Edmonton Oil Kings - Feed

Camp Correspondence: Chipchura’s Busy Summer Helps Continue Coaching Growth

mbarrett — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:30:06 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – Oil Kings Assistant Coach and Manager of Player Development Kyle Chipchura enters his fourth season with the Edmonton Oil Kings, and he continues to take steps in his coaching career. A former NHLer, Chipchura has joined the coaching ranks and has been a full-time Assistant Coach with the Oil Kings since 2024/2025 after serving as a Development Coach prior to that. With that, Chipchura has gotten some big opportunities to coach at international events. First, it was the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge roster with Team Canada White last November where he was an Assistant Coach, a job he will take on once again this fall. Then, this summer it was the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton where he was an Assistant Coach for Team Canada, helping them win gold. Chipchura says he’s enjoyed those experiences as he continues to improve as a coach. “To surround yourself with some different coaching staffs, maybe different perspectives, different views, you've kind of done it for a lot of years,” he said. “Personally, as a coach, I find you learn a lot, you improve a lot in those areas, and then I think the best part of it though, is being around the best kids in the country. Whether they're 16years old or 17 years old, I think just seeing that elite skill, that elite approach, the game of maturity.” Chipchura achieved a great deal as a player; nearly 500 NHL games, five WHL seasons, Captain of the 2006 World Junior Team Canada gold medalists, an AHL Championship, as well as a WHL and AHL Captain. However, while he did play in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2003 (named the Nations Cup at the time), he and Team Canada didn’t win the tournament, so Team Canada’s victory in 2026 was a bit sweeter. “To get kind of a second chance and get the medal is pretty cool,” Chipchura joked. Now back with his WHL squad in Edmonton, Chipchura says he continues to learn from those around him and he hopes he can continue having an impact on the young players that come through the Oil Kings dressing room. “I had some good advice when I first got into coaching and it was kind of ‘think like a player, plan like a coach’,” he added. “And I still try to keep that. I still try to think about how players approach practices, how they would feel like in the grind, how the game kind of feels like to them, maybe what they're feeling and kind of relate my experiences in that to kind of help the individual and help the group.”

Camp Correspondence: Stroeder Looking to Build off Strong Playoff and Hlinka Gretzky Gold

mbarrett — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:32:33 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – It was a golden summer for Oil Kings forward Kayden Stroeder and the former fifth-overall WHL Prospects Draft pick is looking to build off that success this season. The 2009-born was a big part of Team Canada a few weeks ago at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. Stroeder had six points in five games at the tournament as Canada won gold, including a dominating performance in the final over Team U.S.A.

“I haven't won a lot of things in the last couple of years,” Stroeder said. “So I finally got to shed the gloves. Obviously super proud to be Canadian and get a gold medal, so it was really awesome.”

With his success at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Stroeder is looking to use his confidence from that, as well as a strong finish to the 2025/2026 WHL regular season and playoffs. “Our team was playing good at the end of the year last year and obviously I helped contribute a bit,” he said. “So, I think using that confidence there, and obviously the Hlinka will allow me to have a better start than obviously I did last year being young.” As a 16-year-old rookie in the WHL, Stroeder scored 13 goals and added 19 assists for 32 points. He had a starring performance on March 18 with his first career WHL hat-trick against the Calgary Hitmen, and as part of his strong stretch run, Stroeder managed 12 points in his final 11 regular season games. That gave the Lanigan, Sask. product confidence heading into the playoffs as he played in six playoff games, tallying three goals and two assists for five points, fourth most on the team in the playoffs. Now back for his third WHL Training Camp, Stroeder looks to continue to grow as he enters his first season of NHL Draft Eligibility and he’s ready to enjoy the moments that come with playing in the WHL. “I have a lot of fun here,” Stroeder added. “And we're playing in the Western Hockey League. So, still living out my dream so far, and I get to play hockey, so I love every single day. I'm really excited to do that again.” - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Single-game tickets are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Oil Kings Open 2026 Training Camp

