed to severe the ties completely.

Okotoks is now actively searching for a new head coach and it is unlikely one will be found within the organization.

Fuss was offered the position and he agreed to take on the duties for the interim, but could not commit to being the head coach long-term.

“It would not be fair to the team or myself,” said Fuss who is entering his fourth season with the Oilers. “They need someone who is fully committed. This was not an easy decision.”

The other two assistants, Lyle Seitz and Rocky Zinger, will remain on the staff as well.

Fuss said with his commitments at home and with his own business he could not take on the head coach’s duties.

Fuss said having to find a new coach at this time of the season is difficult for the players, but the dressing room includes some strong leaders who will ensure the team focuses on hockey.

Oilers associate coach Chris Fuss is now the team’s interim head coach while the organization searches for Garry VanHereweghe’s replacement.
“We have strong leaders, strong character kids and they will find a way,” said Fuss. “We have a job to do.”

Oiler veteran Kyle Reynolds said the coaching change will not be a distraction for the players who will focus on what they need to do on the ice.

Reynolds, a third year Oiler, and many of his teammates went through a similar experience last season when VanHereweghe returned to the club to replace coach Dan MacDonald who was released just a month into the season.

“It is part of hockey, part of the game — guys come in and guys go out — we can’t worry about it,” said Reynolds of the coaching change. “We just need to focus on playing hockey.

“I am surprised, but if your heart is not in it then you shouldn’t stay. Garry was a great coach, and I think I can speak for all of the players when I say that. He is going to be missed.”

After a dismal 2-9 start under MacDonald last season VanHereweghe stepped in and guided the Oilers to a 38-18-1-3 record and the club’s first South Division title.

Reynolds said the team was able to rebound after a coaching change last season and he said that experience will be beneficial this time.

“We need to put this behind us and focus on getting a good start to the season and get some wins,” he said.

Oiler president Wayne Lauinger said the organization is disappointed to lose VanHereweghe, who was the team’s coach during their inaugural season in 2005-2006 until 2007-2008, but he added they must respect his decision.

“We hoped he would stay on in some capacity, but we have to move on without Garry VanHereweghe,” said Lauinger. “This organization will have the same principles and philosophies and we have been successful before because of people like Garry and we will continue to be successful.”

Lauinger admitted there is never an opportune time to lose your head coach and general manager, but he said it is better now when the team is still under construction.

He said there are no names on his wish list for a new head coach, but he said there will be no shortage of interest.

VanHereweghe agreed there will be interest as the Oilers are a coveted destination not only for players, but coaches as well.

“I don’t think I have had an opportunity to coach with a better organization than the Okotoks Oilers,” said VanHereweghe. “I will always support the Oilers.”

For prospective coaches, VanHereweghe said despite the turmoil to start the season they could not find a team with better potential than the Oilers.

“This is a good team and whoever walks in here is walking into a good situation.”

Oilers training camp, week 2

2010-09-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

by Bruce Campbell - Sports Editor - Western Wheel

A smaller camp has allowed the Okotoks Junior A Oilers’ coaching staff to have a stronger focus on the players trying to make the team’s 2010-2011 roster.

“We started with less than half the number of players at camp than we did last year,” said Okotoks Oilers coach Garry VanHereweghe. “I think with the smaller numbers the players can see the light at the end of the tunnel rather than when you have a 100 guys.”

The Oilers started camp on Aug. 24 and have played a pair of exhibition games with the Calgary Canucks. They lost 5-2 in Calgary on Friday and won in overtime 3-2 on Saturday night at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks.

However, wins and losses in the exhibition season are like campaign speeches — they don’t mean much but you have to decipher what’s going on to make a wise choice.

“If there is one area that I would like to see more of, it is intensity,” VanHereweghe said. “We have now played two games and an entire camp and we haven’t seen any altercations… We don’t condone that but at the same time we need to know that we are big and tough enough to look after matters as a team.. If there is one area we have to improve it’s in-your-face hockey.”

One spot where the Oilers are not lacking intensity is in net. VanHereweghe has a glut of goalies at camp and he indicated the team may have to carry three goalies at the start of the season.

Okotoks has goalies Sean Cahill and Michael Matyas returning from last year’s South Division championship team, and rookies Jared D’Amico and Riley Parker from the Notre Dame Hounds, who won the Canadian Midget AAA championship last year are also in camp.

Goalie Tyler Hughes, who played for the Okotoks Midget AA Oilers last season was released despite a good outing at camp and a solid performance in allowing one goal in 30 minutes of play in the Oilers’ 3-2 victory Saturday.

“Tyler came into a tough situation and he didn’t play his way off the team,” VanHereweghe said. “It was a numbers thing and us knowing we had two returning goalies and others in the mix. He responded very well.”

He said Hughes is likely going to Melville to try out for the Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior A Hockey League.

VanHereweghe said the 16-year-old D’Amico might have had the most impressive camp with winning five of the six intra-squad games for which he was in net.

The Oilers have 13 veterans returning from last year’s roster and they are being pushed by a strong group of 17-year–old players. However, there’s been no hostility towards the young guys.

“One thing I have been impressed with is the leadership of the vets and helping the younger kids,” VanHereweghe said. “I think the leadership and direction among the guys at camp is one of the best I have ever seen in my Junior A career.”

VanHereweghe said returning Oiler Nolan Huysmans has been impressive in camp.

“The kid has shown up and has been a front-runner in main camp and carried that into the exhibition game when he scored our first goal (against the Canucks) Saturday,” VanHereweghe said. “He is more physical and brought character and leadership.”

The Oilers must have their roster trimmed to 25 players by Dec. 1. However, VanHereweghe said he expects to have his numbers down to approximately 23 players by mid December.

The Oilers’ first regular season game is Sept. 10 when they travel to Camrose to take on the Kodiaks.

Okotoks’ home opener is Friday Sept. 17 when the St. Albert Steel come to the Centennial Arena at 7 p.m.

Oilers name Captains for the 2010/11 season

2010-08-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

by Bruce Campbell - Sports Editor - The Western Wheel

Alberta Junior A Hockey referees won’t have to take a second glance to see which of the two Okotoks Junior A Oilers captains are wearing the C for a particular game.
All they have to do is listen.

One captain, Jeff Barrett, doesn’t say much while the other, Ben Gamache, can talk like Calgary Stampede track announcer Les McIntyre after drinking a pot of coffee.

“Ben has a little more rah, rah in him while I am a little more quiet,” Barrett said with a laugh. “I have the ability to speak up when I have to. I think the two of us will make a really good team together as captains.”

Head coach Garry VanHereweghe and the Oilers’ coaching staff selected Barrett and Gamache as captains last June. The pair will work similar to how it was done last year when Chris Duszynski and Brandon Hoogenboom shared the captaincy and led the team to their first South Division title in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The selection left the 19-year-old Gamache speechless, well, for a while anyway.

“I didn’t expect it,” Gamache said. “I thought I would have to work my way up the ranks. We have a lot of quality 20-year-olds coming back. ”

His job will to keep all the players up and focused.

“I like to talk positive on and off the ice and try to step up and do what it takes to make the team successful,” he said.

It’s not the first time Gamache has worn a “C”. He was the captain of the Notre Dame Hounds when they won the Midget AAA national championship in 2009.

Former champions are the kind of people VanHereweghe wants in the dressing room.

“You want the guys who have won before and provide that kind of leadership on the team,” VanHereweghe said.

The trend is continuing because the captain of the 2010 national champion Hounds, Scott Bolland, is also at the Oilers camp.

Gamache played in 58 games last season with the Oilers and contributed 11 goals and 19 assists. Although he was one of the smaller Oilers at five-foot-seven and 185 pounds, the feisty Gamache had 89 minutes in penalties. He shone in the Oilers’ opening round of the playoffs when he had nine points in six games against the Canmore Eagles.

However, he was injured in the Oilers’ loss in five games to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the league’s semifinal series.

“It was a clean hit, that’s just part of hockey,” he said of his injury.

Barrett missed 29 games last season. Though it was frustrating, he said watching from the stands might have helped him prepare for becoming a captain.

“I would come into the dressing room and tell the boys what I saw,” Barrett said. “I sat and watched 30 plus games and you see things different than when you are in the game and on the bench.”

When Barrett got back from his injury he was put on a line with Derek Rodwell and Duszynski. The big line not only put the puck in the net, but also knocked down plenty of bodies.

The six-foot-two, 200-pound Barrett is entering his third year with the Oilers. Last season he finished seventh on the team in scoring with 14 goals and 21 assists in just 31 games.

Barrett said watching Duszynski and Hoogenboom share the captaincy proved the system works.

“If there is an issue with one of the captains there is always someone there to back him up,” said the 20-year-old Barrett. “There’s also two points of view. Plus one game you might be wearing an A and the next game you are wearing a C. So it creates more cohesiveness with the team.”

It’s important to remember the C not only stands for captain but also class. The captains are just members of the team.

“It’s crucial that you don’t start thinking you are the big cheese,” Barrett said. “You are just one of the guys. If someone asks you to do something you jump right to attention and vice-versa. In the dressing room everyone is at the same level.”

The captain also acts as a liaison at times between the players, VanHereweghe and the coaching staff. That’s a two-way street though. If there’s a problem it is also the captain’s job to maybe knock on the coach’s door and say: “Hey Garry, there’s a tiny, tiny chance you might be wrong.”

“If there’s some issues going on, you have to deal with it,” Barrett said. “Garry’s got a great open-door policy, and he’s open to do all sorts of different ideas.”

Some oddities

2010-08-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

This years edition of the WMBL Okotoks Dawgs saw a couple of rare plays in the field. Sure, there were the numerous double plays, home runs, arguments and ejections, but there were also 2 rare plays you don't see in baseball too often.

Unfortunatley, both of the plays went AGAINST the Okotoks Dawgs.

We saw a rare grand slam homerun for the visitors one night and it was on a night where the hometown Dawgs just couldn't come back for the win.

The second rarity was a triple play. With runners on first and second and no one out, the at bat Dawgs player belted a low fly ball that was immediately caught by the visiting teams second baseman for out one, then tagged the second base for out two, then whizzed the ball to first base for out three.

Yep, the regular season was over in a bat of an eyelash. Now it's on with the real season, the playoffs.

Go Dawgs Go.

Now it feels like baseball.

2010-06-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

So our holidays are over and the sun is out. Kind of reminds us of summer. Oh, ya, it IS summer and the boys are a dozen games into this season. The ballpark still buzzes with every pitch so it must be on.

The new uniforms are just OK, but I like the old ones better. The O on the ballcaps don't bring excitement to me neither. But the team on the field is what it's all about and they look good.

Lets keep packing the ballpark. It's a great atmosphere at Seamans Stadium in Okotoks. Now we just need the weather to co-operate. We burnt up on a Sunday afternoon game, then froze a couple of nights later. Gotta love Southern Alberta weather.

So Go Dawgs Go, and Come Fans Come to a great night of baseball entertain. This is a class organization.

New season about to start for the Okotoks Dawgs

2010-05-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

So we have just had a late May snowstorm and Okotoks is covered in snow. In one week the 2010 edition of the Okotoks Dawgs baseball team will hit the field to a standing room only crowd. Yep, only in Alberta.

This years team is basically a completely new team of players from the college and university levels from all over North America with a few ex- junior Dawgs and a few veteran pitchers from last years championship Dawgs team.

Can the team bring in the championship for the 4th year in a row. After last seasons playoff feasco with the Melville Millionaires, we can only hope for a clean run to the championship.

But if not, it is still a great place and a great sport to pass a few hours of our lives.

GO DAWGS GO

Season ends for our Okotoks Oilers

2010-03-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, the Okotoks Oilers seasons has come to an end. It was a good season with a few records broken and a first place finish in the Southern Division of the AJHL.
They gave us some good entertainment for 7 months and drew just about 30,000 visitors to the rink.

Now a quick break in our local sports action here in Okotoks and then on to Dawgs baseball. June will come quick enough.

Coaching change key to Oilers’ turnaround

2010-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a change is a whole lot better than the status quo.

The Okotoks Junior A Oilers were being left for dead when Garry VanHereweghe took over behind the bench from Dan MacDonald in early October as coach and general manager.

In fact when VanHereweghe lost his first game as head coach on Oct. 5 to the Calgary Canucks, the Oilers fell to last place. Nearly five months later, the Oilers clinched their first South Division regular season title when they beat the Canmore Eagles 5-0 Thursday.

The Oilers finished the regular season by winning their last five games, including Sunday’s 7-1 victory over the Drumheller Dragons at the Centennial Arena. Okotoks finished the season 38-18-1-3 and their 80 points was five more than the second-place Camrose Kodiaks. When VanHereweghe took over Okotoks was 3-6, but the turnaround has been remarkable. Since VanHereweghe took over as the Oilers’ bench boss the team’s record has been 35-12-1-3.

“Garry has done a heck of a job,” Oilers president Wayne Lauinger said after the Oilers’ victory in Canmore. “For us to finish in first place when at one time I think we were down by 18 points to Camrose in the standings, is remarkable.”

Lauinger said MacDonald was an important part of the Oilers the past two years, in which the team finished second in the regular season. However, they were upset in the second round of the AJHL playoffs each year.

When the Oilers started the 2009-10 season slower than a sloth on Valium, the team’s board of directors felt it was time for a change.

“Dan did a lot of good things for this team,” Lauinger said. “Sometimes after a while the team stops listening to the coach’s message.”

Oilers forward John McInnis agreed.

“Garry gave us a fresh-start,” said McInnis, who set a team record with 42 goals this year. “At the start of the season, we had high expectations and we weren’t reaching them. The way things were going it was really a tough time.

“Dan was a great coach, I learned a lot from him,” McInnis said. “Unfortunately, we weren’t getting the results we wanted.”

When VanHereweghe took over last fall, he said the team had a lot of things to work on. He credits the young men in the Oilers’ dressing room for getting that work done.

VanHereweghe’s focus upon returning to the bench was to work on the Oilers’ defensive zone play which was criticized for being too soft and passive early in the season.

“Not only did they work hard, but after that first game against Calgary (Oct. 5) it was evident we were making a lot of mistakes in our defensive zone,” VanHereweghe said. “We broke it down, not quite from scratch, but the players accepted it and worked at it.”

He added the players are a close-knit group who have shown resiliency.

VanHereweghe said the team has persevered throughout the year, despite obstacles such as losing Corban Knight to the University of North Dakota just before training camp, the loss of a coach and injuries that kept Oilers trainer Kirsten Kidd busy all year.

“We didn’t have a healthy scratch until our 50th game of he season,” VanHereweghe said. “This team has overcome quite a few obstacles.”

Oiler captain Chris Duszynski said having to grind their way from the bottom to the top will help the Oilers when they start the playoffs on March 7 against a yet-to-be determined opponent. The Oilers earned a first-round bye.

“In the past two years, we sailed through the regular season,” Duszynski said. “When the playoffs rolled along we didn’t have the ability to battle back, or change our play.

“This year we had a bit of adversity at the start and throughout the season. We have learned how to battle and take our losses and turn it around.”

Oilers clinch first place.

2010-02-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Okotoks Oilers are saying hello to their first championship in their history and saying bye-bye to the opening round of the Alberta Junior Hockey League playoffs.

The Oilers clinched the AJHL’s South Division when they blanked the Canmore Eagles 5-0 in Canmore Thursday.

The Okotoks’ victory gave the Oilers a 36-18-1-3 record (76 points).

Okotoks had the chance to clinch the title last night when the Bonnyville Pontiacs beat the Camrose Kodiaks 5-4 in Bonnyville Wednesday night.

The Kodiaks have 74 points with only one game left on their schedule. However, the Oilers have the tiebreaker because they have more wins than Camrose.

The Oilers came out against the Eagles with the full knowledge that they could clinch the South Division with a win.

It showed.

They came out with the pedal to the medal exploding with four goals in the opening eight minutes for the 4-0 lead.

