Oil Kings Spring Camp Thoughts

Just two weeks after the 2012-2013 season ended the 2013-2014 season began for the Edmonton Oil Kings.  The hosted their annual Spring Development Camp over the weekend at NAIT and Rexall Place.  Twenty-five '97 and '98 born Oil King prospects took their first steps towards becoming Western Hockey League players under the watchful eyes of the team's coaches and front office staff.  The wide eyed players were divided into two groups and were put through both on and off ice workouts over the weekend.  Players endured power skating sessions, dry land testing, and showed their stuff in a full ice four on four scrimmage to wrap up the weekend.  There were a lot of smiles, nerves and excitement in the rink, as the youngsters tried to make a good first impression.

The players attending were bantam draft picks from the last two drafts and a few free agent invites.  It is a good chance for the players to see what it means to be an Oil King as they are introduced to the staff, tour the facilities and meet potential teammates.  

2012 draft picks Andrew Koep, Colton Kehler, Patrick Dea, Jesse Mills  and Garrett Armour were some of the more recognizable names, and they did not disappoint.  There will be an opportunity for several of the 16 year prospects to crack  the roster at main camp in September.

Meanwhile several of the 2013 picks showed strong including Davis Koch, Kyle Yewchuk and Alex Rotundo.  The prospects will have access to video of the camp, with lessons to work on throughout the summer as they prepare to return for Rookie Camp in August.

This and That

-Brett Pollock was one of the current Oil Kings helping during the camp. He sported a helmet with the number 39 on it, indicating a change from 20 which he wore last year.

-Expect a couple other number changes from returning players when camp opens in September.

-Goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Curtis Lazar spent the weekend in Toronto at the NHL Draft Combine.  Lazar had 26 interviews with NHL team managers.