The Okotoks Oilers are extremely proud to announce that two current Oiler players were selected in the 5th round of National Hockey League Entry Draft held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec.

Corbin Knight, a 19 year old forward from High River, Alberta, was drafted 135th overall by the Florida PanthersDerek Rodwell, a 19 year old forward from Taber, Alberta, was selected 144th overall by the New Jersey Devils.

Okotoks Oilers General Manager / Coach Dan MacDonald stated, “Both players were instrumental in the Oilers’ success last season through their dedicated hard work and leadership on and off the ice; their commitment to the game makes players around them strive for the same excellence. It is exciting for the whole organization to be able to share in their accomplishment.”

Knight was the recipient of the Alberta Junior Hockey League 2008/09 Rookie of the Year Award and was selected to the AJHL South Division All Star Team.

Rodwell, in his second season as an Oiler, was selected to the Team Canada West roster to represent Canada at the 2008 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge.

This past season both players also received scholarship commitments from the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux of the WCHA.

Knight and Rodwell are very proud of their accomplishment, but both were very quick to state, “We owe a lot to our families, teammates, coaches, Oiler administration, the AJHL, and the community of Okotoks, who have all been extremely influential and supportive.”

Both players also expressed their excitement about the prospect of the 2009/10 season, their final season with the Oilers before they move on to join former teammate Brad Eidsness with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux for the 2010/11 season.