Kristians Pelss Will Return To Edmonton
Pelss will be back to chase down Nugent-Hopkins and the rest of the WHL.
Photo By Lisa McRitchie, all rights reserved.
When we last checked in on Kristians Pelss, he signed a try-out contract with Dinamo Riga of the KHL. Though our intrepid Latvian contact Didzis Rudmanis told us the deal was a formality in order to participate in Dinamo's training camp, he also noted that Pelss would be good enough to make the team on Riga's fourth line.
Now comes official word from DELFI Sports that Pelss will not stay in Latvia, and that instead he will return to Edmonton to play with the Oil Kings for the 2011-2012 season. According to the report, Pelss appeared in one pre-season game against Novosibirsk, and the coaches were fully satisfied with his performance in training camp, but he's decided to return to North American.
The decision is a big one for the young winger, turning down a guaranteed salary to return to billets and buses for a last-place organization can't be easy, but Pelss is committed to making it work in North America, a great sign for the Oilers and an encouraging sign for fans who have watched the Oilers' developmental organization falter for a number of years. Though Pelss is only a seventh-round draft pick, his commitment to the organization in the face of a contract offer from his own team might be seen as a demarcation line in the attitude of young players towards the organization, the team and management.
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At least the Oil Kings made the friggin’ playoffs last year.
SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.
Robertson's Rants - Exceedingly occasional, lengthy ramblings on hockey topics, hosted at Puck Podcast. And no, my name's not Doug.
This is good news as far as I’m concerned. Good to see the young fella is going to stay the course and pursue the dream in N.A.
I would take issue with your characterization of the Oil Kings as a “last place organization” though. Presumably that’s another shot at the Oilers, but the junior team that he actually plays for made big strides in Pelss’s :) first year and is poised to become a solid contender in his second.
Writer for The Cult of Hockey, The Copper & Blue, and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Obviously I’m speaking about the Oilers. I think it’s encouraging that he’s willing to forego pro hockey for a WHL contract and a shot with a last place organization.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
If you’re all but guaranteed a roster spot, some $$, and a chance in a pro league, I’m not sure why you’d make this decision. Interesting.
Tending The Farm in OKC!
by Neal Livingston on Aug 21, 2011 2:02 PM MDT reply actions
It’s curious, and I hope to have answers for you by the end of the week.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I guess. …..as Latvian it is more popular is to work in the West, – 40 years under Russian oppression play a role. I saw last year, the Latvians in the World Cup against Canada, it was about more than just national pride and a hockey game. The reputation of North America as great freedom and opportunity in the development of the WHL play a roll. In addition, the NHL still has a better reputation than the KHL and he’s young enough for everything.
A large factor could also be development. The possibility of playing large minutes in a good development program at the WHL level, or playing 4th line minutes and probably very limited ice-time situations in the KHL.
Pelss mentioned how limited his development options were prior to being drafted, and how immense the opportunity to come over to the WHL was for his progression as a hockey player.
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston

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