A recap of the 2024 Oil Kings training camp, culminating in the Bob McGill Cup.

Alberta's capital city has plenty of internal competition to see who makes the 2024-25 roster. Friday and Saturday, both morning and evening, consisted of a few practice drills to open their respective session, then two of the four teams would play three twelve-minute periods as an exhibition. Heading into Sunday morning, the roster was then cut down to two teams of 19 skaters each and battled it out for the annual Bob McGill Cup. Team White took the trophy by a score of 6-4.

While there was plenty of hard work and talent on display, these are a few of the standout players:

Gracyn Sawchyn- 2005

A second-round selection of the Florida Panthers in 2023, Sawchyn showed he is well on his way to the NHL sooner rather than later. Right from the start, his playmaking ability as well as some impressive stick handling were on display, especially during Sunday's contest. Sawchyn is poised for another big WHL season.

Owen Mastroianni- 2007

Despite standing in at 5'5", the British Columbia native was easily one of the most notable players on the ice. Possessing ample speed, and deceivingly high stability on his skates, Mastroianni is making more than his case to stay on this Oil Kings roster full-time as well as build his stock for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Jack Toogood- 2007

The headline writes itself: Jack is too good to keep off this roster in 2024-25. Hailing from Devon, Alta. the 17-year-old forward showcased his lethal shot, as well as impressive IQ over the course of the weekend. Although he was held pointless through four WHL games last season, expect him to break out in the upcoming campaign.

John Szabo- 2005

One of three skaters remaining from the 2022 WHL championship-winning roster, Szabo has remained a veteran presence in Edmonton for the last two seasons and looks to usher in the new competitive window with a chip on his shoulder. Getting involved physically during games, setting up plays of his own, the Lethbridge native is a strong candidate to help captain the Oil Kings ship.

Ethan MacKenzie- 2006

Narrowly missing out on being selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, MacKenzie seems to have improved significantly since last season. The Peachland, B.C. native missed almost two-thirds of last season due to injury, but has somehow gotten faster and his shot is evidently a more dangerous threat from the blue line.

Honorable Mention- Eastyn Mannix (2005)

An imposing figure on the back end, Mannix split time between the Oil Kings and the AJHL's Whitecourt Wolverines in 2023-24. He seemed to be quite composed, breaking up plays and occasionally setting up a clean breakout pass.

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