There’s something special happening in Oil Country this year and it runs deeper than the playoff buzz sweeping through Rogers Place. With five Albertans on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2024-25 roster, the connection between this team and our province is undeniable:
Stuart Skinner - SSAC Lions U15 AAA, SSAC Athletics U18 AAA
Brett Kulak - Stony Plain Predators U15 AA, PAC Timberwolves U15 AAA, PAC Saints U16 AAA, St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA
James Hamblin - SSAC Lions U15 AAA, SSAC Athletics U18 AAA
Noah Philp - Bow Valley Timberwolves U15 AA, Airdrie Xtreme U15 AAA, AC Avalanche U16 AAA, Canmore Eagles, University of Alberta
Matt Savoie - St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA, Northern Alberta Xtreme Prep, Team Alberta (Alberta Cup)
These players are proud products of our local communities, minor hockey associations, and Hockey Alberta programming. From early mornings at hometown rinks to representing their province in elite competitions, each of them followed a unique hockey pathway to the NHL.
This year, the Oilers found a powerful and personal way to honour those roots. To kick off the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the team resurfaced Rogers Place ice with shavings from each player’s hometown rink, bringing pieces of their hockey beginnings to the biggest stage in the sport.
For Stuart Skinner, that meant seeing ice from Edmonton’s Confederation Arena.
It’s a home ice advantage taken to the next level, one rooted in community, development, and pride. From minor hockey teams to provincial showcases, Alberta’s fingerprints are leaving a mark on this year’s Oilers team.
As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, Alberta isn’t just cheering from the sidelines. We’re in the game, in the players, in the programs, and even in the ice itself.
This isn’t just the Oilers’ run.
This is Alberta’s moment.
