Junior Oilers - Program Information
EDMONTON JUNIOR OILERS U18 AAA PROGRAM
Hockey Edmonton and the Edmonton Oilers have unveiled a pinnacle stream program that will revolutionize elite hockey development in Edmonton.
Debuting the 2022-23 season, Hockey Edmonton’s two U18 AAA male teams and one U18 AAA female team will be named the Edmonton Junior Oilers, receiving assistance from the NHL Club in a program that is the first of its kind in Canada. The Edmonton Oilers will provide access to world-class resources for all U18 AAA teams including player and coach development opportunities, facility utilization, apparel and equipment, and other significant off-ice support.
The Edmonton Junior Oilers teams will receive elite player and coach development and promotion guided by Hockey Edmonton’s four pillars of player development: technical-tactical, physical, mental, and life skills. Aiming to foster well-rounded individuals both on and off the ice, Hockey Edmonton will also ensure that academic supports are available to these elite student athletes.
In addition to these unique opportunities, another element that makes this program so alluring is the affordability of this elite, one-of-a-kind experience, especially in comparison to other options offered regionally.
WATCH THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT | HERE VIA OILERS TV
VIRTUAL INFO SESSION (BLUE AND ORANGE) | JUNE 13, 2022 | VIEW PRESENTATION HERE
Coaching Staff
U18 AAA Head Coaches:
Nathan Papirny returns to the U18 AAA division after a phenomenally successful season with SSAC U18 AAA. Nathan’s team finished third in the AEHL North Division with twenty wins and first in the entire AEHL with 175 goals for. Nathan coaches his players to execute a modern, creative, and high-paced style of play. He also led his team to a second-round appearance in the AEHL playoffs. We are excited to have Nathan’s energy, passion, and collaborative approach to coaching within our organization. He possesses a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with his staff, players, and families which has earned him a formidable reputation throughout Alberta.
Derek Hemsley returns to the U18 AAA division after a season as Assistant Coach with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, where he played a important role in the player development portfolio. Derek is grateful for the mentorship he received from long-time AJHL and Hockey Canada coach, Rick Swan. Before Bonnyville, Derek was the Head Coach of the MLAC U18 AAA team. He has been a staple in the Hockey Alberta program, coaching in numerous Alberta Cups. Derek is an extremely organized, enthusiastic, and meticulous coach. We are excited to add these characteristics into our program. He also possesses an extraordinarily strong ability to teach and support young student athletes. Derek embodies the values that our program will strive to encompass.
Shanya Shwetz returns to the U18 AAA division after a season as Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Pandas U18 AAA program, where she played an integral coaching role in the 2021-22 Provincial Championship season. Shanya, a teacher by trade, is also a staple in the Team Alberta high-performance female program. She is currently an Assistant Coach for the Team Alberta U18 team that will be competing in the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. Shanya has also coached in numerous Alberta Winter Games, Alberta Challenge Cups, Team Alberta U16 events, and Team Alberta U18 events. Her provincial and national experience are assets for recruitment/retention of players into the Junior Oilers program as well as promotional support for players into top post-secondary programs. Shanya possess enthusiasm, dedication, and an incredible ability to build relationships with players. Along with her incredibly talented staff, Shanya has committed to work tirelessly to maintain the same vision and values as the Edmonton Pandas U18 AAA program embodied and grow the female game with passion, all while tapping into incredible support from the Edmonton Oilers and Hockey Edmonton’s Hockey Development Committee.
Hockey Development Committee
The Edmonton Junior Oilers are managed by Hockey Edmonton’s Hockey Development Committee (HDC). This prestigious consortium of respected hockey development experts includes Matt Davidson, Umberto Fiorillo, Dan Kordic, Joel Lenius, Craig MacTavish, Billy Moores, and Stephen Zipp, all with NHL, AHL, WHL and AJHL, and post-secondary, playing and coaching experience.
Become an Official Partner of the Edmonton Junior Oilers
Big League Brand. Grassroots Heart.
To ensure that this innovative club program limits barriers to access and can attract the highest level of talent in the city, the cost remains affordable for families thanks to the support of corporate partners.
Becoming an official partner provides a unique opportunity for your company to be associated with an iconic NHL brand at a modest cost, while also making an impact in minor hockey in our community.
Contact Kylee Quinn at kylee.quinn@hockeyedmonton.ca to discuss a customized partnership that aligns with your organization's marketing budget and goals.