The Oilers Cody Dion, Nolan Huysmans, Jeff Barrett and John McInnis scored first period goals for the Oilers.

It was McInnis’ 37th of the year as he strives for his personal goal of 40 in a season.

The Oilers all-time leading scorer, Chris Duszynski, closed out the scoring with a goal in the opening minute of the third period.

Meanwhile Oilers goalie Sean Cahill could have watched the Canada-Swiss hockey game he saw so little action.

The Oilers’ stingy defence held the Eagles to just 18 shots, all of which Cahill handled.

Duszynski called the win an important one in the team’s history, but one they have to put immediately behind them.

“We have been second best both years I have been here (prior to 2009-10),” Duszynski said. “But after tonight, we put this to rest because we have got bigger fish to fry.”

The Oilers on Feb. 19 against the Calgary Canucks at the Centennial Arena. Their final regular season game is Sunday at the Centennial Arena at 1:30 p.m. when they take on the Drumheller Dragons.

#21 John McInnis

2010-02-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

An Okotoks Junior A Oiler set a goal back in September of scoring 40 goals this season. It was a quite a lofty mark considering the Oilers’ team record was 34 goals in a season.

Turns out, Oiler John McInnis was selling himself short. The Oiler forward scored six goals in the Oilers’ final three games of the Alberta Junior Hockey League season to finish the year with 42 goals.

“I set my goal for 40,” McInnis said after scoring his 37th in the Oilers’ 5-0 victory over the Canmore Eagles on Thursday in Canmore. “I like to put pressure on myself and hopefully it all works out.”

The native of Plymouth, Mass. got to 40 goals with a hat trick in the Oilers’ 8-5 victory over the Calgary Canucks Friday night at the Centennial Arena. (Number 40 was into an empty net).

He notched two more in the Oilers’ last game of the season, a 7-1 win over the Drumheller Dragons, to finish the year at 42.

At the start of the season, McInnis was on pace to score a less-than-whopping six goals in the 2009-10 campaign.

“In the first 10 games I only had one goal,” McInnis said. “I was really struggling, the whole team was. Then I got a couple and started to relax.”

McInnis finished the season with 42 goals and 31 assists. He credits much of his success to linemates Brandon Hoogenboom and Cody Dion. All three members of the line finished in the top five in team scoring.

“I think we all bring something different to the table,” McInnis said. “We also share some of the same things. Whenever one of us gets the puck, we go to the net.”

Both Dion and McInnis take shots on goals like they were using a Gatlin gun rather than a stick — the more shots on net, the more likely one will get by a goalie.

“I might not score a lot of pretty goals, but when the situation presents itself, I do what I have to do,” McInnis said.

The previous record of 34 was set last season by Corban Knight, who is playing for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, one of the top NCAA teams in the United States.

There is no comparing the two players, according to the new record holder.

There is no comparison,” McInnis said. “Knighter is in a league of his own. He was so smart with the puck and saw the ice so well.

“I am more of a guy who has to work for everything he can get.”

Hoogenboom said neither he nor Dion did anything different to get McInnis his record.

“We were too focused on getting first place, we were playing the same way,” Hoogenboom said.

“He is just a guy who gets in the right spot at the right time.

“It also doesn’t hurt that he has one of the hardest shots in the league — either a slapshot or a wristshot.”

McInnis is close to committing to Union College in New York.

bcampbell@okotoks.greatwest.ca

#17, Oiler Jeff Barrett

2010-01-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

An Okotoks Oiler went on an anti-Atkins diet over the summer and is now throwing some meaty checks around the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season.

“I put on about 15 pounds over the summer,” said Oiler forward Jeff Barrett. “It’s definitely noticeable out there. When someone comes to hit me they kind of bounce off. I worked out a lot and ate as much food as I could. I was able to turn most of the carbs I ate into muscle.”

Barrett stands six-foot-two and weighs 200 pounds.

Confidence has given his game as much of a boost as the extra muscle. He admited to be a little awestruck in his first year with the Oilers last season.

“Just having that year under your belt really opened up my eyes,” the 19-year-old said. “Coming in as a vet gave me a lot more confidence in my ability.”
Barrett has missed a large part of the season because he was recovering from a torn MCL in his knee suffered in the fifth game of the year. Although not as serious as the dreaded torn ACL, which would have likely ended his season, Barrett has played just 18 of the Oilers’ 47 games going into the weekend.

He said he is now close to 100 per cent health wise.

“I think I’m supposed to take care of my own end and put a few in the back of the net,” Barrett said. “In Midget, I scored quite a bit and I lost it some last year. I am starting to get it back.”

He has seven goals and nine assists in his 18 games this season. Barrett finished with 10 goals and 16 assists last season.

Barrett is playing on an all-purpose line with veterans Derek Rodwell and Chris Duszynski.

“Since Jeff got back, he has been one of our best players,” said Oilers assistant coach Chris Beston. “I don’t think that line has a designated role. They are good at everything.”

The reason the trio was put together is obvious to the eye.

“Size,” Oilers head coach Garry VanHereweghe said. “They are three guys who have an extremely hard work ethic. They skate in straight lines, they don’t dipsy-doodle all over the place. They are big and strong and a great line for forechecking and get the puck in deep. They pressure the puck very well… It’s a valuable line that we can put in any situation.”

Rodwell is six-foot-two and 200 pounds while and Duszynski tips the Toledo at 185 pounds on his six-foot frame.

4 Oilers named to 2009/2010 All-Star team

2010-01-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

A rugged Okotoks hockey player was named to his first all-star game since he was a Peewee.

Forward Derek Rodwell was one of four Okotoks Oilers selected for the South team, which will play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League all-star game on Jan. 30 in Fort McMurray.

The other Oilers selected were captain Brandon Hoogenboom, defenceman Quinn Sproule and goalie Sean Cahill who will make his second appearance at the all-star game.

Rodwell, who was a fifth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the NHL draft in June, is looking forward to the experience.

“I haven’t been in an all-star game since about Peewee, so it will be something new and exciting,” Rodwell said. “It’s great to be recognized, but I have to stay focused on playing my game and not trying to be someone else.”

Rodwell’s game is doing the things that might not show up on the AJHL stat sheets.

“A lot of things like finishing your checks, your face-offs, don’t show up on the score sheet,” said Rodwell, a Holy Trinity Academy graduate. “Just because I don’t get a point doesn’t mean I haven’t contributed.”

Rodwell is a third-year Oiler. The ‘A’ on his jersey means he has to do more than slam bodies and win face-offs.

“Being one of the older guys I have more of a leadership role,” Rodwell said. “I can tell the guys what to expect against the other teams.”

It’s not like he’s been totally absent from the score sheet, however. He is sixth on the team in scoring with 11 goals and 17 assists. Rodwell will join former Oilers Corban Knight and goalie Bradley Eidsness with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux next season.

Hoogenboom is also making his first trip to the all-star game. His hard work and commitment the past two years has paid off and he is having his best season as an Oiler.

“I had a real good start to the season and I think that helped me get selected,” Hoogenboom said. “I have been happy with the way I have been playing. I have improved in the defensive zone. That’s helped me quite a lot because it gives me the opportunity to jump into the rush and make plays.”

Hoogenboom, a forward, is third on the Oilers in scoring with 20 goals and 13 assists. Fans going to the Centennial Arena may not be aware of it, but Hoogenboom wears the C on his jersey for half their games. He is their captain for road games while Chris Duszynski wears the C at home.

Sometimes Hoogenboom has to keep the team in check.

“We have blown three-goal leads at times and as a captain, that can get frustrating,” the Nanton native said. “They might be getting a little too cocky and you have to keep them under wraps.”

Hoogenboom was selected as a starter for the game. The third-year Oiler has not yet committed to a university hockey team.

Sproule was also selected to the starting lineup.

“Garry (Oiler coach Garry VanHereweghe) has worked with me on being more of a physical player and finishing the body,” the Oiler defenceman said.

He’s got more body to throw around. He put on 15 pounds by hitting the weights in the summer.

“Right now, we have more of a defensive mindset because we have some injuries on the blueline,” Sproule said. “So I haven’t had the chance to wheel-and-deal as much.”

Sproule, a former UFA Midget AAA Bison, has six goals and nine assists and has committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage next year.

Cahill is making his second straight appearance in the all-star game. However, being a goalie at an all-star game is like attending your high school graduation ceremony — sure it’s an honour but you know it’s going to be a long evening.

“Our team lost 14-13 and I gave up six goals,” Cahill said with a laugh. “It’s kind of expected. No one is playing defence or taking the body. It’s really freewheeling.”

He was surprised to be invited to the all-star goalfest this season.

“I had a rough start to the year, so yeah, I was surprised I got picked,” Cahill said. His play turned around in November and recently he was named the Oilers’ number one goalie by VanHereweghe.

“It builds your confidence and gets you on a roll. When you play back-to-back games it helps a lot,” he said, adding that the strong play of Oiler rookie goalie Mike Matyas has also pushed him to be better between the pipes.

The Oilers’ improved play defensively has also made him look better.

“Garry has been preaching defence ever since he has been here,” Cahill said. He has a 13-5-1 record with a goals against average of 3.01 and a save percentage of 90.55. He will attend University of Alaska-Anchorage after his Oiler career is finished.

Although the Oilers have four players going to the game, VanHereweghe said players like the team’s top scorers, John McInnis and Duszynski, could have also been named.

He said the Oilers are like other teams in the league – only so many players can be selected.

McInnis, who is leading the team with 43 points (22 goals and 21assists), took not being selected in stride.

“I would have liked to go, but it’s not a big deal,” McInnis said. “I’m happy for these guys. Maybe next year.”

Former Oiler Mason Conway, now a member of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, was selected to the North Division all-star team.

bcampbell@okotoks.greatwest.ca

Oiler # 24 Tanner Olstad

2009-12-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Playing hockey at the Junior A level means you have to be able to make quick adjustments.

That was definitely the case for the newest Oiler. Tanner Olstad, a 17-year-old centreman, was released from a hockey team in a different country and 43 hours later he was in the Oilers’ lineup for their 5-3 victory over the Calgary Royals on Dec. 1.

Olstad was released by the Tri-City Americans in Kenniwick, Wash. of the Western Hockey League after the team’s game on Nov. 28.

“Right after the game the owner pulled me into the office and told me that I was being sent down to Okotoks,” Olstad said. “I drove home to Calgary on Sunday and I had my first practice with the Oilers on the Monday.”

The Oilers have no affiliation with any WHL team, however, because the Oilers carded Olstad two years ago, the team had his rights to play in the AJHL.

Olstad admitted on Thursday the quick transition rocked his world.

“I said good-bye to my teammates, my billets and friends from school and went home and packed,” Olstad said. “I got up the next morning and drove home. I’m kind of dreaming a bit. I had no idea that I would be here right now. I’m just hoping it can work out for the best. I’m sure everything will turn out.”

Olstad was released in order for him to receive more playing time. He had one assist in the 10 games he played in with the Americans. Tri-City had played 33 games when Olstad was released.

“It will take some time to adjust to the team and a new school (Holy Trinity Academy), but I am sure it’s going to work out,” he said. “Down there it’s 45-minute classes and up here they are 80 — I have to concentrate more.”

While it is taking time to get accustomed in the classroom he is having no trouble fitting comfortably in the Oilers’ dressing room and on the ice.

“Right now I am just getting to know my teammates and the systems,” he said. “They seem to be a great group of guys.”

Olstad considers himself a playmaker and he has been given an opportunity to show his stuff with the Oilers. He was on a line between veterans John McInnis and Kyle Reynolds on Okotoks’ three-game road trip last weekend. McInnis is the team’s leading scorer while Reynolds is fourth.

Oilers GM-head coach Garry VanHereweghe wasn’t about to let the chance to have Olstad don an Okotoks jersey pass him by.

“I dealt with Bob Tory (Americans’ general manager) and I told him that we would have a card available if Tanner did become available,” VanHereweghe said. “We want to develop him to the best of our ability and after this year we will see what happens… We want to develop kids to help them get to the goals they want to, whether it be the Western Hockey League or college.”

Sandwiching Olstad between McInnis and Reynolds could work out as well as Alberta beef between two pieces of bread.

“He’s got tremendous speed and I think the line will have tremendous chemistry,” said VanHereweghe. “They all think the game the same way.”

He said the Oilers have been in need of a playmaker since James Bannister went down with an injury.

Although Olstad has had a cup of coffee in the Western Hockey League, he hasn’t closed his doors on playing hockey in a post-secondary school.

The WHL provides players scholarship funds for post-secondary schools. Canadian and colleges allow WHL players to play hockey in their programs.

However, because the Western Hockey League players receive financial stipends, there are restrictions on those players playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association because they are deemed professionals. AJHL players do not receive any remuneration for playing hockey.

Okotoks Oilers on Facebook.

2009-12-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Come join the fun with the Okotoks Oilers Fan Page on Facebook.

John McInnis, #21, Okotoks Oilers

2009-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

The head coach of the Okotoks Junior A Oilers describes one of his forwards as pretty dependable.

It’s a bit of an understatement. John McInnis’ironman streak sits at 91 games played without missing time due to injury, illness or even a healthy scratch. Oiler bench boss Gary VanHereweghe said as long as McInnis can lace up his skates, he’ll play.

“He’s the type of kid that doesn’t take no for an answer if it comes to playing time,” said VanHereweghe.

McInnis has tallied 86 points in 91 games played, a streak that began last season. As of Nov. 30, McInnis had 31 points in 29 games played this campaign.

“I hate missing games no matter what. I don’t think I’ve missed a game in probably four years,” said McInnis. Sick, hurt, tired, whatever McInnis said he just shakes it off and gets out there. Like a perpetual-motion machine, once McInnis is moving, he stays moving regardless of how under the weather he might feel.

“It’s kind of like a wall, once you get past it, you’re fine and you’re good for the rest of the game or practice,” said McInnis. Perhaps making the streak all that more impressive is the fact McInnis does not shy away from the most physical aspects of the game.

On two occasions VanHereweghe has seen McInnis flying in to rescue a teammate getting shoved around by an opponent. Watching his teammates getting roughed up is perhaps the one thing that sets McInnis off, otherwise he doesn’t seek out fisticuffs.

“I play with (Kyle) Reynolds and Hoogie (Brandon Hoogenboom), who are not the biggest guys on the team,” said McInnis.

A Plymouth, Mass., native, McInnis said he would like to return home after his tour of duty with the Oilers and skate for one of six major universities in the Boston area. “They are all over the place, I’ve talked to BC (Boston College) a little bit,” said McInnis.

VanHereweghe said McInnis is committed to his hockey and his leadership skills are apparent. All through his minor career McInnis has been a captain and even though he doesn’t wear the ‘C’ with the Oilers, he still looks upon himself as a leader with the club.

“As a 20-year-old guy I have to set the tone for some of the guys who really don’t know the way,” said McInnis.

2 December 2009 by Rick Northrop - Staff Reporter. The Western Wheel

Win some, Lose some ...

2009-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Every notice how the AJHL (or even the NHL) season progresses, teams win some games they shouldn't, and lose some games they should have won?

Such was the case on Friday night in St. Albert where the Oilers should have won. With the score tied 1-1 and about half way through the third period, and with the Oilers outplaying the Steel, James Bannister scores on the PP to put us up 2-1.

Everything all rosey right!. WRONG!!!

Two lazy penalties for holding late in the game gave St. Albert two powerplays in the last three minutes in the game and they score on both of them. 3-2 St. Albert final.

urrggg!!!! How frustrating for the team, letting a game slip through their fingers.

Yes, you win some and lose some during the season. It's always nice to win the games your shouldn't win, but ouch, it hurts to lose a game you should have won.

Rookie Oiler brings some

2009-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

As the Okotoks Junior A Oilers refocus their sights on making a run at the RBC Cup it is a rookie on the roster who brings some championship experience to the club.

