The Edmonton Oilers are taking part in the 11th Annual Young Stars Classic, with the news confirmed in an announcement on the Vancouver Canucks' official site. The tournament is a four-team, round-robin format which also involves the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets.
All six games will be played at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC) in Penticton, British Columbia between Fri, Sept. 13 and Mon, Sept. 16. Here's what you need to know in respect of the Oilers' involvement:
The Oilers' schedule:
OPPONENT | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
Canucks | Fri, Sept. 13 | 8:30 p.m. MT |
Flames | Sat, Sept. 14 | 8:30 p.m. MT |
Jets | Mon, Sept. 16 | 12:00 p.m. MT |
Oilers prospects likely to play?
At this point there's no confirmation of who will play for the Oilers, but it's best to keep an open mind. For example, as per Ryley Delaney of Oilers Nation, Ture Linden took part in last year's tournament when he was 26-years-old.
Two players we do feel quite confident about taking part though, are recent acquisition Matt Savoie, and Beau Akey, who are the Oilers' top two prospects at this time. There will of course also be interest in seeing this year's first round draft pick Sam O'Reilly taking part, whereas second rounder Eemil Vinni is definitely ruled out after undergoing back surgery.
Other notes
The Penticton Vees and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL will play an exhibition game during the tournament. This will take place on Sat, Sept. 14 at 4:00 p.m. MT.
As per The Canuck Way, there will be plenty to keep people entertained during the weekend of the Young Stars Classic tournament. This will include the annual Young Stars Classic Party on the Plaza, as well as minor hockey skills and referee clinics.
As per the Canucks, full tournament packages go on sale to the general public on Mon, July 29, beginning at 11:00 a.m. MT. For any Oilers fans considering heading to the Pacific Northwest for the tournament, tickets can be purchased online at ValleyFirstTix.com (or at the Valley First Box Office at the SOEC, if you're in the area).