July 10, 2023 by Eric Friesen

Edmonton Oilers Development Camp concluded with one final on-ice session at the Downtown Community Arena on Friday. For several of the players who attended camp last week, it was their first introduction to the organization and the city of Edmonton.

Selected 56th overall in this year’s draft, Beau Akey was among the group of prospects who pulled on Oilers practice gear for the first time. The 18-year-old came away impressed with what Rogers Place and ICE District has to offer.

“Yeah, it’s incredible,” Akey told Oilers TV on July 3. “The facilities here are obviously incredible and the city’s great. I haven’t done much exploring of the city, but from what I see from my hotel room, it’s pretty nice.”

Ranked No. 33 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Akey tallied 11 goals and 47 points in 66 games with the Barrie Colts in the OHL in 2022-23. For Oilers fans who had never seen him play before, Akey offered an assessment of his own game.

“I’d definitely say my vision, my passing, my skating, is really where I excel,” said Akey. “I think I move the puck really well, and I use my brain. I think my hockey sense is good also, so I can make passes on the fly, and I think I play a really quick game.”

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The 6-foot, 174-pound defender has added a little bit more bulk to his frame since his second OHL season wrapped up 10 weeks ago. By the time he turns pro a couple years from now, Akey should be well north of 190 pounds, which will be required when he goes from playing against teenagers to men.

“Yeah, definitely just looking to get bigger and stronger,” said Akey. “I think that’s kind of always been my weakness, is not having that weight to me. I think I’m definitely looking to get bigger and stronger, and I’m definitely going to be in the gym this summer. I’ve already gained 15 pounds so, I’m pretty proud of myself there. I’m just looking to gain some more and go into the season a little bit heavier.”

The Waterloo, Ontario native became the Oilers’ top defensive prospect upon being drafted last month. Even though he’s likely three or four years away from NHL duty, the thought of playing on the same team as superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would be a thrill for Akey.

“It still feels like they’re not even like real people, you only see them on television,” Akey said. “I haven’t seen either of those two guys yet in person, so I think it’ll be pretty incredible when I do.”

Their paths will likely cross in September when Akey and the Oilers Rookies return from the 2023 Young Stars Classic in Penticton. But for now, Akey was just grateful for the opportunity to attend his first NHL camp and wear the oil drop on his chest.

“I think it’s just pretty special being on the ice here wearing Edmonton Oilers gear,” said Akey. “I think that’s just the most special thing. It kind of hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will in the next couple of days.”