Oiler rookie Ben Gamache was the captain of the Notre Dame Hounds who won the Telus Cup as the best Midget AAA team in Canada last April in Selkirk, MB.

“Going into the Telus Cup we had nothing on our mind except to win,” Gamache said. “We ended up tying the first game to the Buffs (the Calgary Buffaloes). We knew we had a good chance to meet them in the final and so we had a pretty good idea what it would take to beat them.”

The Hounds shut out the Buffaloes 4-0 in the final and Gamache scored the final goal. “It was a real bonus to score that goal on TV with my family watching from back home,” said Gamache, who hails from Long Lac, ON.
Gamache had seven goals and three assists in the Telus Cup tournament and was selected the tournament’s top forward.

Attending the famed Notre Dame private school in Wilcox, SK was a rewarding experience for the Oiler freshman. “Notre Dame is really different than other Midget teams,” Gamache said. “You are always with the team — you eat with the team, you sleep with the team. You do everything with the team. “It really builds team bonding.”

He said hockey is No. 1 in Wilcox which is just south of Regina.
“It’s a small town —the school is bigger than the town,” Gamache said. “But people who have lived there for years know who you are because of the hockey teams. It’s a really nice community.”

Going to Notre Dame opened other doors for Gamache besides the swinging gate going onto the ice. “I now know people from Korea, Switzerland and from all over the world and these are non-hockey kids,” Gamache said.

However, when he made the jump to Junior A he chose Okotoks rather than remaining in Notre Dame, which has produced such players as Wendel Clark and Vincent Lecavalier.

“I talked to some guys who have played here — Corban Knight and Chris Duszynski,” Gamache said. “Corban told me it was a great organization. I did my research and I knew it was a great community.”

Gamache first became aware that he was on the Oilers’ radar when he talked to the team’s head of scouting Jay Magnussen at the Mac’s Midget Tournament last December. The Oilers were able to close the deal after former coach Dan MacDonald and Magnussen saw Gamache play at the Western Regionals in Moose Jaw.

“I got a phone call asking me to give Okotoks a shot and I didn’t hesitate,” Gamache said. “Notre Dame tried hard to get me to stay my last month of school, but I thought Okotoks was a better choice for me at this time.”

New Oiler coach and GM Garry VanHereweghe said he is delighted to be reaping the benefits of MacDonald’s and Magnussen’s hard work in recruiting Gamache.

“Any time you get a player off a national champion it will pay dividends,” VanHereweghe said. “Kids who come out of Notre Dame are very disciplined and they are also used to being away from home.”

The Oilers have had success in the past with recruits from Notre Dame as former Oiler Andrew Owsiak, who is now playing at Dartmouth, also played Midget at Notre Dame.

VanHerewghe said Gamache is tenacious and battles in the corner and is not afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net.
“He has to work on his speed — his first two strides. He has to work on his acceleration,” VanHereweghe said. “But he has a good work ethic and it will come.

“I’m not afraid to use him in any situation.” Gamache has two goals and one assist with the Oilers this year.

By Bruce Campbell
Sports Editor
Western Wheel

Okotoks Oilers win 2

2009-10-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

After a loss to the Calgary Canucks on the day coach Dan McDonald got fired, two straight convincing wins at home makes new coach Garry VanHereweghe look pretty good.
The new coach has instilled a new vigar into this team. Was it that the guys gave up on Dan?? Lets hope not, but whatever happened, I hope it continues.

Okotoks Oilers fire coach.

2009-10-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Garry VanHereweghe didn’t take long to adjust to his new role as head coach and general manager of the Okotoks Oilers — but, frankly, he had no choice.

After the Alberta Junior Hockey League club announced the firing of former head coach and general manager Dan MacDonald on Monday, VanHereweghe immediately took over. He had spent two years at the club’s helm from 2005-07 and was put to work again Monday evening as the Oilers paid a visit to the Calgary Canucks at the Max Bell Centre.

“For whatever reason, the chemistry just wasn’t there between the players and the team,” said VanHereweghe, who worked as the Oilers’ director of player personnel before leaving to work a security position on a U.S. cruise line. “If you look back at Dan’s last two seasons, certainly you’d have to say they were successful. Second place finish and certainly very high points in both seasons. Well, well above the .500 record.

“You have to look at where they’re at (now) . . . obviously, there will be some tinkering done.”

In two seasons with the Oilers, MacDonald, hired in the summer of 2007, led the team to an 84-30-3-7 regular-season record and to the post-season twice. In 2008, the group was eliminated in the first round by the Drumheller Dragons; 2009 saw the Oilers bow to the Olds Grizzlies in the second round. Heading into Monday’s game, the group was 3-6 — second last in the AJHL’s south division ahead of the Calgary Royals (1-7).

“This has been a very difficult decision for the Oilers’ board of directors, but it was felt that the hockey club was not progressing and the change was necessary,” said Oilers president Wayne Lauinger. “Dan has worked extremely hard during his tenure with the Oilers and has positively affected the lives of many aspiring hockey players.”

kodland@theherald.canwest.com

Okotoks Oilers have a new coach

2009-10-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers have let go coach Dan McDonald and replaced him with former Oiler coach Garry Van Hereweghe.

The official announcement should be forthcoming.

Oilers release Jordan Koopmans

2009-10-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers have let go defense man Jordan Koopmans.

As of October 3, the Oilers are on a 5 game losing streak :(

Okotoks Oilers off and running in the 2009/10 season.

2009-09-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Oilers are into the new season now, and after starting off the season on a losing way, have now won 2 in a row.

It's great to have hockey back in season, even though it tells you that the cold weather is coming.

The boys are just finding their legs and getting use to the rookies in the line-up. On Friday night (Sept 18) there were 7 rookies on the ice.

Good to see Chris Duszynski awarded the C. Wearing the A were Quinn Sproule and Brandon Hoogenboom.

Will post here once in a awhile. Our main writings will be on the Oilers official website.

Okotoks Oilers hockey season about to start

2009-09-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that summer is winding down and as we switch our focus from the Okotoks Dawgs to the Okotoks Oilers, we all dread the cold and snow that will be here.

After a very successful year of the WMBL Dawgs, the season ended in a very anti-climatic way. Sure, we still call our team champions, and rightfully though, but we wanted to win the proper way. Well, maybe next year.

We are now at the Okotoks Centennial Arena watching our hockey boys fight for a position on the Oilers team. Kind of strange to be sitting in the stands with shorts and sandels at this time of year.

We look forward to a good season with the guys putting out a good effort everytime they step on the ice. Personally, I don't think they will be as high in the standings as in the past, but I've eaten my words on many occasions before.

So Go Oilers Go.

DAWGS co-win 2009 WMBL Championship .

2009-08-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Manny Kumar, Brett Thomas, Alex Jensen, Jeff Duda

They split the first two games of the series.

They felt the same sense of frustration as the rain fell.

And now the Melville Millionaires and Okotoks Dawgs will have to share
the one thing they wanted for themselves — the Western Major Baseball League championship.

“It’s sort of hard for the players to take,” said Dawgs manager A.J.
Fystro of the WMBL’s decision to declare the teams co-champions due to the weather, field conditions and travel issues.

“We hope that these guys are going to realize that this was a championship season. In my mind, this is definitely a championship. This is definitely a three-peat.”

The Dawgs, winners of the last two WMBL championships, headed to
Melville, Sask., Friday with the series tied at 1-1. But rain made conditions
at Melville’s Pirie Field unplayable Saturday and again Sunday.“We were in the dugout when (Sunday) night’s game was called,” said Fystro. “There were lakes all over the infield.”

Because many of the Okotoks and Melville players were due to return to
U.S. colleges today, the league set an absolute deadline of Monday night for the series to be concluded. Travelling back to Okotoks was ruled out
due to the 10-hour bus journey — and how it would affect players who had
flights booked for Tuesday morning. And with Monday’s forecast for Melville looking bleak, the WMBL executive called an emergency meeting late Sunday night.

“We had really run out of options,” said WMBL president Merv Ozirny,
who added that, ironically, conditions in Melville on Monday may have been good enough to play a deciding game.

“I don’t think anybody’s particularly happy. I think (both teams) are content it’s the best possible option given the circumstances. They will share the trophy.”

Dawgs players were still trying to get their heads around what had
transpired as they travelled back to Alberta on the team bus Monday.

“It’s definitely not how we planned it, but we deserve to be champions,” said catcher Brett Thomas. “We did everything in our control to be the best team in this league.”

For Thomas and a handful of other Dawgs, the decision didn’t
just mark the end of their season, it signalled a probable end to their
baseball careers.

“I think all the third-year guys are going to be done. There’s six or seven of us", said pitcher Alex Jensen. “We were (part of) the first group in
Okotoks. It’s kind of like the end of an era.”

It’s not the first time in WMBL history that the championship has been shared by two teams. Back in 2002, in very similar circumstances, Moose Jaw and — you’ve guessed it — Melville were declared co-champions.

But with any luck, this year’s co-champions might be the last. Ozirny said the league plans to discuss bringing forward the date for next year’s championship series to ensure unforeseen circumstances don’t force the league to declare a winner or winners.

As the Dawgs prepared to celebrate with fans at Seaman Stadium
late Monday night, Jensen said his initial sense of disappointment has
been replaced with the realization that this year’s team, considered by some to be less talented than the championship teams of 2008 and 2007, has still achieved something remarkable.

“I think it’s right up there with the other (championships),” said
Jensen, who was part of the two previous championship-winning
teams. “We didn’t get the dog pile on the field or (parade) the trophy
like we did the last two years. But the nice part is that each year we’ve had great team chemistry and this group is right up with the rest of them in terms
of having fun with each other and winning games.”

Thomas said he’s determined to make sure the way the championship series ended doesn’t leave a bitter taste in his mouth.

And, as he pointed out, there are worse things than being named co-champions after spending two days staring up at the sky.

Like, you know, spending three days staring up at the sky.

“We are happy to get out of Melville,” he said, laughing.

kbradford@theherald.canwest.com

Photograph by: Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald

Is This Heaven? Globe and Mail story on the Okotoks Dawgs

2009-08-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

To the southwest, beyond the neatly-manicured grass and right-field wall, you can see the Rocky Mountains looming in the distance. Inside the stadium, there are kids playing baseball on a grassy hill using an empty water bottle as a bat and a rolled up hot-dog wrapper as a ball.

As the home team takes to the field for its pregame warm-up, fans welcome one another the way old friends do. The weather is idyllic; John Mellencamp’s Small Town is serenading the house.

Is this heaven? No, its Okotoks, an Alberta town of 17,000 that has never had a baseball team to call its own until the Dawgs of the Western Major League bounded south from Calgary to the heart of the Sheep River Valley. That was three years ago.

Since then, the Dawgs have captured the hearts of the locals by winning a pair of WMBL titles and proving baseball can thrive in a province known primarily for its other pursuits: hockey, football, rodeo and ranching.

“We had some success in Calgary, but it’s a big city,” said John Ircandi, the Dawgs managing and founding partner. “You have an NHL and a CFL team and there’s not a baseball culture. … We’re building a baseball culture here.”

Baseball has been reinvigorating itself in Alberta’s sporting landscape for close to a decade now. Prior to that there were the ubiquitous Little League and senior men’s leagues as well as Triple-A affiliates in both Calgary and Edmonton. (The Cannons and Trappers now exist as the Golden League’s Vipers and Capitals, respectively.)

But the prevailing sentiment was: Not enough was being done to nurture younger players.

That’s changed now. There are high schools in both Calgary and Edmonton that cater to baseball-playing student athletes. There are academies throughout the province, from St. Albert to Vauxhall, that take in more than 20 athletes and hone their baseball skills through coaching, practices and up to 75 games a season.

Les McTavish, who played at Washington State University and has coached
Canada’s national junior team, heads the Vauxhall Academy and pointed to its graduation statistics as proof of how much potential the game has in this half of the country.

“We graduated 36 kids in the last three years and all 36 have gone to college baseball,” McTavish said. “We’ve had six guys from our program drafted by major-league teams – four current, two former.

“I came through the system in the 1990s and there was [pitcher] Chris Reitsma, but there wasn’t much past that,” McTavish added. “Now, kids can see a Dale Anderson or a Steven Inch, who were both drafted this year [by the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively] and they can say, ‘I can make it, too.’ It inspires them.”

What the Okotoks Dawgs have done has been inspiring on several fronts.
Business-wise, the team is as polished as a well-turned double play.

Ircandi, a Calgary lawyer and baseball aficionado, oversaw the construction of Seaman Stadium, so named after its two benefactors Don Seaman and the late Doc Seaman, who was also an original owner of the NHL’s Calgary Flames.

The two-year-old ballpark is a gem, with 1,650 major-league-style seats, a
family viewing area on a grassy hill, a big-time video scoreboard plus “a
full-service Press Box featuring home and visitors media rooms.”

Overall cost: $8-million.

Last season, the team’s ability to average 1,825 fans per game earned it a
sterling acknowledgement from Ballpark Biz, a U.S. sports consulting firm
which dubbed the Dawgs “the No. 1 draw, professional or otherwise, in the
province of Alberta, the No. 1 collegiate draw in Canada and among the top-10 summer collegiate draws in North America.”

“A lot has to do with the community,” said Ircandi, who took the team out of the big city and transplanted it here not knowing if it would take root.
“Sure, it was a gamble. Okotoks never had a baseball team before. But the team really grabbed [the opportunity] and created an incredible sense of pride.It’s been a collision of things.”

On the field, the Dawgs are made up of college players, including one from
Kentucky, three from Colorado, nine from California and 13 from across Canada. They play in the WMBL until mid-August, then return to their schools.

They receive no salary for their efforts, although their travel costs and room and board are covered. Like junior hockey players, they are billeted with volunteer families, which has also helped strengthen the bond between the team and its community and allowed the Dawgs to enhance their operation.

“We’re a non-profit business,” Ircandi said. “Any money we get we’re putting back into the club. In part, that’s how we built the Rose Field House.”

Next to Seaman Stadium’s right-field seating area stands the latest addition to Okotoks baseball, a $2-million in-door training facility that features a regulation-sized infield with artificial turf. Players can work out in the weight room, receive medical treatment and will eventually have their batting swings analyzed through a computer program that can compare their mechanics,via a split-screen, to Manny Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Not surprisingly, the two local midget Triple-A baseball teams (Grades 10 to 12) have benefited from the available resources and are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the province. To paraphrase the concept, Ircandi and his staff are taking puppies and turning them into Dawgs. The WMBL couldn’t be happier.

“This league started over 50 years ago in Saskatchewan,” commissioner Keith Jorgensen said. “It evolved for a time, then it just about died. In the late 1990s, we were down to four teams. Now, we have 11 and there are two more groups talking to us about coming in. … What they’ve done in Okotoks has contributed to that.”

On this spectacularly sunny day, the Dawgs outlast the Lethbridge Bulls, then auction off their jerseys to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The final tally is a $22,000 donation.

It is another indication of how much baseball matters here and how the game can blossom in the most unlikely of places. Ircandi says it felt good right from the first pitch.

“The former mayor of Okotoks told me, ‘I knew it would work for us after
watching the opening-night game.’ We had a double rainbow [in the sky] that night framing the [grassy hill]. And at the end of the game, we had the kids run the bases with our mascot. Everything just came together,” he said.

“We’re establishing something; we really are.”

Allan Maki

OKOTOKS, ALTA. — Globe and Mail

Former Oiler has Hand in marketing

2009-07-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

Former Okotoks Junior A Oiler Dallas Hand is the team’s new marketing
manager.

The Okotoks Junior A Oiler who scored the first goal in the team’s history now has a new goal with the club — putting fannies in the seats at the Centennial
Arena.

Former Oiler Dallas Hand has rejoined the organization as the team’s
new marketing manager.

“My job is selling tickets, advertising, organizing golf tournaments and
trying to get more people in the stands at the Centennial Arena,” Hand
said. “I have a lot of plans in my head right now.”

