Continuing the Tradition: Hunter Sawka

OKOTOKS, AB (October 9, 2024) — After committing to Western Michigan University midway through the 2023-24 season, Hunter Sawka (Cochrane, AB) is primed to accomplish big things with the Okotoks Oilers in both his and the team’s first full BCHL campaign.

The latest in a long line of Sawka siblings to play for the Oilers, Hunter is coming off a breakout year in which he racked up 18 goals and 57 points in 47 games split between the AJHL and BCHL. He has a goal and an assist through his first six games of the 2024-25 season with the Oilers.

Sawka has come a long way since making his Oilers debut as a 16-year-old back in the 2021-22 season. He’s grown both as a player and a leader and will be looked upon to guide some of this team’s younger players as they continue to adjust to the BCHL.

“It’s definitely different. It’s more just kind of taking on a leadership role and doing everything I can to keep the tradition alive,” Sawka said. “It’s gonna be a change, and I’m just looking forward to seeing how the group does and seeing the new faces in the league.”

Although he’s following in the footsteps of his older siblings Tanner and Parker, it’s difficult to overstate just how different a player Hunter Sawka is from his brothers. Tanner, who overcame double hip surgery during his own Oilers tenure, was a shutdown defenceman in his day; Parker backstopped the Oilers to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Hunter, meanwhile, is a shifty forward who shoots right and produces a ton of offence.

One attribute that unites the Sawka brothers is their Alberta heritage. All three hail from Cochrane, just outside of Calgary, and those local roots set Hunter apart on a new-look Oilers roster featuring players from all across the hockey world.

“I think it’s gonna be great. There’s only a few of us, but I think we’re gonna showcase that we’re all good players,” Sawka said. “We’re gonna try to keep it going.”

The Oilers will continue their 2024-25 season slate on Friday when they take on the Prince George Spruce Kings at Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks. Tickets are available at tickets.okotoksoilers.com/.

Photo: Chad Goddard

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About the Okotoks Oilers
The Okotoks Oilers are a not-for-profit, community-run junior hockey franchise competing in the BCHL and operating out of Viking Rentals Centre. The Oilers are entering their 20th year of play and their first full season since officially joining the BCHL in January 2024. For more information, visit okotoksoilers.com or follow the Oilers on X (formerly Twitter)Facebook, and Instagram.