September 19, 2022 by Ryan Lotsberg

The Edmonton Oilers rookies capped off their undefeated weekend in Penticton by beating the Vancouver Canucks rookies 5-2. Maximus Wanner scored the game winning goal on one of the flukiest bounces I’ve ever seen where the puck deflected high up in the air after a blocked shot from the point and landed in the net. Once again, I’ve picked my three stars of the game.

I’ll give honourable mentions to a couple of players here. Reid Schaefer scored a nice goal on a wrister from the left faceoff dot. Cole Dubinsky scored a beautiful goal where he beat a defender to the middle and put a backhander into the top corner.

3. James Hamblin – Hamblin was really good without the puck against the Canucks. He got back to make a last second save on a wrap around attempt in the first period. He drove the net on a routine looking two on two on Dylan Holloway’s goal. He was involved in a lot of dangerous offensive sequences in the first period. Hamblin’s speed and his effort could earn him NHL games this season.

2. Ryan Fanti – Fanti kept the Oilers Rookies in the game through the first period. The Canucks rookies outplayed the Oilers rookies in the first period, but Fanti made saves on several grade A opportunities. He didn’t allow a goal in his half of the game. It’s clear that Fanti outplayed Olivier Rodrigue in Penticton. He’s got the lead in the battle for the Bakersfield backup job.

1. Dylan Holloway – This was Holloway’s best game of the weekend. Hollway’s game was highlighted by a spectacular short-handed goal where he rushed down the right wing and fearlessly cut across the crease and slipped it five-hole. He narrowly avoided James Hamblin and his defender on his way to the net. He hit the post with a backhand shot on another rush early in the game. He used sheer will and determination to keep plays alive and create chances off of seemingly dead plays in the first and second periods. The puck was finding him all game long. This weekend was a positive first step towards Holloway having a strong camp.

The Oilers rookies had a solid tournament. They were led by the top line of Holloway, Hamblin, and Xavier Bourgault (who scored an empty netter against the Canucks). Holloway and Bourgault teased Oilers fans with examples of their tantalizing skill. Holloway scored a couple of beautiful goals and showed off his speed and determination on the forecheck. Bourgault showed his creative playmaking ability and his poise with the puck in all three zones. Hamblin showed why he was successful in the AHL last season and is poised to have more success this season.

Philip Broberg did not have a spectacular tournament, but he was effective while logging big minutes. It really seemed like he was focussed on the defensive side of the puck rather than on trying to make an impact on the offensive side. He showed the ability to use his efficient skating stride to his advantage while playing a simple game. Broberg has another gear that I believe we’ll see during the main camp.

Noah Philp was the player that surprised me the most during this tournament. He was solid in all three games. He’s an older prospect playing against young prospects, so it’s reasonable to have expected him to do well this weekend. He didn’t dominate with his size or his speed. He was always in the right position and he made simple plays. He scored a beautiful goal on a great shot against the Flames rookies. He made multiple passes across the slot that his teammates couldn’t bury. He was persistent on the puck and he brought effort in all three zones. He was also good in the faceoff circle. There’s a player in Philp. I could see him as a right-handed option at the bottom of the Oilers roster in 2023-24 after getting a full season in Bakersfield.

The Oilers rookies will now head back to Edmonton for the main Oilers camp this week. The Oilers kick off their preseason schedule when they take on the Jets on Sunday at 4 PM at Rogers Place.