Hand has a minor in sports management and a major degree in marketing
at the New England College in New Hampshire, where he played for two years and coached for another. It was his one-year stint with the Oilers in 2005-06 that got his foot in the door to play college hockey.

“Playing with the Oilers basically got me into New England,” Hand
said. “The coaching staff did a great job of helping me out with the program.
Garry (VanHereweghe) was the main one who got me into it.” VanHereweghe was the Oilers’ first coach and is now the player
personnel director.

Hand came to the Oilers as a 20-year-old after playing for the Rimbey
Colts of the Heritage Junior B Hockey League. He was a long shot to make the
club, but his strong pre-season forced the Oilers to keep him on the
roster. They are certainly glad they did as Hand made an excellent first
impression in Junior A hockey.

He made history when he slipped a puck past Sherwood Park Crusader goalie
Trevor Peeters on Sept. 9, 2005 at the Murray Arena.“It was a greasy rebound goal,” Hand said with a laugh. “All I really remember was that we won the game.

Hand did whatever was asked of him in his time with the Oilers. He
started out as a forward but also had a stint on the blueline when injuries
took their toll on the team. “I was all over the place that year. It was more or less wherever they needed me, I played there,” Hand said.

His dedication to the team and community resulted in Hand being named the first recipient of the Mr. Oiler Award. Hand admits he might have to wear a few hats in his first year working with the Oilers and he credits his predecessor Greg Davenport with creating a strong foundation from which he can work. However, Hand is starting his new gig like he was down a goal — he’s battling harder times. “It is an easy sell because it is such a good product,” Hand said. “Some of the businesses have had to cut back because of the economic situations over the past two years and that is understandable.”

Although Hand won’t recognize any of the players in the Oilers’ locker room, he’s found out that sometimes the more things change the more the stay the same. “I am really excited to be back in Okotoks,” Hand said “Right
now, I’m living next door to one of my old billets.” His former billet — Greg Davenport, the man he replaced as marketing manager.

By Aaron Carr

Contributor

bcampbell@okotoks.greatwest.ca

Okotoks Dawgs clinch Western Division title.

2009-07-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Dawgs have clinched the Western Division championship and therefore assures them of home field advantage for the first 2 rounds of the upcoming playoffs.

Playoffs begin on Friday, July 31 and while their first round opponent is not final, it looks to be Saskatoon or Moose Jaw.

New Marketing manager for the AJHL Okotoks Oilers

2009-07-12T10:22:00.002-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers will be announcing the hiring of Okotoks Oiler alumni and Spruce View Alberta born Dallas Hand as our new marketing manager.

Dallas played with Okotoks in the 2005/06 season amassing 14 goals and 16 assists in 59 games.

2009/10 AJHL schedule released.

2009-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

On June 29/09, the AJHL released the 2009/10 league schedule. All teams play an unbalanced schedule of 60 games, 30 home and 30 away.

The Okotoks Oilers play 5 preseason contests starting with a home game Tuesday, September 1st against the Calgary Canucks and a second home game on September 3rd against the Olds Grizzlys.

The Oilers also play 3 road preseason games on Wednesday September 2 against the Calgary Canucks, Friday, September 4th against the Calgary Royals and they wrap up the preseason on Saturday in Olds against the Grizzlys on September 5th.

The Oilers play 10 regular season home games on Friday nights. The second most popular night for home games is Tuesday and Saturday nights with 7 games on each night. No home games are scheduled for Wednesday nights.

The Okotoks Oilers start the season on Saturday, September 12th. with 2 games on the road, then they return home Friday, September 18th for the home openner against the Olds Grizzlys.

The full schedule will be on the official Okotoks Oilers website soon.

Dawgs are sailing along.

2009-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

As of June 22, the 10-6 Okotoks Dawgs are starting to find their stride. After posting their biggest offensive victory last night against the Edmonton Prospects, a 17-3 win, the new Dawgs are settling into their new team quite nicely.

Good home crowds of around 2000 per game are enjoying the great summer nights and a great baseball atmosphere at Seamans Stadium.

With the regular season about 1/3 completed, you can't put off not coming out to a ballgame.

It's good to see many of our AJHL Okotoks Oilers fans out to the Dawgs games.

The Okotoks Parade held this past Saturday had both of our sports teams parading down the street. Here's a few pictures from the parade.

Okotoks Dawgs pic here

Okotoks Oilers pic here

Till later, Batter up!!!!

Dawgs even their w/l record

2009-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Dawgs evened their 2009 record on Wednesday night to 3 and 3 with an impressive 3-0 win over the Edmonton Prospects. On a very pleasant night, a good crowd cheered on the hometeam to victory. Check out all the details on the Dawgs website.

Dawgs home opener

2009-06-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Dawgs opened the 2009 season on a cool, drizzly night at Seaman stadium. While they lost 8-3 to the visiting Lethbridge Bulls, it was a fun night.

Pretty well a sell-out, it was good to see some of our old baseball buddies such as Reid, Joanne, Dave and of course, our hockey fans too.

There are 23 home games. We are missing tonights game (game 2 against Edmonton) because of the John Fogerty concert, but will be back to the diamond on Saturday, weather permitting.

Here's a nice Calgary Herald picture of Dawgs starting picture Jeff Duda from last night.

AJHL league meetings

2009-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Alberta Junior Hockey League held its 2009 Annual General Meeting on May 30th in Red Deer, Alberta.

The only major change is the following;

The 2009-2010 AJHL Regular Season Schedule will consist of 16 teams playing an unbalanced schedule of 60 games apiece beginning on Friday, September 11th, 2009. The AJHL Board of Governors voted to remove two regular season games from the schedule at the 2009 Semi Annual Meeting in January.

The League will continue with the same Playoff format as used in the 2009 AJHL Playoffs; the format is up for renewal in the 2010-2011 season. In 2010, the AJHL will grant home ice advantage to the Division Champions throughout the AJHL Playoffs.

2009 award winners

2009-04-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

click on picture for larger view

The recipients at the Okotoks Junior A Oilers awards banquet were, from left, Corban Knight, Brandon Hoogenboom, Jesse Hudkins, James Bannister, Derek Rodwell, Quinn Sproule and Justin Daigle.
photo by Bruce Campbell

Oilers on HockeyTalk

2009-03-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Good discussion on the Oilers series.

http://hockeytalk.net/vb3/showthread.php?t=8354

#26 Kyle Reynolds

2009-03-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2009
Kyle Reynolds has a lot of friends in hockey. He grew up in Sylvan Lake and is a close friend of Brandon Sutter. He knows the Russell brothers from Caroline. He played Midget AAA hockey on a powerhouse team in Red Deer with Nick Bell, Marc Boulanger and Corey Campbell. But he is taking his own path up the hockey ladder. While Sutter is trying to break in as a regular with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and Kris Russell is playing in the NHL with Columbus, Reynolds has found a home with the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. It’s a happy home and Reynolds is glad to be there. And as he looks around the Oiler dressing room, he sees Bell’s stall and another one belonging to Rodger Craig who also came out of the Red Deer program.

Of course, if he walked down the corridor to the dressing room of the Olds Grizzlies, he’d also find stalls belonging to Boulanger and to Campbell, both of whom are integral parts of the Grizzlies drive to win the AJHL title. Right now, the long time friends are keeping their distance because they are locked in a tense seven game series. .

“It’s going to be a long tough series because our styles are similar,” Reynolds noted. “I think they beat us four of the six times we played this season. We’re going to have to be strong in our own end and chip pucks out of the zone off the wall. And we have to move the puck with speed which I think is something we do well.”

It’s a style of play that suits Reynolds very well. The 5’9, 160 lb left winger isn’t shy about playing along the boards or going to the heavy traffic areas in front of the net. It’s how he’s been able to produce 20+ goals in his first season in the league. It’s why he regularly finds his name in the penalty area of the scoresheet, not just in the columns for goals and assists.

“He’s been a good addition to our lineup,” his coach, Dan MacDonald, told me. “He’s part of a real good group that joined our program this season. And he’ll be back for another season before, hopefully, he gets an NCAA scholarship.”

That’s Reynolds’ game plan. He’s finished Grade 12 and is spending this season working on his game. He also helps out at a hockey school in Black Diamond where he has to take what he knows and translate it into something the youngsters in his class can understand. What he’s learned about the game is thanks in large part to his decision to join the Oilers, a decision which was made two seasons before he arrived.

“I was here as a 15 year old and came back at age 16,” he told me. “I didn’t make the team so I went back and played Midget AAA in Red Deer. But I’ve always been impressed with the coaching and the way the Oilers’ organization operates. “I’ve learned a lot and I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent here and the players I’m playing with. I want to come back and have another good season next year. And hopefully, I’ll be able to earn a scholarship and get my education paid for after next season. There are a couple of schools interested. I’d like to play as long as I can. But if things don’t work out on the ice, at least I’ll have a good education to fall back on for the rest of my life.”

By Peter Watts

Corbin Knight, Ramada AJHL Player of the Week – February 16th – 22nd

2009-03-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

February 25, 2009
Corban Knight of the Okotoks Oilers is the Ramada AJHL Player of the Week for the week of February 16th – 22nd, 2009. Knight tallied 2 goals and 7 assists in 4 games over the week. Knight extended his point streak to 7 games and 15 points.

Knight leads all AJHL Rookies in scoring with 72 points in 61 games and is currently 8th overall in the League Scoring Race.

18 year old forward Corban Knight has signed a letter of intent and committed to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, of the WCHA, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Knight received a tryout for Team Canada West at the 2008 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge and recently participated in the 2009 AJHL All-Star Game. Knight recorded 3 points as a member of the South Division All Star Team.

The AJHL is proud to partner with Ramada Worldwide to recognize the AJHL Player of the Week for the remainder of the 2008-2009 AJHL Season. Ramada Worldwide is a global presence, with over 850 locations in 35 countries. Whether guests are looking for a full-service experience or simply a convenient, affordable stop in their travels, they’ll find a Ramada hotel perfectly suited to fit their needs.

Ramada AJHL Player of the Week

January 5 - 11, 2009: Jared Jagow, Lloydminster Bobcats

January 12 - 18, 2009: Chris Markiewicz, Brooks Bandits

January 19 - 25, 2009: Brance Orban, Olds Grizzlys

January 26 - 31, 2009: Reese Rolheiser, Sherwood Park Crusaders

February 2 - 8, 2009: Jordan Draper, Spruce Grove Saints

February 9 - 15, 2009: Jarret Granberg, Brooks Bandits

February 16 – 22, 2009: Corban Knight, Okotoks Oilers

#19 Derek Rodwell commits.

2009-03-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

February 18, 2009
The Okotoks Oilers are pleased to announce that 18 year old forward Derek Rodwell has committed to the University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux) of the WCHA in Grand Forks, North Dakota for the 2010 season.

Derek is from Taber, Alberta, where he played his minor hockey before joining the Lethbridge Midget AAA Titans of the AMHL for the 2006/07 season. He enjoyed a successful rookie season with the Okotoks Oilers in 2007/08, and early this season Derek was chosen to represent Canada at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge, as a member of Team Canada West.

Oilers GM/Head Coach Dan MacDonald states, “Derek is a quiet, sincere, dedicated team player, who has matured into one of the best power forwards in Canadian Junior ‘A’ hockey. His continued development will most assuredly see him playing at the highest level of hockey. The Okotoks Oilers are extremely proud of Derek’s accomplishments and wish him every success with his future scholastic and hockey plans.”

Derek is the sixth Oiler so far this season to commit to an NCAA Division 1 scholarship. He joins Sean Cahill (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Rodger Craig (Cornell), Tyler Matthews (Niagara), Corbin Knight (University of North Dakota), and Quinn Sproule (University of Alaska Anchorage) as the other Oilers.

Derek Rodwell and Corbin Knight will join former Oiler goaltender Brad Eidsness, who is enjoying an outstanding rookie season with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux this year.

#22 Quinn Sproule Commits to Alaska Anchorage

2009-03-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

February 9, 2009
The Okotoks Oilers are pleased to announce that 18 year old defensemen, Quinn Sproule, has committed to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Seawolves, of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, in Anchorage, Alaska, for the 2010 season.

Quinn is from Hussar, Alberta, and joined the Oilers this season after a very successful 2007/08 season with the Strathmore based UFA Bisons Midget AAA Hockey Club, of the Alberta Midget League, where Quinn was selected a South Division All Star.

The Oilers General Manager/Head Coach Dan MacDonald stated, “Quinn is a rare hockey commodity at this level. He is capable of playing and excelling at either the defense or forward positions. His versatility, leadership, and physical play are the qualities that have made Quinn a reliable contributor to the overall success of the Oilers this season. The Oilers Hockey Club wishes Quinn every success with his future scholastic and hockey plans.”

Quinn will join former Oiler, Curtis Leinweber, who played two outstanding seasons (2006-2008) with the Oilers before joining the Seawolves this season.

#8 Corban Knight commits

2009-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

February 3, 2009
The Okotoks Oilers announce that 18 year old forward Corban Knight has signed a letter of intent, and committed to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, of the WCHA, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Corban is from High River, Alberta, where he played his minor hockey before starring with the UFA Bisons, of the AMHL, from 2006 to 2008. Corban’s transition to Junior ‘A’ hockey with the Oilers was immediate as a rookie; he established himself early as an offensive threat and continues to lead the Oilers in scoring with 57 points. His play also resulted in an early Category B selection on the NHL’S Central Scouting list, a tryout for the 2008 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge Team West, and recently he was voted to the AJHL South Division All Star team.

Okotoks Oilers GM/Head Coach, Dan MacDonald, stated “Corban is an offensive gem who gets better with every shift. He is a perceptive student of the game and his continued development will see him star with the Fighting Sioux. The Okotoks Oilers congratulate him on his accomplishments and wish him well with his future academic and hockey endeavors.”

When Knight makes his move to the University of North Dakota hockey program, he will be joining former Oiler, Brad Eidsness, who is in his first season with the Fighting Sioux.

Corban is the fourth player from the Oilers program to accept a scholarship this season. He joins Sean Cahill (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Rodger Craig (Cornell University), and Tyler Matthews (Niagara).

#29 Sean Cahill commits.

2009-03-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

January 22, 2009
The Okotoks Oilers take pride in announcing that 18 year goaltender, Sean Cahill, has committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks, of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Sean is from Calgary, Alberta, where he played his minor hockey and in 2008 graduated from the Calgary Buffalo Association. During Sean’s last season with the Calgary Midget AAA Buffaloes, his play was instrumental in leading the Buffaloes to represent the West at the Canadian Midget Telus Cup Championship. Sean joined the Oilers this season and quickly established himself as one of the outstanding rookies in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. His excellent play resulted in an invitation to try out for the 2008 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge Cup Team West, and he has recently been selected as an AJHL South Division All-star.

The Oilers General Manager/Head Coach Dan MacDonald, stated, “Sean is an extremely disciplined student of the goaltending position, and his consistent play is a contributing factor for the overall success of the Oilers hockey club this season. The Okotoks Oilers wish him continued success with his future plans.”

Versatile Oiler Quinn Sproule made mark at Mac’s

2008-12-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

You can find some gems at the biggest Midget hockey tournament in Canada.

Quinn Sproule, a first-year defenceman with the Okotoks Junior A Oilers, had his stock shoot up considerably after his performance with the UFA Midget AAA Bisons at the Mac’s Midget Hockey tournament last December.

He caught the eye of Oilers’ director of scouting Jay Magnussen.
“I was named a second-team all-star at the Mac’s,” the 18-year-old Sproule said. “The Oilers saw me there and I talked to Jay and Dan (Oilers coach-GM Dan MacDonald) afterwards and that’s where it started.”

The UFA Bisons lost in the semifinals at last year’s Mac’s tournament. Oiler forward Corban Knight, who also played for the Bisons last year, was named the Mac’s MVP last season.

Sproule was approached by teams from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — one of which wanted him to join the club right away. However, the Okotoks Oilers fit his plans for the future.