mbarrett — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:30:30 +0000

TRAINING CAMP ROSTER Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings open their 2026 Training Camp today as they build towards the start of the 2026/20227 WHL season. After a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference last year with a 45-18-3-2 record, the Oil Kings head into this season with a bit of change. 12 players from the 2025/2026 roster are back with the club for Training Camp this year. Highlighted by Hlinka Gretzky Cup winning forward Kayden Stroeder who heads into his 17-year-old season. Meanwhile, rookie standout from last season Dylan Dean is back with the club along with mid-season acquisitions in Aaron Obobaifo, and Kanjyu Gojsic. Other forwards returning include Luke Powell, Cage Smith, and Matt Williams. On the blueline, two seasoned vets head into their 18-year-old seasons as recently drafted by the Winnipeg Jets Noa Ta'amu and North Vancouver, B.C.'s Josh Lee head into their third WHL seasons. Ryan Gower is also back at camp on the Oil Kings blueline. The most experience for the Oil Kings returns in goal with 20-year-old Ethan Simcoe, and recently drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets Parker Snell are back between the pipes. A large selection on new faces look make their marks this year as well for the Oil Kings with Philadelphia Flyers prospect KJ Sauer entering his first WHL season. Add in other forwards including 20-year-old Luke Dahlen, import draft picks Olli Wahlroos and Jonas Vanicek, and defender Matthew Hauser, camp is expected to be very competitive. A number of young players look to push this season as well with newly signed Jonny Bloedow and Tyler Potter coming north of the border. Draft picks including Chris Kokkoris, Cole Landreville, Ezekiel Kaebel and Matheas Hejda also look to earn spots this season. Camp is closed to the public this year. The Bob McGill Cup takes place on Sunday, August 30 and is open to the public in conjunction with the Edmonton Oil Kings Locker Room Sale which will begin at 11 a.m. at the Downtown Community Arena. - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Single-game tickets are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Oil Kings Announce Kikuchi as Head Athletic Therapist

mbarrett — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:03:20 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today that they have hired Tracie Kikuchi as the team's Head Athletic Therapist. Kikuchi, an Edmonton native, spent the last two seasons with the BCHL's Sherwood Park Crusaders, serving as their Athletic Therapist. "Tracie comes to us highly regarded from her experience working with the Sherwood Park Crusaders and the Edmonton Elks," said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. "Her professionalism and commitment to athlete care will be valuable assets to our organization. We are looking forward to her contributions and would like to welcome her to the Oil Kings." Kikuchi worked with the Elks during their 2023 training camp as also has experience in clinic with numerous sports including rugby, soccer, and basketball. As a player, Kikuchi was a goaltender and played two seasons with Red Deer College in the ACAC and played one season with the Sherwood Park Steele of the Alberta Female Junior Hockey League. - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Single-game tickets are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Oil Kings Announce Development Plan for Holden Wouters

mbarrett — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:52:36 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – Edmonton Oil Kings prospect, 2010-born defenceman Holden Wouters will be playing at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School for the 2026-27 season. The second-overall selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft will still be available to the Club as an affiliated player during breaks in Shattuck’s schedule. “We’ve worked very closely with Holden and his family since he was drafted to determine the best path for his long-term development. We all felt the opportunity at Shattuck-St. Mary’s was the right fit for Holden this season, and are excited to have Holden join our group full-time in Edmonton for the 2027-2028 season,” said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. As a late-2010 birthdate, Wouters is not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2029. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound defenceman spent last season with St. George’s School U18 Prep, where he had seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 28 games, along with three points in five playoff games. Wouters was also named to the CSSHL U18 BC Division’s Top Freshman Team. The Vancouver, B.C. product played two games with the Oil Kings last season. Wouters echoed the organization’s belief in the development plan. “My family and I have had a lot of conversations with Michael and the Oil Kings about what would be best for me this season,” said Wouters. “We all feel Shattuck is the right place for me right now and I’m really excited about the opportunity. I’m looking forward to having a great year at Shattuck, continuing to get better, and becoming the best Oil King I can be for years to come.” Shattuck-St. Mary’s has a long history of developing elite players for the next level, with Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini among the program’s notable alumni. A number of current and former Oil Kings have played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, including Aaron Obobaifo, Lukas Sawchyn, Gracyn Sawchyn, as well as recently drafted Brayden Dean. - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Single-game tickets are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Presnilla Departing Oil Kings for New Opportunity in AHL

