Oil Kings Equipment Manager comes through with big assist for Canadiens’ Guhle
Edmonton, Alta.- Edmonton Oil Kings Equipment Manager Rogan Dean and Athletic Therapist Jimmy McKnight were excited to catch up with Kaiden Guhle as the former WHL Champion rolled into Rogers Place with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
As it turned out, the Oil Kings’ 2022 WHL Playoff MVP also had a bit of a favour to ask.
“I just recently started using these sticks, one of Slaf’s (Juraj Slafkovsky’s) old samples from earlier on in the year and there was only one and I broke it in Calgary,” Guhle told reporters post-game on March 19.
On a whim, he asked Dean- the longest-serving member of the Edmonton Oil Kings staff- if he might have a similar one hanging around.
Dean had tried to convince Guhle to use the same stick shortly after he came to Edmonton in a trade with Prince Albert in December of 2021, but it wasn’t the right fit at the time and the sample pack of sticks was relegated to the Rogers Place vault.
“I just put them down in storage and that’s where they were until yesterday,” Dean said. “The other five got used throughout the last few years but I had one left. It was actually one he used in practices and it was still taped up.
“When I brought it up he was like ‘An original Guhle, I’ll take it!’”
When it works, it works.
Guhle scored his fifth goal of the season and tied the game at two in front of his hometown crowd- though the Oilers would go on to a 3-2 overtime victory.
“I already texted him (Dean), that one definitely goes to him,” Guhle added. “Feels good scoring in this building. Obviously, all the Habs fans here too, it kind of felt like a home goal. Definitely up there for one of my favourites of my career.”
In his 17 seasons as the Oil Kings’ Head Equipment Manager, Dean says the situation is a first, but he’s happy to help out, especially considering the team’s history with Guhle.
“He’s a true professional especially when it comes to game time,” Dean recalled. “But he also enjoyed being at the rink and having fun. Bit of a joker, making sure guys are laughing and enjoying their time. Kaiden was a big reason why we were able to have the season that we did that year.
“I was super excited and proud and happy for him. Great kid and I wish him nothing but success.”