“I didn’t want to lose my eligibility for a U.S. scholarship (by playing major junior),” Sproule said. “Okotoks also showed more interest in me and it’s been a good fit.”

So far, Sproule has fit in nicely wherever the Oilers have put him. He had been playing forward until three weeks ago sometimes as a member of the Bison line with Knight and Brandon Hoogenboom.

He is now partnered with with Nicholas Bell on the blueline.

“We have some good chemistry going — we seem to know where each other is going to be,” Sproule said of his partner. “I would say I am an offensive-defenceman for sure. I like to move the puck.

“But Dan has worked with me on my play in my own end and I think I have improved it a lot. I’m finishing the body and stuff, so it’s good to have that aspect of the game too.”

Sproule has nine goals and 14 assists in 40 games with the Oilers.
He admits playing a 62-game schedule in the Alberta Junior Hockey League is an adjustment, but it is a challenge he feels he is up too.

He said coach Dan MacDonald has a good plan in place to keep the first-year players fit for the longer season.

“Dan and our coaching staff has done a good job of giving us a day off, but making sure we are in good shape,” Sproule said, “but it will be nice to have the Christmas break.”

MacDonald said while the Mac’s might have been the first time they had talked to Sproule, he was on the team’s radar prior to the tourney.
MacDonald said Sproule’s been the ultimate team player willing to play both forward and defence.

“Some guys might say: ‘There are scouts out there and I’m a defenceman, I don’t want to play forward, but he plays where we need him,” MacDonald said.
Sproule’s versatility is a benefit, particularly when the team has plenty of injuries or players in the penalty box, he said.

By Bruce Campbell
Sports Editor, Western Wheel

Oiler Corbin Knight leaves rejection in past

2008-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

Corbin Knight has grown into a coveted junior hockey prospect.

A disappointment, at the time, turned into one of the best things that could have happened to Corban Knight.

At age 14 and playing 'AA' bantam hockey with the Nanton-based Foothills Bisons, the High River product was passed over during his Western Hockey League draft year.

But four years later, carrying the potential to ink an NCAA scholarship and be drafted to the National Hockey League, the Okotoks Oilers leading scorer couldn't be happier.

"Everything's worked out fine," said Knight, 18,who has 21 goals and 35 points in 38 Alberta Junior Hockey League games. "I look back on it and it would have been a cool experience.

"When I was in bantam, you always think the Calgary Hitmen are pretty big and when you go and watch them, you think that is the only way into the NHL. But as time went on, you realize the AJHL is a great feeder program."

After playing a handful of games for the Oilers during last year's AJHL playoff run, Knight made the full-time jump from the midget 'AAA'Strathmore-based UFA Bisons in the fall.

Depending on how the year pans out, he'll decided whether he wants to head south to school--he's currently looking into the University of North Dakota and University of Massachusetts--or stay with the Oilers.

"It's obviously a big year," said Knight. It's my draft year and my big goal is to get an NCAA scholarship, those are two big things on my mind.

"I worked really hard in the summer to get where I am now. I think with all that, I was ready to make the step to the AJ. As long as I stay focused on the team and short-term goals, the long-term goals will fall into place."

Now standing six-feet tall and weighing in at 185-pounds, he could go in the third to fifth round of the upcoming NHL entry draft along with fellow Okotoks Oiler, Rodger Craig, according to the fall's preliminary NHL Central Scouting report.

"He's going to be a strong kid when he's done, he's still growing,"said Oilers head coach Dan MacDonald. "He'll end up to be six-one and about 195-pounds, I suspect, in a year or two."

And as for the rest of the Oilers, there is a good explanation to why they're leading the AJHL's South Division.

Aside from Knight's contributions, Okotoks have four lines that could score on any given night while their defence adds depth and has no trouble stepping up either.

Rounded out by stellar performances from rookie goaltenders Sean Cahill and Steve Papciak, the team was 25-12-1--and 9-1 in their last 10 games--going into this weekend's action.

Not too bad for a bunch of rookies.

"We have 15 new players to the league this year," said MacDonald. "We really have players who are stepping forward and making progress, especially in this last month.

"It takes about six weeks to get adjusted to the league and now they're starting to take off."

Oilers captain Justin Daigle, an offensive defenceman, has been leading from the blueline and racked up five goals and 22 points before the weekend.

By Kristen Odland
Calgary Herald
Kodland@theherald.canwest.com

Feisty Oiler Kyle Reynolds putting the puck in the net

2008-12-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

An Okotoks Junior A Oiler has found the third time is a charm.
Kyle Reynolds, 18, signed with the Oilers as a 15-year-old Midget. After two previous attempts to make the team, the Sylvan Lake native finally made the cut this fall.

“When I was 15, I came to spring camp and then signed when Garry (VanHereweghe) was the coach,” Reynolds said. “When I was 16, I didn’t have a very good training camp and I was cut. Last year, I was one of the last forwards before I got cut.”

He has made the cut and more this season. Reynolds was third on the team in scoring with 10 goals and 17 assists after the Oilers’ 4-3 victory over the Canmore Eagles Saturday night.

Reynolds is glad he’s in Okotoks — especially playing for coach Dan MacDonald, who is a minor legend in Red Deer hockey lore.

“One of the reasons I came here is because I knew Dan was coming here, and I knew he was very successful,” Reynolds said. “He had coached the AAA Midget team in Red Deer that went to nationals a couple of times.”

Reynolds has played the last two seasons playing Midget AAA in Red Deer. He said the high quality of play in the Alberta Junior A Hockey League has forced him to adapt quickly.

“It’s faster for sure,” he said. “My passing has gotten way better since I made the jump up,” Reynolds said. “It has to be better to make it in this league.”

As for the faster speed, that’s fine with him. He said his speed is his strongest attribute. Despite being one of the smaller players at 5’9’’ and 155 pounds, Reynolds gets involved in the middle of the fray.

“He plays big,” MacDonald said. “His speed and conscientiousness makes him a real presence on the ice. “He’s a very tenacious player.”

By Bruce Campbell
sports Editor, The Western Wheel

Rodger Craig in Prospects game.

2008-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

An Okotoks Junior A Oiler knows it pays to listen to your minor league coaches. Rodger Craig, 17, has been selected to play for Team West at the 2008 Canadian Junior Hockey League Prospects Game Dec. 17 in Summerland, PEI.

“All of those guys that are going are of high calibre and it will help show me where I am at,” Craig said. “It’s also an opportunity to show scouts what kind of player I am.”

Craig had both goals for Okotoks in their 4-2 loss to the Olds Grizzlys on November 28th. at the Centennial Arena. While he’s got some scoring touch, at six-foot-four, 210 pounds Craig is a menacing force when he’s parked in front of the opposition’s goalie. He is also not afraid to throw his weight around.

“I’m a grinder-type, but I put in a couple tonight,” Craig said “I like to hit, go in the corners and get the puck out. I used to score when I was a little kid, but ever since I was a Peewee, I’ve been a grinder.”

It was while playing as a Bantam that Craig met his connection to the Okotoks Junior A Oilers, but neither he nor his connection knew it at the time.
Craig’s coach while playing Bantam AAA in Red Deer was current Oilers coach/GM Dan MacDonald. “Dan is great with personal skills development,” Craig said. “He will take you out on the ice and work on individual things before the team comes out. He will also sit down with videos and show you how to improve.”

When he was approached by Oilers’ player personnel director Garry VanHereweghe and MacDonald to play in Okotoks, he jumped at the opportunity.

The Oilers coach admitted he had his former Bantam player in the back of his mind last year. “Oh for sure,” MacDonald said. “He’s strong on the puck and he’s going to be a powerful forward for us.” He said going to the Prospects Game is a great opportunity for Craig. “It’s a great adventure to be able to showcase yourself in front of NHL scouts,” MacDonald said, adding the majority of players in the Prospects’ Game will be 17 years old.

Craig has also impressed his teammates with his soft hands — not with the puck, but with tickling the ivory.

At the Oilers’ rookie gathering, the burly forward sat down at the piano.
“I just sat down and played, did some chord progressions, a little classical,” Craig said with a laugh. “It surprised a lot of the guys.”

By Bruce Campbell
sports reporter
Western Wheel local newspaper

Oilers forward John McInnis

2008-11-20T14:54:00.001-08:00

It didn’t take long for Okotoks Junior A Oiler forward John McInnis to find out that he was no longer playing prep school hockey.

“My first shift with the Oilers we got scored on — it wasn’t a very good start,” said the 18-year-old McInnis. “But on my second shift, I got a goal.”

McInnis, who hails from Plymouth, Mass. (the place where American Thanksgiving got started) played hockey at Lawrence Academy in New England on a scholarship last season.

“In New England, the public schools’ hockey teams aren’t all that strong,” he said. “So if you want to play a higher level of hockey, you either have to go to a private school or the Eastern Junior Hockey League.”
Baseball is America’s national sport, but hockey isn’t too far behind in the Beantown area.

“Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Boston area is where hockey is the biggest in the U.S,” McInnis said. “But in our league, the talent level dropped off after the first four or five teams.” He found out quickly that wasn’t the case in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. “The players are a lot bigger and stronger and everybody can play at a high level,” McInnis said.“In high school, there are maybe one or two lines that can play at a high level.”

He said he had another wake up call when he got checked in Fort McMurray.“This one guy hit me and I hurt my shoulder — and he was smaller than me,” McInnis said with a laugh. “I was one of the bigger guys (last year), but here it doesn’t matter — the smaller guys will give it right back.”

He already has that Western Canadian hockey toughness — he had his shoulder taped up in Fort Mac and was back on the ice to finish the game.

At six-foot-one, 195 pounds playing physical is a large part of his game. However, he does have a scoring touch. He is the second leading scorer on the Oilers with 11 goals and eight assists.“It’s a lot easier to get points when you are playing on a line with Corban Knight,” he quipped.

Oilers general manager Dan MacDonald said that McInnis brings not only size, but also speed to the team.

McInnis was discovered at a tournament in Toronto in the spring attended by the Oilers director of player personnel Garry VanHereweghe and scout Gord Jones, who operates the Black Elk Hockey School.

McInnis is settling into Okotoks and recently enjoyed watching the heroics of a fellow New Englander who did fairly well in southern Alberta.

“Yeah, I knew Doug Flutie played in Canada, but I didn’t know it was in Calgary,” he said while decked out in a Boston College t-shirt. “My mom was up here and we watched his famous Hail Mary pass on ESPN Classics.”

by Bruce Campbell, sports writer
Okotoks Western Wheel local newspaper.

Oilers forward James Bannister

2008-11-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

By Bruce Campbell, sports writer
Okotoks Western Wheel newpaper

Okotoks Junior A Oiler forward James Bannister is tired of being a head case.
No, the affable forward isn’t a detriment in the locker room or having delusions of Stephan Dion living at 24 Sussex Drive, the 19-year-old Bannister is tired of missing games because of concussions.
Bannister missed several games at the beginning of the season with a concussion suffered on the second day of training camp. It was the sixth time he has had a concussion.
“I turned at the middle of the ice and somebody hit me — just somebody out there working hard,” Bannister said, “And because it was my sixth one, that’s why it took so long to come back.”
Bannister suffered a concussion in the playoffs last year so neither he nor the Oilers were about to take any chances when he hurt himself at training camp.
A minor concussion is like having minor surgery — it’s only minor if it’s happening to someone else.
Bannister said the concussion could cause nausea and dizzy spells and headaches from doing things as simple as reading a book, so he took his rehabilitation slowly.
“You have to wait a week being symptom-free and then you can start doing stages of things,” Bannister said. “If your symptoms come back during any of those steps, you have to wait another week.”
He started with a 15-minute bike ride, before slowly getting back on the ice.
His first game was Oct. 2, a 6-0 Oilers’ victory in which he got a goal and an assist.
He said despite his injury history he doesn’t step on the ice worrying about the possibility of a concussion.
Dan MacDonald, Okotoks coach and general manager, said Bannister has played with a high-impact helmet since returning to the line-up. As well, he had to be cleared by the Oilers’ team physician Dr. Simon James and then a concussion specialist before being allowed to play.
Bannister has had bad luck this season. Shortly after returning to the Oilers’ lineup, he suffered a shoulder injury and twisted his knee in a recent game. He didn’t miss a game due to the knee injury.
“Our trainer always says to me that I’m always down because I am injured so much,” he said. “This time I am staying positive, iced my knee and got ready.”
When he’s in the line-up he’s a bolt of energy for the team.
He provided a scoring surge for the Oilers two years ago as an affiliated Midget by scoring some big goals for Okotoks when they beat the Brooks Bandits in the playoffs. Bannister had 16 goals and 18 assists in 46 games last year.
He has four goals and an assist in the eight games he’s played this year. He’s playing on a high-scoring line with Kyle Reynolds and Brandon Hoogenboom.

The Oilers sit in fourth-place in the AJHL Southern Conference with a 15-11 record.
They are in Brooks Saturday to take on the Bandits before heading to Calgary for another tilt with the Canucks on Tuesday.

Injury stops Derek Rodwell from playing with Team Canada

2008-11-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

After playing a couple of warm-up games with the Team Canada Junior team, Derek Rodwell could not carry on and had to pullout of this years Team Canada Juniors tournament with an injury.
There is a good story on Derek on the AJHL website, and we have copied it over to the Okotoks Oilers website.
Derek actually sustained the injury a few games before the tournament started, but thought he had sufficently recovered to play.
Tough break Derek, but get healthy and come back to help the Okotoks teams soon.

Oilers NHL prospects

2008-10-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

NHL Central Scouting have 2 of our Oilers listed as 'B' rated. A 'B' rated player is a player for the scouts to note if they are in the area, a potential selection in the third to fifth round draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The 2 players are Rodger Craig and Corbin Knight.

Camrose has the only A rated player, A must see player who is predicted to be a potential First or Second Round Draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. That player is Dylan Olsen.

Oilers slipping

2008-10-19T11:02:00.001-07:00

After losing 2 games this weekend to so called weaker teams in the Northern Division of the AJHL, we find ourselves in third place in the Southern Division. Drumheller has jumped 5 points ahead of the Okotoks Oilers and the Calgary Canucks who have allowed the fewest number of goals in the entire league are 3 points ahead.And don't look behind us or you will see Brooks on our doorstep (one point back) and Olds right behind them.

So does the standing really matter? Probably not. At least not at this time of year. Only one team misses the playoffs and we all know that it will be the Calgary Royals.

The important thing is to get consistency during the year and the Oilers do not have it now. Winning only 1 game in the past 7 proves that. Sure, injuries have a bit to do with that. But when I listen to away games, I just don't hear things like "a great pass by Hudkins" or "a great rush by Daigle". Right now it's "an errant pass by.." or " a give away by..." .

The Oilers have to pull up their socks and find their offense again, and the defence have to get the puck out of the zone more quickly or this could be a long season.

Derek Rodwell choosen to play for Team Canada West

2008-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Okotoks Oilers Derek Rodwell has been selected to play for Team Canada West in the 2008 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta this November.

Team Canada West General Manager Leonard Strandberg, Head Coach Boris Rybalka and the selection team selected Derek Rodwell, the Okotoks Oiler forward from 40 hopefulls that included Oilers goalie Sean Cahill, Forward James Bannister and Forward Corbin Knight.

It certainly is a high honor to be selected to try out for your country like these 4 Oilers did, but to be selected to the team like Derek Rodwell was is a dream come true for any Canadian hockey player.

The team is made up of players from the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, and MJHL. The competition was tough and we can be proud of these guys for their early season accomplishments. What an honor for Derek and the Oilers!

Congratulations from your team, your family, your friends and your fans.

PIM leaders

2008-10-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Pim leaders:

1 Trent Colberg - Drumheller Dragons - 101
2 Curtis deBruyn - Olds Grizzlys - 85
3 Justin Lutz - Brooks Bandits - 74
4 Greg Hennessey - Bonnyville Pontiacs - 63
5 Bradley Drobot - Calgary Royals - 62
6 Jesse Hudkins - Okotoks Oilers - 61
7 Darcy Osmond - Olds Grizzlys - 61
8 Trevor Smyth - Drumheller Dragons - 60
9 Cam Dion - Camrose Kodiaks - 59
10 Corey Campbell - Olds Grizzlys - 58
11 Wyatt Hamilton - Camrose Kodiaks - 54
12 Andrew MacWilliam - Camrose Kodiaks - 54
13 Brance Orban - Olds Grizzlys - 52
14 Shadoe Stoodley - Olds Grizzlys - 52
15 Jeremy Beirnes - Camrose Kodiaks - 51
16 Darren Kramer - Grande Prairie Storm - 50
17 Kyle Fehr - Drumheller Dragons - 49
18 Kyle Miller - Camrose Kodiaks - 49
19 Erik Toews - Brooks Bandits - 48
20 Thomas Stachiw - Calgary Royals - 48

Only 2 guys from the Northern Division. What gives....

Four Oilers selected to attend evaluation camp.

2008-10-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hockey Canada, in conjunction with the Alberta Junior Hockey League, announced today the 40-man roster of AJHL Players invited to attend a one-day evaluation camp in preparation for the 2008 World Junior A Challenge.

Congratulations to the following Oilers to have been selected;

Team White
Goal; Sean Cahill
Forward; Derek Rodwell
Forward; James Bannister

Team Black
Forward; Corban Knight

On Monday, October 6th the Staff from Team Canada West will evaluate and select the AJHL participants who will represent Canada at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta this November.

“The evaluation camp provides the Team Canada Staff an opportunity to evaluate talent for this year’s team as well as future teams,” said Team Canada West Head Coach Boris Rybalka. “This is the first time we will have a chance to evaluate all of the prospects as they compete against one another.”

The forty selected AJHL Players will have a second chance to impress the Scouts following the 2008 AJHL Showcase Weekend. “The players invited to camp will have the opportunity to showcase their talent to Team Canada Staff as well as a number of NHL Scouts in attendance. We anticipate several scouts from the NHL and NCAA will attend the camp to get a first-hand look at these highly scouted players competing together,” added Rybalka.

To assist in a more thorough player evaluation process for the World Junior A Challenge both Team Canada West and Team Canada East are conducting prospect camps. The one-day camp for Team West will include two early morning ice sessions followed by a game in the afternoon at the Sherwood Park Arena in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

A new nemisis

2008-10-04T10:38:00.001-07:00

So it looks like the Calgary Canucks are becoming quite the thorn in our side. They seem to have our number this season as they defeated us 4-1 on Friday. They now hold the season series lead of 2 games to 1.

Good to see a couple of of our injured players coming back on Thursday against the Camrose Kodiaks and both getting points. Cody Dion gets an assist and James Bannister gets a goal and an assist. We still have Justin Daigle out with a concussion.

Now lets all go and enjoy the weekend.

Oilers down the Kodiaks.

2008-10-03T07:03:00.001-07:00

I won't go into the game reviews here anymore. They are available on the Okotoks Oilers website. I will rant and rave though, something that I can't do on the Oilers site.

There were 14 penalties called against the Camrose Kodiaks last night, compared to 9 against our Oilers. Looks and sounds like the Kodiaks were getting beat to the puck and the D were getting beat quite often causing the Camrose team to take the penalities. Give the Oilers credit for there perserverance of drive and pressuring the Kodiaks into these penalities.

Our guys are playing extremely well right now. Everyone is chipping in and the scoring and defense are working great. Every win is important, but wins against specific teams like the Kodiaks are a little sweeter.

Oilers demolish the Calgary Royals

2008-10-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers improved their away record this year to 5-1 as they crushed the Calgary Royals 9-2 at the Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary on Tuesday night.

The Oilers were coming off a five day break in their schedule and they showed the Royals they were ready to play from the opening whistle.

The first period saw the Oilers get the only goal, a PP goal by Tyler Matthews, his first of the year from Cody Dion. The shots on goal flattered the Royals 8-8. Score after 1 was Oilers 1, Royals 0.

The second period saw the Oilers pour on the pressure by outshooting the Calgary team 22-8 and outscoring the Royals 3-2 on all even strength goals. Kyle Reynolds with his first, Cody Dion with his second of the season and Chris Duszynski with his third of the year tallied for the Oilers in a period where the Oilers kept attacking and showed good speed. Score after two, Oilers 4 Royals 2.

The Oilers continued the onslaught in the third with 5 straight goals starting with Corbin Knight's 9th goal of the season followed by Derek Rodwell's 6 goal of the year with a PP goal. Two more goals by Tyler Matthews within 23 seconds of each other gives him the hat trick. Andrew Singerhouse closed out the scoring with his 3rd of the year. Final shots on goal were Oilers 43, Royals 20 and the final score was 9-2. Oilers were 2 for 11 on the powerplay and the Royals were 1 for 9.

The Okotoks star of the game was Chris Duszynski with 1 goal and 3 assists. Oilers goaltender Steve Papciak (3-0) gets the win.

So the Okotoks Oilers head up to Sherwood Park for the AJHL Showcase this Thursday and Friday. Two games, one away (Kodiaks) and one home (Canucks) to show the many scouts in attendance what great players are in this league.

Oilers' new crew grooving early on

2008-09-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dan MacDonald wasn't sure what to think before the Alberta Junior Hockey League season opened.

The coach of the Okotoks Oilers was looking at a rookie-laden lineup and a big hole in net left by most valuable player and all-star goaltender Brad Eidsness.

Well, three weeks in, the Oilers are sitting on top of the South Division and MacDonald still has that rookie-heavy cast of troops and still isn't sure what to expect the rest of the way. But, needless to say, he's pleasantly pleased.

"Though we've had success, it's hard to say where we are," he said, as his team moved into a week-long layoff after the first nine games. "We're still looking at those wins like 9-8, 7-5 . . . those sorts of things so we're still finding our way.

"We're happy with it, no doubt. The players are working hard and that's the biggest thing. We're not a finesse team or a team that's system strong. We're just strong working kids."

The Oilers are making do with a dozen rookies, a couple new goalies, a handful of strong character veterans and a half-dozen U.S. players who have proven to be a real asset.

Six U.S. colleges, at the urging of former Oilers coach and director of player personnel Gary Van Hereweghe, staged a prospects camp in Okotoks prior to the start of the AJHL season.

"That was really beneficial because those American kids came up and they stayed . . . they just stayed," said MacDonald. "We've been very fortunate . . . it was a good bonus for us."

What the Oilers landed out of the deal was 18-year-old goalie Steve Papciak, a couple of solid defencemen in Tyler Matthews and Scott Keeven and strong forwards in John McInnis, Andy Singhouse and Cody Dion, who has been out since suffering an injury in the third game.

All of them have either come out of U.S. high school or midget hockey programs.

"One of the biggest things they've had to adjust to is the hitting and they don't fight there at all so they're learning that part of it," said MacDonald. "They also wear full masks in high school and in college but they're here for the same reason as the other guys . . . they want to get a scholarship and further their hockey career."

Corban Knight sits atop the club's offensive stats with eight goals and a couple of assists, while veteran defenceman Brandon Hoogenboom has eight points (three goals). McInnis is in with five goals among seven points, while veteran Jesse Hudkins has two goals in his seven points plus a team-leading 48 penalty minutes.

Sean Cahill has put up the best numbers in the crease with three wins in four starts, a 1.76 goals-against average and a heady .930 save percentage. Papciak has a 3.50 GAA in two games. Braley Torris was the third goaltender but has been released.

"We think our goaltending has been good," said MacDonald. "They're young guys but we think they're going to be good."

Asked if there are any pleasant surprises among his cast of rookies, MacDonald quickly answered there were "quite a few. But the other side of it is we've had some real good leadership from the veterans . . . guys like Jesse Hudkins, Justin Daigle, James Bannister, Hoogenboom, (Chris) Duszynski. They're doing a real good job."

You'd have to think the Oilers are only going to get better as they build chemistry and learn to play with each other.

"We have lots of work to do yet," acknowledged MacDonald. "We feel fortunate we have this start. It's easier to win now than it is in February when everyone is playing for spots so, right now, we're crossing our fingers.

"We've made a lot of mistakes and that's why we've given up a lot of goals. We have to shore that up and learn how to play defence better but we're really going hard to the net and if you do that, you're usually going to have some success."

John Down, Calgary Herald
Published: Sunday, September 28, 2008

Oilers make 2 trades.

2008-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Oilers made a couple of trades on Friday, September 26/08;

Braely Torris (1989) Goaltender, was traded to the Drayton Valley Thunder and Johnathon Sonntag (1990) D/F, was traded to the Lloydminister Bobcats. Both trades were for future considerations.

The team now has a total of 21 players including goaltenders Steve Papciak and Sean Cahill.

.

Jesse Hudkins to play for Yale in 2009

2008-09-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

An Okotoks Junior A Oiler’s bulldog-like tenaciousness has helped earn him a scholarship to a top U.S. school. Jesse Hudkins, a six-foot-one, 200-pound defenceman, has accepted a scholarship with Yale University for the 2009-10 season after losing an opportunity to attend another Ivy League school, Princeton.
“It was disappointing,” Hudkins said, who was turned down by Princeton because he does not speak a second language. “I thought it was a go for a few months. This is a great opportunity, I am really excited about it.”
Hudkins tried out for the Yale Bulldogs assistant coach Kyle Wallack this July in Calgary.

“It was just a one ice-time deal and I guess he liked what he saw,” Hudkins said.
While Hudkins is a rugged defenceman with a scoring touch, you don’t go to Yale just because you have a hard shot from the point — you have to practically be able to explain the physics about the speed and trajectory of the puck coming off the stick.
Hudkins scored a whopping 1,900 on the Student Aptitude Tests out of 2,400 — Ivy League material.

The Central Memorial High School graduate said he’s always been able to combine hitting the books with playing hockey. He plans to take environmental engineering at the elite school in New Haven, Conn.

“It’s someone who engineer projects to better our effects on the environment,” Hudkins said. “I read a few books, (most notably) A Short History of Progress that changed my perspective on things on how we impact the world and what we are doing.”
Hudkins expects to be used on the blueline for the Bulldogs. So far this season he has been on defence exclusively for the Oilers but last season saw a lot of time at forward when the team had a plethora of talented defencemen.

“I will be a defenceman at Yale,” Hudkins said. “He (Wallack) liked the way I was able to jump up into the play and then go back and play defence.”
Oilers coach Dan MacDonald feels Hudkins benefited from playing forward for part of last year, and he is a force from the blueline offensively for Okotoks this season.
He’s proud of the third-year Oiler.

“This isn’t just another college — this is Yale, one of the top schools in North America, they have a few more presidents than Princeton,” MacDonald said. “It’s a real feather in his cap.”

He said Hudkins is a solid person who is dedicated to whatever he does.
Hudkins stressed he will be busy as he combines playing NCAA# Division I hockey (the Bulldogs play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference) with studying at a school that has produced three U.S. presidents (William Taft, George H. Bush and George W. Bush). A fact that doesn’t intimidate him. “I don’t plan to be the president,” he said with a laugh.

By Bruce Campbell
sports reporter
The Western Wheel

Oilers defeat Canucks

2008-09-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers evened the season series with the Calgary Canucks on Wednesday, as the visitors defeated the Canucks 3-2 before a sparce crowd of 235.

The game had good flow to it and featured good crisp passes on both sides. The Oilers had 2 powerplay opportunities in the first but failed to score. Outshooting the hometeam by a 7-4 margin, the period ends a scoreless tie.

The play opened up a little bit in the second. The Oilers Jeff Barrett comes off the ice holding his shoulder and gets treatment from the trainer, then goes back on the ice and scores a powerplay goal. Six minutes later, Okotoks leading goal scorer and pointgetter Corban Knight also scores on the PP. The Oilers then run into a little bit of penalty problems and the Canucks score while having the two man advantage. Andrew Singerhouse scores the Oilers only even strength goal with 4 minutes left in the period. Score after 2 is 3-1 Oilers.

Okotoks starts the third period down a defenceman with Jeff Barrett in the stands, nursing a sore shoulder. The Calgary Canucks come on strong, but great goaltending from the Okotoks game star Sean Cahill keeps the score the same until the Canucks leading goal and point getter Matt Mackay scores with 1:14 left in the game, but thats as close as they come. The Calgary team outshots the Oilers 13-4 in the third, but the final score is Oilers 3, Canucks 2.

The win keeps the Oilers in first place in the Southern Division, up by 4 points on the Calgary Canucks. The guys get some time off as the next game is with the Calgary Royals, Tuesday, September 30 at the Father David Bauer Arena.

Oilers win a shootout

2008-09-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers last shot on goal went in the net to defeat the high scoring Spruce Grove Saints 9-8 on Sunday afternoon in Okotoks. The Saints were coming off a 3 game in 3 day trip to Southern Alberta and should have been ripe for the picking, but these guys showed why they are the highest scoring team in the league.

Leading the Oilers was Quinn Sproule, scoring 2 goals for the second straight game and chipping in one assist. John McInnis also had 2 goals for the hometown heros, as singles went to Nicholas Bell, Jeff Barrett with his first of the season, Chris Duszynski, Corban Knight with his team leading 7th goal and Andrew Singerhouse, also his first of the season, with the game winner at 19:51 of the third.

A very offensive first period saw the Oilers take a 4-3 lead as both teams scored 2 on the powerplay. Derek Rodwell set the tone early on as he belted an opposing player to the ice. No penalty there but referee Lance McKinnon was calling everything tonight and then some. The Saints outshot the Oilers 14-10.

The second period had both teams turn on the red light 3 times apiece as each team had one powerplay goal. Derek Rodwell got called for a phantom elbow and was tossed at the .38 second mark. A total of 18 penalties were called in the second period confusing the players and coaches even more on how the game is being called. The Spruce Grove Saints oushots the Oilers 12-9 but the Oilers lead after 2 7-6.

The scoring continues in the third. Star of the game Chris Duszynski scores at the midway point of the period to put the Oilers up 8-6, but the visitors score 2 quick ones to tie the score with 4 minutes to play. The oilers take a penalty and Spruce Grove score, but it's disallowed as the net was off. They keep pressuring, but fail to score. Then with 9 seconds left to play, Oilers Andrew Singerhouse scores his first of the season to secure the win.

Okotoks goalie Braely Torris looked a little shakey on a few goals, as did the Oilers defense, but you get these kinds of games once in awhile. I am sure coach McDonald hopes they are few and far between.

Scratches for the Okotoks Oilers were Brandon Hoogenboom, Tyler Matthews and goalie Steven Papciak from suspensions, Cody Dion, Justin Daigle and James Bannister with injuries.

The Oilers hit the road now with games on Wednesday, Sept 24 against the Calgary Canucks and the 30th against the Calgary Royals.

Now affiliated with the Okotoks Oilers website

2008-09-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say we are now posting our game reviews directly on the official Okotoks website at;
http://www.okotoksoilers.com

You can find the game reviews under the "last game results" on the right hand side of the main page. Just click on summary. The latest review is there. To read past summarys (they are all there from the start of the year), scroll to the bottom of the current review and click "Click here for other Summaries".

Thanks go out to Wayne Lauinger for his support and encouragement and thanks also to Brent, the Okotoks Oilers webmaster. You should see updated content on the site regularily. We have updated the player listings and working with Brent, we have some great things going to happen at the website.

Stay tuned.

Oilers suspended

2008-09-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

The AJHL announces the following;

September 19 - The following players have each been suspended for one (1) game as a result of being involved in a fight while one was already in progress, during a September 19, 2008 game in Brooks:

- Brooks Bandits: Erik Toews, Dave Osborne, and David Briere

- Okotoks Oilers: Steven Papciak, Tyler Matthews, and Brandon Hoogenboom

I find it ironic that Steve Papciak had no choice but to stick up for himself. It was David Briere, the Brooks goalie that skated the length of the ice to tangle with Papciak. Sure, Briere got the extra 2 minutes for leaving the crease, but it's inexcuseable for a goalie to skate down to the other end unprovoked, to start a fight. He should have gotten a 3 game suspension at least!!

Oilers win a rough one in Brooks

2008-09-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Oilers defeated the Brooks Bandits on Friday night 7-5 in the unfriendly confines of the Lakeside Leisure Center in Brooks.

In a game that turned ugly at the end, the Oilers outskated and outhustle the Bandits throughout. Goalscorers for the Oilers were Quinn Sproule with 2, Nicholas Bell,Corban Knight with 2 and Derek Rodwell with 2.

The first period saw both teams exchange goals before Jesse Hudkins boards Jarret Granberg and John Stimson jumps Hudkins. Jesse throws Stimson off and he ends up hitting the ice hard, causing a massive delay while emergency personal attend to Stimson. The teams go to their dressing rooms with 9:53 to be added to the second period as the injury looks quite serious. It was reported that he did make it back from the hospital and was in the dressing room at the end of the game.

When the teams come back on the ice before the early intermission, the teams exchange PP goals before the first period offically ends. Score 2-2 after the first.

The Oilers take control in the second period, beating the slower Bandits to the puck and outworking them. They are rewarded with a shorthanded goal by Quinn Sproule that seemed to take the steam out of Brooks, and Corbin Knight's first of 2 on the night. Score 4-2 Oilers after 2.

The third period saw the Oilers continue to pressure the opposition and score 3 more, but allowing the Bandits 3 also. Tempers flared with just a 8 seconds left in the game as many fights broke out and David Briere, the Brooks goalie skated the length of the ice to take on Oilers Steve Papciak.

So the Okotoks team grabs 2 points and head home once again tied for first in the Southern Division with the Canucks, who lost tonight.

Next up is a home game on Sunday afternoon against the Spruce Grove Saints.

Calgary Canucks defeat Okotoks Oilers

2008-09-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

In years gone by, a Calgary Canucks visit to the Okotoks Centennial Arena meant 2 points for the hometown boys. How times have changed. This years version of the Canucks have the offensive skills and the defensive drive to win a good chunk of their games this year.

As shown on Thursday night, these Calgary Canucks are for real. The first period was scoreless, as the Oilers failed to score on 3 powerplay chances. This was a hard hitting game as players finished off their checks to gain the advantage of puck control. Shots on goal favored the Canucks in this period 11-6. Okotoks goalie Sean Cahill made a number of good stops.

The second period is one that the Oilers would like back. The Oilers ran into their own penalty problems, and with a bad icing call and a bad interference call on Jesse Hudkins, the Canucks jumped into a 2-0 lead. The first goal was a beautiful tip in front of the net from the point, and the second was a behind the net pass out front and buried by the Canucks Krishan Kaushal. On both goals, Oilers goalie Sean Cahill did not have a chance on them. Oilers outshot the Canucks 7-5, but are down 2-0.

The third period got even rougher, as the hits kept on coming causing Justin Daigle and Canucks Mike Pao to fight. The period was quite even, both teams had PP opportunities as the Oilers outshot the Canucks 6-5, but couldn't net one tonight.
Coach McDonald pulled Cahill with 1:04 left, and with the pressure the Oilers had, produced few good chances.

Scratches tonight were James Bannister, concussion, Cody Dion, wrist and goalie Steve Papciak. Oilers star of the game was Cody Fehr.

So the Canucks sit at 5-0 this season. How long can they go before the bubble bursts? Thats why you play every game. Anything can happen. The Oilers are now 4-2, still respectable for a season start.

The Oilers are off to Brooks on Friday night. The next home game is Sunday afternoon against the Spruce Grove Saints.

Jesse Hudkins has committed to Yale University Bulldogs

2008-09-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers have announced that 20 year defenceman, Jesse Hudkins, has committed to the Yale University Bulldogs, of the ECAC Hockey League for the 2009/10 season in New Haven, Ct.

Jesse played his minor hockey in Calgary, Alberta before joining the Oilers for the 2006/07 season. His hard work and dedication to the game have made him a multi-talented player with proficiency at both the forward and defense positions.

General Manager/Head Coach Dan MacDonald stated, “Jesse is a physical and skilled player, who competes with intensity every shift. His versatility gives our team tremendous depth, a luxury that will be hard to replace next year when he moves on to Yale. The Okotoks Oilers are very proud of Jesse’s accomplishment and wish him every success with his future scholastic and athletic endeavors”.

Okotoks completes a tough road trip with a loss.

2008-09-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers completed their first road trip of the season on Sunday afternoon, going down to defeat 3-1 to the Sherwood Park Crusaders. This was the Oilers first loss of the young season and came after the team strung together wins in the first 2 games of this trip.

The weary Oilers were totally outshot in the first 2 periods. They did come out of the first period scoreless, but badly outshot 15-6. They ran into penalty problems in the second, taking 4 in a row and giving the Crusaders a 2 goal lead, the first of which was on the powerplay. Again, the Okotoks team were badly outshot 16-7 in the second and were probably lucky to be down by only two goals.

Sherwood Park upped their lead to 3-0 before Brandon Hoogenboom closes out the scoring by scoring shothanded. Final score 3-1. The Oilers did pick up their game in the third outshooting the Crusaders 18-8.

Okotoks goalie Braely Torris was the Oilers star of the game.

So the boys are now off until Thursday when the rejuvenated Calgary Canucks come to the Centennial Arena. Sitting with a record of 4-1 and still holding onto first place, home looks like a good place to be right now.

Okotoks Oilers down Spruce Grove Saints

2008-09-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

The second game of this 3 game Northern road trip ended successfully as we squeaked out a 3-2 win over the Spruce Grove Saints with John McInnis netting the winner just .43 seconds into OT.

The 644 fans in attendance did not see their team lead the entire game. Okotoks's Cody Fehr opened the scoring in the offensive first period before the Saints tied it up 5 minutes later. The Oilers outshot Spruce Grove 16-13. The score end of the first was 1-1.

Derek Rodwell scored the only goal in the second, putting the Oilers ahead 2-1 after 2.

The Oilers give up their first power play goal of the year in the third after Jesse Hudkins gets sent to the box and the Saints tie up the game. We got outshot badly in this period 11-4. Score after regulation time is 2-2.

It doesn't take long in OT as the Oilers first shot on goal goes in. It's John McInnis from Brandon Hoogenboom and Jesse Hudkins.

In goal was Sean Cahill, and there were no Oilers with a multi point night. Final shots on goal was 34-28 for Saint Albert.

The Okotoks Oilers are now 2-0 on this road trip that concludes on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 against the Northern Division leaders Sherwood Park Crusaders. The season is off to a great start for the unbeaten 4-0 Oilers. A day off surely must be in the cards for Coach Dan McDonald once they get back home on Monday.

Oilers open road trip with a win.

2008-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Oilers had a very rewarding game in Lloydminster on Friday as they skated away with a 6-2 win. Jesse Hudkins lead the way with 2 goals, Corban Knight had a goal and an assist and John McInnis had 2 assists for the night.

The first period was all Oilers as they outscored the Bobcats 2-0. Brandon Hoogenboom opened the scoring, then Jeff Barrett hit Corbin Knight with a great pass as Corbin stepped on the ice after serving a penalty and broke in alone and scored the Oilers second goal.

The second period saw Lloydminster step it up and have a good period. They actually got the first goal of the period, but Jesse Hudkins first of two took the wind out of the home team. Score 3-1 after 2.

The third period saw the Oilers get an early goal by Conrad Smith at the 18 second mark to make the game 4-1. After Lloydminster pots their second of the game, Jesse Hudkins blasted a shot that the home team argued went off the cross bar and stayed out, but the refereees said the puck was in. One more by the Oilers Daigle closed out the nights scoring. Final score 6-2 Oilers.

Steve Papciak was in goal for Okotoks making 32 saves. Lloydminster Bobcats went 0-9 on the power play.

A great way to start this 3 game Northern road swing. Next up on Saturday night will be a very tough game against the 2-0 Spruce Grove Saints.

Oilers on the road this weekend

2008-09-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers have left the friendly confines of the Centennial Arena this weekend for three games against Northern Division opponents.

First up are the Lloydminster Bobcats on Friday night at 7:30. The Bobcats sit at 0-2 with only 3 goals scored this season. They should be quite hungry for their first win of the season.

On Saturday night at 7:30, the puck drops in Spruce Grove Saints. They are 2-0 this season and have scored 15 goals and have only allowed 3. This could be one tough game to win.

And on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, the Oilers tangle with the league leaders Sherwood Park Crusaders. Their 3-0 record, with 16 goals scored and 11 goals allowed, shows they have strived to be an offensive team, but maybe suffer on the defense. This could be a fans game to watch.

The Oilers are back home on Thursday, Sept 17 against the surprising and surging Calgary Canucks.

Player moves

2008-09-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest announced Oiler players moves.

Oilers trade the CHA/AJHL rights of Mason Conway and Brian Doust to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for future considerations.

Oilers trade the CHA rights of Casey Dion to the LaRonge Ice Wolves (SJHL) for future considerations.

Oilers trade the CHA/AJHL rights of Tyler Jewitt and Christopher Korpach to the Calgary Royals for future considerations.

Good luck to all.

Stats after the opening weekend

2008-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Oilers have played only 2 games so far this season. Some teams have played 3 and even some have not played at all yet. Here are our teams leaders in some of the more important stats;

Most points 4. Corbin Knight (3G, 1A)
Most goals 3, Corbin Knight, tied with 3 others for 2nd in league.
Most assists 2, Hoogenboom, Daigle, Fehr with 2 on the team.
Oilers power play 9th in league (3 for 16)
Oilers penalty killing tied for 1st (0 for 17)
Goalie save percentage, Sean Cahill tied for 3rd .952
Goalie save percentage, Braely Torris tied for 6th .938

Interesting..ya, kind of. Important..na, too early in the season.

Oilers defeat St. Albert Saints

2008-09-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers have started the season with a record of 2-0 after defeating the St. Albert Steel 3-1 on Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of about 700.

Coach Dan McDonald made a few changes from last nights line-up. In goal today was Sean Cahill who played very well, even stopping a penalty shot in the second. With 20 saves, he may just have won himself a spot on this team. Nick Bell and Jeff Barrett sat out, while Tyler Jewitt and Conrad Smith dressed this afternoon did not look out of place.

The Oilers star of the game, Chris Duszynski got the first goal but Daniel Carr of the Saints tipped in his first for the Saints first and only goal of the day. 1-1 after the first with the Oilers having an advantage of shots (12-7) and the play.

The special teams broke through in the second with Corbin Knight on the PP and Cody Dion, set up beautifully by Brandon Hoogenboom, shorthanded. Oilers goalie Sean Cahill stood his ground and stopped a penalty shot, further boosting the Oilers play for the rest of the period. Score 3-1 after 2.

No scoring in the third, and the Saints outshooting us 7-4, but the game plan this period was to dump it in and let St. Albert chase the puck down for most of the period. This was their 3rd game in 3 days, so wearing them down was the goal. The Oilers did take a few needless penalties, and at one point, was down 2 for the full 2 minutes, then 2 minutes right after that, but the penalty killers were great, most noticably Quinn Sproule, Rodger Craig, Cody Dion and the defensive corps.

So we are off to a 2-0 start. A little surprising, yes, but the season is still young. The team does look good as a team, the work ethic is there, the skill level will only improve and the heart, drive and determination has to be there every game. Are this years Oilers up for the challenge? You bet. It's going to be a great year fans. Enjoy every shift.

,

Oilers start new season with a win.

2008-09-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons must have thought this was going to be an easy night. Scoring with just 14 seconds gone in the game, visions of a romp surely was going through their minds.

But the Oilers came together as a team tonight with a 5-1 win helping them believe in themselves. John McInnis tied the score a few minutes later, but with a splattering of penalities in the period, both teams could not get any sustained momentum going and the period ended tied at one a piece.

The second period saw returnee Brandon Hoogenboom get the only goal on a nice set up from Corban Knight but once again, the penalties broke up any real flow to the game.

The third period our Oilers really picked up the pace outshooting the opposition 18-3 and made the Oil Barons pay the price for taking penalties as 2 of the 3 goals were on the PP.

Corban Knight with 3 points (2G,1A), Justin Daigle with 2 assists as did Cody Fehr and Hoogenboom with 1G,1A gave the Oilers enough offense to walk away with the win.

The defence tighten up after the first early goal by Ft. McMurray and Braely Torris, while not overworked, was sharp.

Jesse Hudkins was wearing the C with his new number 6 and it looked pretty good on him. Jesse has shown improved confidence in handling the puck and is taking control of the ice when he is out there. Andy Singerhouse missed a wide open net and Quinn Sproule played it smart on a line change when it would have been easy to go on the ice when the puck was right there at the gate causing a too many ice penalty. A smart move by Quinn. John McInnes had a good game, as did Derek Rodwell, Justin Daigle and Jesse Hudkins.

Next up is the Sunday afternoon game against the St. Albert Steel.

The coach speaks about the upcoming season.

2008-09-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

After five exhibition games and just a couple of days before the season opener, Okotoks Oilers coach Dan MacDonald was still doing a little head scratching.

A force in the Alberta Junior Hockey League's South Division last season, finishing No. 2 overall, the Oilers are undergoing a relatively major makeover this season and MacDonald is still wondering how much punch his club will be able to deliver.

Goaltender Brad Eidsness, feted as the league's most valuable player, has gone off to play on a scholarship for a U.S. college and just 10 players are returning.

It's difficult to say because there's such a large turnover," said MacDonald, the team's second-year head coach, when asked to assess his team's chances.

"Really, we're still sorting things out.

"It's a pretty good group that is returning, so we're fine that way. There's good leadership, so we're happy with that. But we're still waiting to see what some guys can do."

The Oilers, who were looking to trim another player or two from the 28-man roster before tonight's season and home opener against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, lost three of five exhibition games.

That, of course, is no big deal as you try to fit in several new pieces and sort through three goaltenders, including returnee Braely Torris.

"I think as the exhibition season progressed, our intensity and drive improved," said MacDonald, "so I think we have that . . . I think we're a good energy team."

Last season, MacDonald had to get to know a relatively veteran lineup as the first-year coach. Now he finds himself in somewhat of a similar situation as he gets to know a bunch of new faces who, by the same token, are getting to know him.

One big thing he has on his side is the leadership skills of Justin Daigle and Jesse Hudkins, the only 20-year-olds on the roster.

"I think every year is a tall order," mused MacDonald, "whether you have a veteran team or not. Most of our young guys who went to (WHL) camps are back now and we pretty much know what we're working with . . . I think half of them are Calgary kids.

"But it's still a feeling-out process, a learning process."

The Oilers tackle the Oil Barons at 7 p.m. and come right back Sunday afternoon at 1:30 to entertain St. Albert.

John Down, Calgary Herald, Septembner 6/08.

The quest for the 2009 Enerflex Cup

2008-09-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

Some could say the Okotoks Oilers missed their chance to hit pay dirt. All the pieces seemed to fall in place last year for one of the league’s newest franchises: a record number of wins, league MVP goalie Bradley Eidsness, a great veteran defensive core and a number of players who were natural goal scorers.

A second round playoff exit was definitely not in the cards. Now the question is how to get back to the brink with only eight returning players. “We hope we recruited well enough to move forward,” said coach Dan MacDonald.

With 14 new players, mainly picked out of the midget AAA ranks, the Oilers are sure to have a lot of overwhelmed players who will need a lot of adjusting just to make it through a 62-game schedule. Fatigue is a concern to MacDonald and it should be. To combat the weary-leg syndrome, the Oilers have taken the high road and won’t be as high-flying as they once were. Baby steps, with a grown up elbow here and there, are definitely on the menu. “Last year we were a finesse team,” said MacDonald. “We are trying to get away from that. This year it will be more of a blend (of finesse and physical play).”

