Local Oil Barons thrilled for homecoming

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore Minor Hockey Association are teaming up with the Calgary Canucks to do a joint fundraiser AJHL game in Strathmore, where they will take on the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at the Strathmore Family Centre on Dec. 15.
The proceeds from tickets and silent auction items will go back into minor hockey operation costs and the Canucks organization.
“We’re quite excited to have the AJHL game here,” said Fern Pagenkopf, SMHA fundraising coordinator. “Fort Mac is bringing some Strathmore Minor Hockey (alumni) here … there’s three of those gentleman coming home to play which is nice to see and that’s part of the reason Leonard (Desmet) brought Fort Mac in to try and drum up some local support for the game.
“Even if it’s a Canucks home game, having the locals playing for the opposition would help attendance.”
The Oil Barons are in a rebuilding phase this year, but for the three Strathmore members of the team, playing a game in their hometown will be a highlight of their season.
“It’s going to be pretty sweet,” said Shane Fraser, who captained the then UFA Bisons to the Telus Cup last season. “Playing our last game there in the playoffs, I always thought it would be my last game in Strathmore, so to get the opportunity to play in front of friends is going to be a pretty special moment for me.”
Fraser said his first season had its ups and downs because of team struggles, and said he can’t complain about the ice time he has been getting in penalty kill and power play situations.
“On a personal note it’s pretty good for me to develop up here,” he said “I can’t complain about anything that’s happened up here. So far it’s been good. It’s definitely getting a feel for what the league’s like, just the size and speed of the game, it’s quite a bit different, so adjusting to that. But now I know what it’s like, I think I’m doing a pretty good job adjusting to that. “
He added that the Oil Barons have played the Canucks a couple times this season and lost both games that were close in score, but he feels that it won’t be any different this time around.
“They’ve all been pretty close games so I’m expecting another close pretty physical game,” said Fraser.
Veteran forward and Barons assistant captain, Connor McCallum, has bounced around the league including a stint with the Canucks, and was ecstatic to hear the news of playing in his hometown.
“The one day we found out we were playing in Strathmore, I was running around telling all the Calgary kids, and they were like ‘why would you want to play in Strathmore?'”
“I’m pretty excited to play in front of all my friends and family. It’ll be fun. It’s funny having three of us on the same team now, but it’s definitely cool to have some hometown pride from there.”
McCallum said the biggest thing for him in his second go-around in Fort Mac has been getting back to defensive games as opposed to in Calgary, where barely any systems were worked on.
“I know we were struggling at the beginning of the year, running around in the defensive zone,” said McCallum. “But we’ve kind of battled that a bit and having even more closer games now. We’re usually in every game.
“Our coaches help us work on our skills and speed quite a bit, which is good because I’m not the fastest guy on the ice.”
Recently-acquired local product Will Conley has bounced around to a couple of teams this season, but is excited to have finally settled in with his new club and is looking forward to playing in a place that he grew up skating in.
“It’ll be good just to see everyone again and hopefully get to talk to some of my old friends and see the support we get out there for the game,” said Conley. “I’m excited to start fresh with a new team and have an impact here.”
He added that the biggest adjustment for him has been getting used to the physicality and speed of the game, and is anticipating an atmosphere like the league finals with the Bisons last season.
Pagenkopf added that there will be silent auction items coming in from the Canucks as well as a 50/50 raffle with added prizes from the Calgary Flames, and there will be a family skate before the game with Harvey the Hound at 5:15 p.m.
She said that this is great way for the Canucks to showcase their brand, and if they have 200 faces in the stands that would benefit the players’ confidence and give them a great Christmas present.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets are $10 for an adult, $5 for a student (ages 13-17) while kids 12 and under are free.
Advanced sales can be purchased at info@smhockey.com while there will be some available at the door on game day.