FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort McMurray, AB — May 21, 2026 — The Northern Alberta Athletic Association (NAAA) announce that Sam Klassen has made the decision to step away from his role as Head Coach & General Manager of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from coaching to prioritize my family. While this wasn’t an easy decision, I’m confident it is the right one for us. I am proud of where the Oil Barons organization is at today and I am excited for its future.
I want to express my gratitude to the Oil Barons organization for the past two seasons and for the opportunity to be a part of such a first-class program. It has been a privilege to work alongside our players and staff, and I will leave with many fond memories. My family and I are grateful for the community of Fort McMurray and truly enjoy being part of it. I’m deeply appreciative of the support and kindness my family and I have received from the community throughout our time here.
I’d especially like to thank President Andrew Boutilier and the entire NAAA Board of Directors for their trust, support, and commitment throughout this last season.
We are excited for what lies ahead for our family, and we will proudly continue cheering on the Oil Barons!”
During his time with the Oil Barons, Klassen played an important role in leading the team both on and off the ice while contributing to the continued growth and development of the program and its players. His commitment to building a strong culture, fostering player development, and representing the organization with professionalism and passion helped leave a lasting impact on the team and the Fort McMurray hockey community.
“On behalf of the entire Oil Barons organization, we extend our sincere gratitude to Sam for his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment to our players, staff, fans, and the broader community,” said Andrew Boutilier, NAAA Board President.
“Sam’s passion and professionalism have left a lasting impact on our organization both on and off the ice. We are incredibly thankful for everything he has contributed during his time with the Oil Barons and wish him continued success and fulfillment in the next chapter of his journey.”
The organization will begin the process of determining next steps for hockey operations and leadership immediately, with further updates regarding the future direction of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons to be communicated as they become available. In the meantime, the NAAA remains committed to ensuring stability within the program and continuing to provide a positive and competitive environment for its players, staff, and community supporters.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Lambert,
Director, Business & Community Relations
j.lambert@oilbarons.com