Brought into the fold to help with that are two true imports. Forwards Andy Singerhouse of Minnesota and John McInnes who hails from the Boston area, are big players in the 200 pound range and will be expected to set the physical pace.

from the AJHL website

Okotoks Oilers get a mascot

2008-09-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers hockey club announced they will be introducing the team’s first mascot this season. The burly Oiler will be in the stands trying to stir Okotoks hockey fans into a frenzy. The new mascot will be unveiled at the game on Oct. 10.
The club will be holding a Name the Mascot contest as well as a colouring contest to ensure the young fans have an opportunity to participate in the recruitment of the newest Oiler. Youth are encouraged to colour and propose a name for the tough-looking mascot baring an Oiler jersey, hockey pants, socks and a roughneck’s hard hat.
Let's hope this turns into a positive addition to the atmosphere of the arena and the fans.

Oilers acquire 2 players.

2008-09-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

League release:

August 28 – The Okotoks Oilers acquire the rights of Scott Keeven and Casey Dion from the Springfield Blues (NAHL) for future considerations.

Oilers wrap up pre-season

2008-09-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers closed out their 2008/2009 pre-season schedule tonight by dominating the Canmore Eagles 10-3. This makes their pre-season record 2-3.

This was their best complete effort to date as not only did they show their offensive skills, but tightened up on defense. Tyler Matthews with 2 first period PP goals and Chris Duszynski closing out the scoring with 2 in the third. Wedged in between were goals by Jesse Hudkins, John McInnes, Cody Fehr, Kyle Reynolds,Jeff Barret and Cody Dion.

Steve Papciak (We think. Sometimes the lineup sheets incorrectly state the wrong name) played the first half in goal and allowed 2 goals. Braely Torris played the last half and allowed one fluke goal.

The guys were playing all out for the full 60 minutes with few let-ups. The final shots on goal were 47-21 favoring the Oilers.

We are looking forward to the start of the regular season on Saturday night, and to see the final line-up the Oilers will start the season with. If tonights game is any indication, it could be a great season. Lets hope so.

Oiler drop 2 to the Calgary Canucks

2008-09-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was not kind to the Okotoks Oilers, as they dropped both games of a home and home series to the resurging Calgary Canucks.

Even though the Saturdays game was not completed due to a broken pane of glass, it goes into the record books as a 4-1 win for the Canucks.

Move on to Sunday night at the Max Bell Arena. Firstly, I did not take kindly to being charged the full 12 dollar admittance fee to this pre-season game, as a few others felt also. Most teams charge a token 5 dollars to see a pre-season game, which is quite right, but to charge the full cost of a game is just being greedy. (Another case of the Canucks nickle and dimeing the fan/family).

On Sunday night, a high scoring game saw the Canucks get the better of the Oilers by a 6-4 score. The Oilers came out in the first period determined to make amends for last nights loss by jumping out to a 2-1 lead after one. Cody Dion and Mason Conway were the goal scores as we outshot the Canucks 14-4.

The second period was the complete opposite as the Canucks outshot the Oilers 13-5 and got the only goal and went to the intermission tied at 2-2. Oilers penalties cost them any momentum in this period.

The third period was a see saw affair, seeing the Canuck outscore us 4-2 and taking the game 6-4. Jesse Hudkins and Conway Mason (with his second) were our goal scorers.
Two goals were a direct result of mis-communication between our goaltender and our defenceman. Speaking of goaltending, Braely Torris has not stepped up to the plate yet in the pre-season. Sean Cahill, Steve Papciak and Andy Carmichael are all pushing Braely for the goaltending position, and they all have played quite well.

Sundays game saw Cody Dion once again play a strong game, showing his great shot, and hockey smarts. Corban Knight is still inconsistant and Andy Singerhouse is playing quite decent. 8 regulars played and 2 regulars are still sitting out account of injuries.

So the Oilers now have a 1-3 pre-season record with one game remaining on Tuesday night at home against the Canmore Eagles.

Okotoks Oilers/Calgary Canucks game..to be continued

2008-08-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Oilers third pre-season game was started, but not finished on Saturday night at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks. Going into this game, the 1-1 Oilers were looking to build on their 8-1 shellacking of the Olds Grizzlies on Wednesday.
I thought our guys looked quite spunky and skating well in the first period. With only 3 veterans in the line-up (Torris,Conway and Hoogenboom) the remaining guys all showed they want to make this team. They definately held the territorial advantage as they outshot the Canucks 15-7, but were trailing 2-0.
The second started well when Brandon Hoogenboom scored with the 2 man advantage, but the fiesty Canucks got another later in the period to go to the dressing room after the second up 3-1. Again, I though the Oilers deserved a much better fate as the determination was still there to win this game.
The third period saw the Canucks take a 4-1 lead when with 7:08 left in the game,an Oiler (I missed who it was) coming down the left wing skated over the oppositions blue line and gets checked into the boards. His skate comes up and hits the glass and that pane of glass shatters. After a 25 minute delay, they announce the game will be continued at 5:30 tomorrow night at Max Bell.
I thought that some Oilers showed they could have what it takes to play in this league. Nick Bell, Cody Dion, Andy Singerhouse all had moments in the game.
So it's off to Max Bell on Sunday night for the conclusion of this game and game four of the Oilers 2008/09 preseason.

Preseason..Oilers 8 Grizzlies 1

2008-08-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our Okotoks Oilers evened their Preseason record at 1-1 with a convincing win on the road against the Olds Grizzlies. The 8-1 win was a complete offensive turnaround from the previous night when the offence was missing a step.

Looks like the first period was quite offensive, as shots on goal favored the Oilers 17-15 and us outscoring the bears 3-1. The second period was even more impressive as the Grizzlies were outshout 11-6 and outscored 4-0. The third period was just icing on the cake as we scored the final goal, and continued outshooting the opposition 14-9.

Not too sure if or how many of the veterans played, but the offensive burst came at a time when the new players are trying to impress the coaching staff.

Next up is this Saturday at home against the Canucks.

Preseason..Grizzlies 3 Oilers 1

2008-08-26T20:52:00.001-07:00

The first preseason game was played on Tuesday night with the Oilers coming up short in losing 3-1 to the Olds Grizzlies. The score was very flattering to our boys, who got outshot 37-14.

A line-up of unfamiliar names could not keep up to the opposition as they skated circles around the Oilers for most of the night. Our goaltenders Alex Wakaluk and Andy Carmichael played very well.

Penalities really kept us from sustaining any real pressure on Olds. With Olds scoring one on the PP, one shorthanded and one even strength, Oilers forward Doug Lindensmith scored from the right circle on a great shot.

Next, the Oilers travel to Olds for a return match, and possibly a tougher line-up on Wednesday night, then it's a home and home series against the Calgary Canucks this weekend. Next home preseason game is this Saturday against the Canucks.

Intersquad (Top Prospect) game, Sunday, August 24

2008-08-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers held their Intersquad game on Sunday, August 24. Forty players, broken evenly into the white and black teams played a quick, spirited game.
The white team was manned with Jesse Hudkins and Derek Rodwell and 18 hopefuls against the black team that had veterans Braely Torris, Justin Daigle, Mason Conway, Chris Duszynski and Brandon Hoogenboom.

The fast paced game was played in 2 hours, with a few minor penalties called and little pushing, shoving or roughness. Even though I am far from a knowledgable scout, I though some new kids played quite well. Standing out to me were rookies Cody Dion, Daniel Hrabowych and Sohkes Auger. Both Jesse Hudkins and Chris Duszynski stood out for the returnees, along with all 4 goaltenders.

Two walking wounded watched the game from the stands, James Bannister (concussion) and Brian Doust (shoulder).

Oh yes, for what it's worth, the White team won by a score of 3-1.

Next up is the start of the pre-season with the Olds Grizzlies here on Tuesday night.

Upcoming exhibition games

2008-08-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Oilers exhibition games are NOT part of the season ticket package. Tickets for the exhibition games will be $5.00 per person, $2.00 per child 8 – 12 yrs, 7 and under will be free.

OILERS EXHIBTION SERIES

Tuesday August 26th vs. Olds Grizzlys @ 7:00 pm

Saturday August 30th vs. Calgary Canucks @ 7:00 pm

Tuesday September 2nd vs. Canmore Eagles @ 7:00 pm

The seasons tickets have been ordered and should be in later next week. Dawn will email you when they are in.

Intersquad game, Sunday, August 24

2008-08-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Come have your first peek at the new look 2008/09 Okotoks Oilers on Sunday, August 24 at 1 p.m. at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks as the Oilers play their intersquad game.
Not too sure if they are charging admittance or if it's a free game, but its our initial chance to see the future of our hockey team.

Players to watch.. Tyler Matthews

2008-08-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

August 12 – The Okotoks Oilers acquire the rights of Tyler Matthews from the Marquette Rangers (NAHL) for future considerations. Tyler is from Buffalo, NY and is a 5'11", 185lb defenceman born April 11 1989.

Training camp starts

2008-08-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Training camp has opened for the 2008/2009 season for the Okotoks Oilers on Thursday, August 21. Ninety players are expected to attend.
The Oilers will have a new look to them this year as only 10 players are returning to camp from the 2007-08 squad. They are Corban Knight, Chris Duszynski, Derek Rodwell, James Bannister, Brandon Hoogenboom, Justin Daigle, Brian Doust, Mason Conway, Jesse Hudkins, and goalie Braely Torris.
Michael Snider, who backstopped the UFA Bisons last year, is vying for one of the Oilers’ goalie positions. Some of the other players to watch for include Cody Ellerby, Corey Kapeller and Sam Prpich.

Dan Conacher moves on.

2008-08-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Oilers announce that forward Dan Conacher has been released so he could play with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. Dan had 4 goals and 9 assists and 24 minutes in penalities in 29 games last year. We wish him the best of luck, and if it happens to not work out, there is a radio broadcasting job for you up here :)

Training camp opens Aug. 21st.

2008-08-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, It' that time of year to shift our thoughts from summer to hockey. Training camps open in the next few weeks for the teams in the AJHL and our Okotoks Oilers start theirs on Thursday August 21/08 in preparation of the pre-season commencing on August 26 at home.

Corbin Gavin traded

2008-08-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

July 29 – The Okotoks Oilers trade the AJHL/CHA rights of Corbin Gavin to the Lloydminster Bobcats for future considerations THEN...

July 31 - The Lloydminster Bobcats trade the AJHL/CHA rights of Ian McAllister and Corbin Gavin to the Grade Prairie Storm for the AJHL/CHA rights of Mackenzie Caron, completion of the Meyers deal and future considerations.

Oilers schedule released

2008-07-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

While it is presently the middle of summer, we notice the 2008/2009 season schedule has been released. Three (3) home exhibition games run August 26 against the Olds Grizzlies, August 30th against the Calgary Canucks and September 2 against the Canmore Eagles.
Regular season play starts with 2 games at home, on Saturday, September 6 vs. Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Sunday, September 7th against St. Albert Steel.

Also hear that Jesse Hudkins is returning. It was earlier reported that he was leaving for Prinston, but a language change in the schools requirements were changed at the last moment. Good to have Jesse here for another season.

Leinweber goes to Alaska

2008-07-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

The Okotoks Oilers are pleased to announce that 19 year old forward/defensemen Curtis Leinweber has committed to the University of Alaska Seawolves of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, in Anchorage, Alaska, for the 2008/09 season.

Curtis is from Calgary, Alberta and is a graduate of Calgary’s Edge School of Athletes. Curtis completed his second season as an Oiler and was known throughout the Alberta Junior Hockey League for his exceptional offensive abilities, accumulating 60 points this past season as a defensemen.

The Oilers General Manager/Head Coach Dan MacDonald stated, “Curtis is a rare player who is extremely effective as a forward or a defensemen. His versatility, quiet leadership, and electrifying offensive skill will be very difficult to replace. The Okotoks Oilers Hockey Club thanks Curtis for his commitment as an Oiler over the past two years, and wishes him every success with his future academic and athletic endeavors”.

Okotoks Oilers awards awarded..

2008-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

The recipients at the Okotoks Oilers Awards banquet held Sunday, April 26 were;

Most Valuable Player – Bradley Eidsness
Mr. Oiler — David Civitarese
Top Scorer — Elliott Sheen (27 G, 51A)
Most Popular — Carter Madsen
Leadership — Zac MacKinnon
Rock Solid — Kyle Schussler
Top defenceman — Jesse Perrin
Rookie of the Year — James Bannister
Most Improved Player — Chris Duszynski
Unsung Hero – Jesse Hudkins
Volunteer of the Year — Terry Pavka

Bad weather postpones Awards banquet.

2008-04-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

A note from Dawn;

JUST A QUICK NOTE - WE HAVE POST-PONED THIS EVENINGS BANQUET DUE TO EXTREME ROAD CONDITIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY INTO THE VENUE. WE WILL RESCHEDULE THE BANQUET FOR NEXT SUNDAY APRIL 27TH FROM 2:00 - 5:00 PM. I WILL SEND OUT A EMAIL WITH SPECIFIC DETAILS LATER THIS WEEKEND ONCE WE GET THEM CONFIRMED. SORRY WE WILL MISS SEEING EVERYONE THIS EVENING. BUT WE BELIEVE IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF EVERYONE.

Sincerely, Dawn LeMaistre
Office Administrator
Okotoks Oilers Jr. 'A' Hockey Club
ph: 995-2255
www.okotoksoilers.com

Oilers awards banquet

2008-04-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Oilers year end awards banquet will be held at the Lynnview Ranch on Saturday, April 19th. 6 p.m. for cocktails and 7 pm for the supper followed by the awards ceremony. Everyone welcome.

Please RSVP by WEDNESDAY APRIL 16TH. to
Dawn LeMaistre
Office Administrator
Okotoks Oilers Jr. '' Hockey Club
ph: (403)995-2255
fax: (403)995-2237
email: dlemaistre@okotoksoilers.com

We say goodbye.

2008-03-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

When the 2006/2007 season came to an end, we said goodbye to players like Brummitt, Matheson, Owsiak, Sapieha, Schmautz and Everett Sheen. Because of these loses, it really didn't look too promising for a good 07/08 season.

WRONG !!!

The 2007/2008 regular season saw many players come into the organization and perform very good. The veterans also came through to fill the void of the departures. Now we must say goodbye and thank you to this years departures. As far as I can tell, we say adios to;

David Civitarese to Colorado College
Jesse Perrin to Western Michigan University
Kyle Schussler to Dartmouth College
Justin Daigle to University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Brad Eidsiness to University of North Dakota
Curtis Leinweber to University of Alaska Anchorage
Elliot Sheen to Merrimack College
Jesse Hudkins to Princeton University
Carter Madsen to Merrimack College

(If I have any mistakes in thsi list, please let us know)

We are looking forward to any Oilers news during the off season, and we will be there when the group of Oilers start their quest for the 2008/2009 holy grail.

Oilers go down in 5.

2008-03-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

The round 2 series with the Drumheller Dragons in this years AJHL playoffs just wasn't good for the Oilers. They struggled to eliminate the Calgary Canucks in round 1. Now after a frustrating game 5 with Drumheller, the year is over for the Okotoks Oilers.
A 1-0 lose eliminated the Oilers in front of a season high 1475 patrons. The excitement was in the air from the pre-game warmup till the end of the game. A very questionable call early in period that saw Chris Duszynski ejected from the game and gave the Dragons a 5 minute penalty play led to the oppositions only goal of the game.
The Oilers were a step behind Drumheller all game long, and could not find the formula for scoring on this night. Both goaltenders were the stars, as once again, our top line of Sheen, Madsan and Civitrese couldn't find the back of the net.
So it's so long to many players. This team will have a completely different look for the 2008-2009 season.

Keep checking back here as we will continue with our OILERS blog. And who knows....we may even have an exclusive or 2 as the off season progresses.