Every May, the Western Hockey League welcomes its new crop of prospects from around western Canada. The Edmonton Oil Kings in particular opened its doors to 12 major junior hopefuls looking to make their mark on the league. In this article, I will be highlighting a few picks that have the potential to be staple pieces for the Oil Kings in the coming years.
Kayden Stroeder (1st Round, 5th Overall)
Kaden was selected from the Humboldt Broncos U15 AA program, and put up some eye-popping numbers in the 2023-24 season. The Saskatoon product totaled 58 goals and 127 points in just 27 games, and continues to show signs of growth. Having made three appearances in U18 AAA as well, collecting a goal and an assist, Stroeder can back up his skills. A creative player with a solid shot, he could very easily find himself in the Oil Kings top six sooner rather than later.
Boris Sigachev (4th Round, 71st Overall)
A product of the Calgary Flames U15 AAA squad, Sigachev is an interesting prospect. While that Flames team last season had no shortage of talent, he still potted 20 goals and added 22 assists in 34 games. Sigachev also brings size, standing at an even six feet tall already, and has good awareness on and off the puck. While it may be a season or two of development ahead for the Calgary forward, there’s no doubt he will find a place in a WHL lineup.
Rail Schollar (7th Round, 153rd Overall)
The lone goaltender taken by Edmonton in this draft, Schollar had a very good showing for the Calgary Northstars U15 AAA program. Sporting a .932 save percentage, 2.18 goals against average, and two shutouts through 16 games, having split time with fellow draftee Theo McBride, Rail has all the tools to be a starting goaltender in the WHL. Since the departure of Sebastian Cossa, goaltending has been a small sore spot for the Oil Kings. Kolby Hay has held the fort, but with a revolving door of backups and Hay entering his final WHL season, the future starts now in Edmonton.
Verdict
Though only a small snapshot into what the 2024 WHL draft looks like for Alberta’s capital city, this year, as well as last, has the makings of an impressive support cast for an already up and coming Oil Kings team. While perhaps not guaranteed to be playoff bound this season, look for Edmonton to make a push regardless and don’t be shocked if they find their way into the dance.
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