Longtime Wheat King, Oil King Roersma commits to University of Alaska Fairbanks

Graduating Edmonton Oil Kings winger Rylen Roersma has announced his commitment to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The 20-year-old is slated to join the Nanooks for the 2025-26 season.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to play for the University of Alaska Fairbanks next year,” Roersma said. “Being a part of the first group of players who are eligible to play NCAA hockey after their time in the CHL is pretty cool, and a great opportunity for further development before making the jump to pro. The Nanooks have a really rich history of hockey, this being their 100-year anniversary. I can’t wait to become a part of the organization and their culture.”

The 5-foot-11, 186-pound forward was originally drafted by the Brandon Wheat Kings with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.

Roersma went on to play parts of five seasons in the black and gold, highlighted by a 20-goal, 38-assist campaign in 2023-24 and a turn as an alternate captain.

The Lethbridge, Alta. product played his final year of eligibility with the Edmonton Oil Kings, helping the 2022 WHL Champions return to the postseason for the first time since winning it all with a 29-point (11G-18A) campaign.

How's that for an answer??

Rylen Roersma responds 19 seconds later to get the @EdmOilKings within one 🥵#WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingTheFuture pic.twitter.com/2psq38T7JB

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) April 7, 2025

He was also reliable at the faceoff dot, winning 52.9% of his draws (248).

Roersma potted a goal and three assists in the postseason as the Oil Kings fell to the East Division champion Prince Albert Raiders in Game 7 of their first-round series.

He closes his WHL career with 71 goals and 84 assists for 155 points in 272 games.