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‘He left a very good impression’: Fans react as Oilers return to game action with rookie match
Photo credit: Screen Grab/Edmonton Oilers
Fans packed Ford Hall early for Game 1 of the pre-training camp rookie series between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, eager to grab a good seat and watch the kids hit the ice.
Most eyes were on highly touted prospects Matt Savoie and Ike Howard, but a few other names jumped off the page for Oilers fans online. The prospect pool looked a lot healthier than some have suggested.
“Viljami Marjala was the best Oiler in tonight’s rookie game, and it wasn’t close.” — Brett Holden on X
“I’d like to see more of Viljami Marjala in North America. He has the Oilers’ only goal so far and has been busy around CGY’s net tonight.” — Avry’s Sports Show on X
“I don’t know what this says but I do know that Marjala was very dynamic tonight — all night long. His backhand touch pass to Savoie for a goal was the best skill play of the night.” — OriginalPouzar on X
“Viljami Marjala with a great first two shifts. Excellent routes all over the ice. Interested to see him some more. Gets rewarded with a goal early.” — Oilersnation prospect writer Spencer Pomoty on X
Marjala set the tone early, springing free on a breakaway and slipping a five-hole finish past Flames netminder Owen Say.
One Oiler drew more attention than anyone: Connor Clattenburg.
“Clattenburg was the biggest surprise for me. Size, skating, even hands were impressive.” — TheLineBlender on X
“I like that Connor Clattenburg. Kid’s gotta play NHL games at some point.” — OilersnLifts on X
“Connor Clattenburg might be my new favourite Oiler… He plays with all of his size and so much passion.” — Bloopious on X
“This Clattenburg kid for the Oilers has been very noticeable tonight.” — C of Red Central on X
“Guy had 18 career fights in the OHL… already has TWO in the Oilers preseason?! He’s a DAWG.” — delaneyymiles on Instagram
“He had some hands around the net too… Refs stopped the fights way too early.” — jvdcartel on Instagram
“He left a very good impression… The Oilers could use a little bit of that gumption.” — Chris Savoy on Facebook
“Clattenburg is a tough kid… He knows what it will take to reach his highest level.” — Jim Way on Facebook
Clattenburg delivered hits, dropped the gloves twice, and buried a late third-period goal. One fan even predicted he’ll make the opening-night lineup. He certainly made an impression.
Top prospect Savoie also came as advertised.
“Matt Savoie is going to do some special things on the wing in Edmonton with one of 97 or 29… can’t wait!” — LoyalOil on X
“Putting futures on Savoie for Calder.” — bretzky_84 on X
“Savoie with three breakaways… Two goals, both beauties. Fantastic display of speed, hands, and deception.” — Golden Era Hockey on X
The Flames won 6-5, with Edmonton’s late push falling just short, but it was an entertaining night.
Howard didn’t pop as much as expected, but perspective matters.
“Howard hasn’t attended a day of a real pro camp… everything is brand new to him, but we saw him get better from the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd.” — OriginalPouzar on X
The rookie series shifts to Calgary on Sunday at 4:00 PM MT at the Saddledome.
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