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A sure sign that hockey season is just around the corner is the announcement of the Oilers Rookie Camp roster. This season Rookie Camp starts on September 4 with medicals taking place in Edmonton, and then it's off to Penticton for four days where the team will participate in the Young Stars Classic. In Penticton the Oilers rookie squad will take on the Calgary, Winnipeg, and Vancouver rookies. Each of those games will be carried live on the Oilers website.
This season, rookie camp will also see the return of the annual matchup against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on September 10 at Clare Drake Arena. Starting in 1988, the Oilers rookies faced the Golden Bears for 22 straight years - going 10-12 along the way - before the game was dropped prior to the 2010 season. For a lot of fans in Edmotnon this is going to be their first chance to see the Oilers newest first round selection, Darnell Nurse, in action.
If you've never been to the game I really encourage you to go, it's a fantastic time. It's also the only game of the year where I don't care if the Oilers lose, and actually kind of hope that they do. Unfortunately though, I doubt that you'll see Bob Stauffer suit up for a between periods shootout with any of this season's rookies like he did in 2006 when he took on Rob Schremp (the first goal in this highlight package).
Here's a complete Rookie Camp roster. Take a look at the defence in particular; five of those guys could be playing in Oklahoma City with the Barons this season.
Forwards:
Defense:
Goalies:
For more on a number of these players be sure to check out our