mbarrett — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:01:55 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today that Head Athletic Therapist Adrian Presnilla will be departing the club for a new opportunity. Presnilla has accepted a position with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League, the affiliate of the NHL's Utah Mammoth. "It is very rewarding as an organization to see not only our players, but our staff move on the next level as well," said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. "We’d like to thank Adrian for everything he has contributed to the Oil Kings organization. His work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to always go the extra mile made a true impact on our players and staff. We wish Adrian all the best moving forward in Tuscon!” Presnilla has been the Head Athletic Therapist for the Oil Kings for the last two seasons.

Oil Kings Welcome MacDougall and Jackson to Staff

mbarrett — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:15:01 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings are excited to announce the hiring of Aidan Jackson and Matt MacDougall to the roles of Video Coach and Hockey Operations Coordinator and Head Equipment Manager respectively. Jackson, from Calgary, Alberta, most recently worked with the Okanagan Hockey Academy and their U17 AAA squad as Head Coach where his team won the CSSHL U17 AAA Championship. Prior to that Jackson worked in Calgary with the NWCAA Bronks and Stamps U16 and U15 AA clubs as their Head Coach as well. His NWCAA Bronks U16 AA club also won the AEHL U16 AA championship in 2024/2025. “We’re excited to welcome Aidan to the Oil Kings organization," said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. "He brings a proven ability to work with young players, a genuine passion for the game and an analytical mind. We believe he’ll be a great fit with our coaching staff and hockey operations group, and we’re looking forward to having him in Edmonton.” MacDougall, out of Missisauga, Ont., comes to the Oil Kings from the University of Alaska-Anchorage where he was the Equipment Manager. MacDougall also spent time as the Equipment Manager at Niagara University where he also briefly played. “We are pleased to add Matt to our staff," added Chan. "He has gained valuable experience as an Equipment Manager at the NCAA level and understands the preparation and attention to detail required to support players and coaches every day. We are confident Matt will bring that same level of care and professionalism to our organization.” As a player, MacDougall played three seasons in the NOJHL, as well as parts of two seasons in the GOJHL. - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Single-game tickets are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Oil Kings Announce Unprecedented Promotional Schedule to Drive Fun to All New Levels

