Passion, dedication, and teamwork are just a few characteristics the Oil Barons look for in its players and coaching staff. For it is these attributes we feel are critical in building a successful framework in achieving and maintaining excellence in the AJHL, both from a team standpoint and also from an individual one. We feel these attributes, backed by an organizational commitment to provide top notch coaching, will provide our players with the platform necessary to progress successfully to the next level.
With a solid financial plan, strong board direction and a top notch coaching staff, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons are one of the envied Junior ‘A’ hockey clubs in the province, if not the country. The proof is in the stability and winning ways of the team and organization.
Every year, hockey players and organizations begin the new season with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Never had that been truer than in the 1999-2000 season. That year, Fort McMurray hosted and won the Royal Bank Cup, the National Junior “A” Hockey Championship.
“A history of developing excellence”
Players from outside the area may be tempted, when looking at a map, to consider other options. After a few short weeks, you will know you made the right choice. Fort McMurray, a city of over 76,000, is young, vibrant and full of excitement for the players. Many of which, whom have finished playing Junior Hockey here, still come back to visit or have even stayed to work and raise a family. So why do players love to play in Fort McMurray?
- Large Crowds – There are no louder fans than the MOB. Even opposing teams have been known to admit this.
- The Oil Barons won the AJHL in 1997, 2000 & 2006 and have gone to the AJHL final four an unprecedented seven times in the 1990’s and five times in AJHL Championship Finals in the 2000’s.
- Joining a winning tradition. Players learn quickly to be proud of wearing an Oil Baron jersey.
Alumni
Northern Alberta’s franchise is perhaps the most stable and respected one in the AJHL. There is no better place to play Junior “A” hockey than in Fort McMurray. Ask the Alumni, featuring:
Chris Phillips, Ottawa Senators
Harry York, St.Louis Blues & Vancouver Canucks
Garrett Stroshein, Washington Capitals
Lane Caffaro, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Dave McCulloch, Harvard University
Jack MacLellan, Brown University
Jody Pederson, Princeton University
Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues/University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Matt Glasser, University of Denver
Carson Cooper, Yale
Paul Dainton, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Colin Murphy, Michigan Tech & Toronto Marlies
Justin Rose, Northern Michigan
Dale Kushner, New York Islanders & Philadelphia Flyers
Richard Parent, Tampa Bay Lightning
Bradley Mills, New Jersey Devils
Kevin Miller, Ohio State University
Scottie Upshall, Florida Panthers
The Northern Classic – We Made History
On November 26th 2010, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons hosted the Drayton Valley Thunder in Canada’s first outdoor junior hockey game, in front of an AJHL record attendance of 5,726 fans. It was a night that will never be forgotten by those in attendance, whether they were in the stands … or on the ice.