Chasing Dreams: Oren Shtrom’s Path to Success

By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X

Oren Shtrom officially rounded out his Western Hockey League career last Saturday.

The 20-year-old came to the Kamloops Blazers for the 2024-25 season and registered 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 64 games. Shtrom put up career-high numbers, which even got him noticed by the University of Alaska-Anchorage, where he will be embarking on the next chapter of his career.

Shtrom has had many chapters in his life, which started with being born in Montreal, Quebec, the mecca of hockey. “Growing up in Montreal was great—it’s like the sacred hockey city,” Shtrom recalled. “You’re just bred into it. My dad played, and from an early age, I loved the game and always wanted to be on the ice.”

Shtrom’s Dad, Leeor, spent 12 years playing pro hockey in the ECHL, the QSPHL and the LHSEQ, among other leagues. Leeor’s career helped shape and influence Oren’s. But Shtrom’s path took an unexpected turn when his family relocated to Arizona for his father’s job in hockey with the Arizona Bobcats. While Arizona isn’t exactly known for its deep hockey roots, it provided him with invaluable experiences. He developed his skills under renowned coaches like former NHLer Ray Whitney and Ron Filion. “They really helped round out my game,” he said.

Like many young players, Shtrom idolized Jonathan Toews as his favourite player growing up. “I don’t know why, but I just gravitated toward him during that Chicago Blackhawks era from 2010 to 2015,” Shtrom said. “When they won three Cups, I was just a kid and definitely a bit of a bandwagon fan. But I really admired how he played the game the right way—such a great 200-foot player.”

Shtrom’s journey continued with a season in Colorado before the COVID-19 bubble, which he credits as a significant year for his growth. That pivotal season led to an opportunity with the WHL, where now Kamloops Blazers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston drafted him, and Willie Desjardins brought him in. “Willie taught me a lot and helped me round out my game to become a better 200-foot player.” Shtrom has bounced around throughout his WHL career with stops in Medicine Hat, Kamloops, Everett and Prince George, but each move he took in stride. “Each coach had different insights and coaching styles, but they all knew what was best for me,” he said. “I’ve been able to take something from each of them and implement it into my game, which has only made me a better player. I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with all four organizations.”

Shtrom describes himself as a skilled forward with a high hockey IQ, good vision, and a strong shot. “I take pride in my forechecking and bringing energy to the game,” he added. That energy was on full display during one of his favorite hockey memories—the 2023 WHL Playoffs with Prince George. “That first game with the whiteout crowd was electric. The towels were waving, it was a sold-out arena, and the atmosphere was just incredible,” he reminisced. “Making it to the third round against Portland was such a special feeling. When you get that far into the season, everyone is playing for each other, and it’s something you really cherish.”

Kamloops Blazers assistant general manager Tim O’Donovan spoke on Shtrom’s addition, “Oren played on a few different teams, last year of course, he got to the conference finals with P.G., so I think it was important for us to add a guy with a lot of experience,” O’Donovan said. “He really complemented the room and was that secondary scoring piece we needed; he’s got good skill, really great energy and is very well liked among the players and staff. We were really happy to bring him aboard,” O’Donovan said.

With his WHL career coming to an end, Shtrom is preparing for his next chapter with the University of Alaska Anchorage. The recruitment process was straightforward—he was contacted by the coaching staff and immediately connected with their vision. “I really liked what they had to say about their program,” he said. “Their facilities looked amazing, and I had a great conversation with Coach Shasby. Funny enough, I actually met him when I was younger, living in Arizona—he’s good buddies with my old coach Ron Filion. So that connection helped as well.”

Off the ice, Shtrom is taking on a new challenge—academics. He’s majoring in business and has already completed nine courses. “It’s been a grind,” he admitted. “But honestly, I feel like it’s really helped me. It engages my mind and keeps me sharp, which is important, even for hockey.”
As he looks ahead to his college career, Shtrom is excited for the opportunity to extend his playing days and continue working toward his ultimate goal of turning pro. “That’s the dream for every guy,” he said. “This is another step in the right direction.”

While he prepares for this new adventure, Shtrom took a moment to reflect on his time in Kamloops and express his gratitude. “First off, I have to thank Clouston for bringing me in and allowing me to play as a 20-year-old,” Shtrom said. “My teammates have been amazing—every single guy on this team is someone I could go out for dinner with and have a great time. My billets, Kevin and Suzanne, have been incredible—just great, down-to-earth people.”

And then, of course, there were the fans. “Even when things looked dark with injuries and slipping in the standings, they showed up every night, loud and supportive. That really helped us,” Shtrom said. “I just want to say thank you to everyone in Kamloops. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for it.”

Shtrom finishes with 46 goals and 67 assists for 113 points in 236 games over the course of five seasons.