EDMONTON JUNIOR OILERS U18 AAA PROGRAM UNVEILED
EDMONTON JUNIOR OILERS U18 AAA PROGRAM UNVEILED
Hockey Edmonton’s elite minor hockey program the first of its kind through Oilers partnership
EDMONTON, AB - Hockey Edmonton and the Edmonton Oilers are proud to announce an innovative partnership, establishing a pinnacle stream program that will revolutionize elite hockey development in Edmonton.
Commencing the 2022-23 season, Hockey Edmonton’s two male U18 AAA teams will be named the Edmonton Junior Oilers, receiving assistance from the NHL Club in a program that is the first of its kind in Canada. The Edmonton Oilers will provide access to world-class resources for both U18 AAA teams including player and coach development opportunities, facility utilization, apparel and equipment, and social media support. The Edmonton Junior Oilers teams will receive elite player and coach development and promotion guided by Hockey Edmonton’s four pillars of player development: technical-tactical, physical, mental, and life skills. Aiming to foster well-rounded individuals both on and off the ice, Hockey Edmonton will also ensure that academic supports are available to these elite student athletes. Additionally, to ensure that this innovative club hockey program limits barriers to access, the fees will remain affordable and effective for families, compared to other program options offered regionally
“The Edmonton Oilers are proud to partner with Hockey Edmonton to help continue their legacy of community, sportsmanship and hockey excellence for kids growing up in Oil Country,” said Bob Nicholson, Chairman, Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. “Minor hockey is a cornerstone of our community and this partnership will help ensure that the most elite levels of youth hockey remain a part of this trusted institution for years to come. Not only does the Edmonton Oilers jersey represent one of the world’s most iconic NHL franchises, it now also represents the pinnacle of U18 hockey in the country.”
The Edmonton Junior Oilers will be managed by Hockey Edmonton’s Hockey Development Committee (HDC).This prestigious consortium of respected hockey development experts includes Craig MacTavish, Billy Moores, Dan Kordic, Umberto Fiorillo, Stephen Zipp, and Joel Lenius, all with NHL, AHL, WHL and AJHL, and post-secondary, playing and coaching experience. Hockey Edmonton recently hired accomplished coaches Nathan Papirny and Derek Hemsley to Head Coach the two teams in the inaugural season.
“We are confident that the Edmonton Junior Oilers program will be an inventive organization with exceptional resources, coaches, and mentors, comparable to no other within the province,” said Joel Lenius, Technical Director, Hockey Edmonton and HDC member. “This partnership will establish an exceptional high-performance minor hockey culture in Edmonton that all players, coaches, and families will be proud to be a part of.”
The Edmonton Junior Oilers Spring ID Camp will run May 30 to June 1. More information on the camp can be found here. Additional program details will be announced in the coming weeks.