mbarrett — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:04:08 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings are thrilled to announce their most action-packed, family fun promotional schedule for the 2026/2027 season. This season, every single game at Rogers Place will feature a theme or a giveaway, meaning more fun and a continued commitment to unrivaled family entertainment with the Oil Kings. Adding to that commitment, 85% of games this season are on a weekend or a holiday! It all kicks off with the Kickoff Carnival at the Home Opener on September 20 with a Family Fun Sunday! Get your costume's ready as for the first time ever, the Oil Kings host a Kid's Halloween Spooktacular game on Halloween with a 1 p.m. puck drop, meaning plenty of time to go trick-or-treating after the game! A number of other new promotions are set for this season to add to the fun of Oil Kings games. Kids Crazy Hair Day is back again on November 29, but how about showing off the flow with business in the front and party in the back with Mullet Mayhem on October 25. For the fans of magic and quidditch, A Night in the Wizardly World is on December 18 as the Oil Kings look to cast a spell on the Red Deer Rebels. In January, the Oil Kings host Polynesian Night, celebrating the Pacific culture, including a giveaway and an invitation for fans to join in on the celebration. February will see Finger Puppet Friday on February 26 with sets of finger puppets featuring some of your favourite Oil Kings set to be given out. The new promotions don't stop with the UNO game taking place on March 7, with fun featuring the famous card game! Family Day Monday is also back for the Oil Kings with a 2 p.m. start on February 15. With the huge success of themes such as Spongebob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol, and Scooby Doo, this year, things might get a bit... Looney, as it's the Looney Tunes game featuring a specialty jersey featuring some of your favourite characters from the classic show! Fans will also have the opportunity to help out those in need in their community as October 2 is the Fall Food Drive for Edmonton's Food Bank. Bring your boxes of mac and cheese and use them as noise makers before donating them after the game. Louie's Birthday Bash is on February 6 as we celebrate everyone's favourite mascot which will include 1,000 Louie the Lion themed giveaways. The Biggest Game of the Year, Teddy Bear Toss has already been announced and is already selling tickets into the upper bowl for the December 6 game against the Prince Albert Raiders. Meanwhile, other fan favourite promotions return once again this season including, Country Night on October 23, Kid's Take Over on November 1, Dino Day on November 8, Croc Night on November 28, Superhero Night on January 16, Oil Rumble IV with Love Pro Wrestling is on January 31, Princess Night is on February 7, Hot Wheels Day is on February 21, Ghostbusters Night is February 27. Plus, long-standing traditions on the Fan Appreciation Game with a surprise bobblehead giveaway, and Team Awards are on March 21 and 28 respectively. Family Fun Sunday's feature a kids carnival, and a post-game autograph session are back for Sunday home games! Make sure you bring your appetite as well for Wiener Wednesday's, back by popular demand with $2 hot dogs all game long! $2 tacos return too with Taco Tuesday on December 8! Tickets for all games go on sale on Friday, August 21 at oilkings.ca. You can view the full promotional schedule HERE.

Oil Kings Sign Bloedow to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

mbarrett — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:57:07 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today that they have signed 2009-born forward Jonny Bloedow to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. “We are excited to be signing Jonny,” said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. “He works hard, has a good stick with a dangerous shot, and has been a focal point for a very competitive Cretin Derham Hall program for the past two seasons as a freshman and sophomore. We are excited to welcome him at training camp and be a part of his continued development.” Bloedow, out of Sleepy Eye, MN, USA, spent the last two seasons playing for Cretin-Derham Hall in the Minnesota High School ranks. In two seasons there, Bloedow scored 30 goals and added 31 assists for 61 points in 43 games. He was also an Assistant Captain in 2025/2026. Meanwhile, this past season, the 5’10”, 170lbs forward also spent time with the United States National Team Development Program U17 squad where he played six games, notching two assists. - The Oil Kings are Edmonton’s first choice for family fun with great seats for as low as $20. Tickets for the Home Opener on September 20 and Teddy Bear Toss on December 6 are on sale NOW! Secure your seat today at oilkings.ca.

Oil Kings Announce 19th Annual Teddy Bear Toss Presented by The Brick

mbarrett — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:57:35 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – Mark your calendars! The Biggest Game of the Year, the 19^th Annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by The Brick is set for Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m. as the Edmonton Oil Kings host the Prince Albert Raiders. Last season, over 16,300 bears came flying onto the ice at Rogers Place after the Oil Kings first goal in front of a near sellout crowd all in support of 880 CHED Santas Anonymous. Through the previous 18 Teddy Bear Toss games, more than $200,000 have been donated to 880 CHED Santa’s Anonymous along with more than 193,000 stuffed animals, meaning this year will bring the total bears collected to over 200,000, supporting those in our community in need. It’s also a Family Fun Sunday at Rogers Place with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.. This will mark the second consecutive year that the Oil Kings and Raiders will battle in The Biggest Game of the Year as Edmonton looks to improve on their 10-6-2-0 record in Teddy Bear Toss Game’s. Tickets for the 19^th Annual Teddy Bear Toss will go on sale on Thursday, August 13 at 10 a.m. and great tickets, even for the BIGGEST GAME of the year start at just $20 at oilkings.ca!