THE 2014 OIL KINGS: ALL THAT PLUS A LITTLE MORE
By Lowetide
8 years agoThey’re gone now, scattered across North America and Europe with their professional hopes and dreams. It happens in the wink of an eye, but as fans we take stock every summer. Where are the boys who brought the Memorial Cup to our city? Answer: All over!
- Samuelsson—was a big part of that Oil Kings Memorial Cup team and his pro career got off to a solid start with the Portland Pirates of the AHL (68GP, 18-22-40). He also saw the NHL for three games and is on track as a prospect.
- Curtis Lazar—spent the entire season in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators. He scored 6-9-15 in 67 games and continued his development in the world’s best league. I have to tell you this is my favorite Oil King, I found his enthusiasm for the game infectious and his progress was a joy to watch. Give ’em hell, Lazar!
- Mitchell Moroz—took time to adjust to the pro game but had some solid outings in the playoffs and things are looking up for next season in Bakersfield. Moroz has very specific and unique skills, Edmonton needs a player just like him so he could end up playing in the NHL this coming season.
- Cody Corbett—He turned pro with the Lake Erie Monsters and didn’t post much offensively (47GP, 3-3-6, -10) but it’s a process. Corbett was an underrated Oil Kings blue.
- Edgars Kulda—I was disappointed (as a fan) the Oilers didn’t grab him at the 2014 draft, but his signing in the KHL keeps the dream alive and who knows maybe he’ll be back in North America in a few years.
- Reid Petryk—Divided his time between the Lake Erie Monsters and the Fort Wayne Komets in his first year pro.
- Brett Pollock—Stayed in the WHL and had a very strong season. Pollock is a legit pro prospect and a second-round pick for prospect shy Dallas Stars. Source.
- Ashton Sautner—How he didn’t get drafted is beyond me, but the Vancouver Canucks swooped in and signed the young blue in March. I can’t cheer for him because Vancouver, but I won’t be mad if he succeeds. Source.
- Reinhart—I’m no scout and won’t claim to know the future, but Griffin Reinhart was outstanding in an Oil Kings uniform. It’s easy to figure out why the organization traded for him, he was everything they look for in a prospect and he played his junior hockey right under their noses.
The entire group is here. Source.
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