Edmonton Oilers young trio shines in prospects game
If Sunday’s game was any indication, then the future of the Edmonton Oilers looks very bright. After missing the play-offs four straight seasons, the Oilers are hoping three talented rookies – Taylor Hall, Magnus Paajarvi and Jordan Eberle - can get the franchise back on track. On Sunday, the Oilers prospects faced-off against the prospects of the Vancouver Canucks at the Young Stars Tournament and defeated them 4-1.
The dynamic young trio quickly made an impression. Hall, who was selected first overall at the 2010 NHL Entry draft, picked up an assist in his first game wearing an Oilers jersey. Paajarvi, who was the 10th overall pick in 2009 scored twice, and Eberle, who was also a first round pick in 2008 had a goal and an assist. All three highly-touted rookies stand a great chance of cracking the Oilers roster.
The Young Stars Tournament is a five-day event in Penticton, B.C., at the 5,200-seat South Okanagan Events Centre, that includes teams of rookies from the Oilers, Canucks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks.
Paajarvi scored the first two goals for the Oilers. Eberle and Hall combined for the third goal to give the Oilers a 3-1 lead, with Eberle converting off a nice feed from Hall. Another Oilers rookie Tyler Pitlick, scored an empty-net goal to close out the scoring for the Oilers. Canucks defenceman Kevin Connauton got the only goal for the Canucks.
Although the game was in Canucks territory, it was clear that most fans were there to see Hall, who received the loudest ovation. For one fan, Devin Stacey it was the first time he saw Hall play live.
"He's intense, he's a competitor, everybody knows what he's like," Stacey said. "A goalscorer, drives hard to the net. He's been a winner at all levels already, so the next step is to win at the NHL level."
Both of Paajarvi’s goals were unassisted. Hall, who will be wearing jersey No. 4 when the season officially begins, wore No. 84 on Sunday.
Tags: