Written by: Scott Savard
Headline photo: Chad Goddard
Okotoks, AB (November 18, 2025) – Mill Bay, British Columbia, the home of Okotoks Oilers netminder Eric Young, was founded in the 1860s, getting its name as it was a prime destination for lumber and milling, which was done on the bay, leading to the town of now 7,200 getting its name.
Mill Bay is north west of Saanich and south east of Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Young, who was born near the calendar’s end on December 30, 2005, began his junior career early, suiting up for 16 games with the Kerry Park Islanders of the VIJHL during the 2021-2022 season.
“I saw a lot of guys that played U18 AAA end up in Junior B. So I figured if I had the opportunity to (play juniors) now, I’d get there two years early, which could mean I could move up (quicker). Additionally, at the U18 level, players only play 30 games a season, whereas juniors play 55 or more. So, as a backup, I’d get the same, if not more, playing time, and playing against the higher-level guys, I figured, why not make the jump if I can? That was the thought process behind it,” Young said about why he joined junior hockey at a younger age.
Young explained that he didn’t regret his decision and said that he took advantage of the extra ice time along with the extra time at the gym. He also mentioned that because their practices in Kerry Park were late at night, they were the last ones on the ice, and a bunch of them would stay to play past midnight.
Getting extra practice time was a hot commodity on Vancouver Island, as outdoor rinks aren’t the easiest to come by.
“Just treating the rink guys nice so they’d let us stay on,” he joked about how he would get extra ice with no outdoor rinks. “Probably every four or five years there’d be an putdoor pond that froze or something like that. I remember I got to skate up the pond at the end of my street for a couple of days before I fell through. So, when it did get cold enough, I would be out there all day.”
Young added that while surfing is a sport many take up on Vancouver Island, Mill Bay wasn’t close to an area with big waves and joked by saying, “I think I’d better stick to hockey with how well I surf.”
Young is taking the role of a veteran netminder for Okotoks this season as he comes with the most experience and is the oldest goaltender of the three Oilers. While it’s a new role with the Green and Gold, it’s nothing new to Young, as teams in the past have relied on his veteran presence.
“To be honest with you, being in junior from such a young age, I remember the GM (from a previous team) kind of relied on me to be a role player in the room. So I got to get that leadership earlier than most. I know guys don’t always want to hear from the goalie, but I pick my spots for sure,” Young said about taking on the leadership role with the Oilers.
While he has been giving some tips to his fellow goalies on the team, he also expressed how Ben Vatis and Dane Gillis have helped him this season.
“It’s nice to have those goalie brothers like Dane and Vatis; it makes showing up to the rink fun every day, and I’m not always the one teaching them. It’s always give and go. I’m learning from them every day, too,” he added about his two other goalie partners on the Oilers.
“They’re super great guys. I’ve been in Dane’s shoes too, being the third guy in Coquitlam; it’s a grind. It’s tough, but it taught me a lot of life lessons, helped me get to where I am now, and Vatis has always got a smile on his face. Always happy to be here and just a great teammate too.”
The Vancouver Canucks were the NHL team closest to Young, even though it wasn’t a short travel, he did manage to attend and soak in the best hockey players on the planet.
“I remember we went a few times, and they were always a lot of fun. It was always special when you got the opportunity because you are not always on the mainland, and it takes a while to get there, right?” Young said about going to Canucks games growing up.
“I remember we watched the Winter Classic that was between the Canuacks and Ottawa, our whole team went in minor hockey. I thought that was really cool.”
When it comes to game days, Young has a routine he likes to follow, but added that he tries to keep things fun, as that’s when he feels that he plays his best hockey. He added that he has a playlist that he likes to listen to on game days to stay upbeat, but also takes his time before the game to visualize what he could be facing that night.
“I visualize the night before, like winning the game and dominating, and then I get here (the rink) extra early. I watch the tendencies of the other team, and I show up just before four on game days. I like to sit behind the net, put my AirPods in, and kind of just visualize making saves on different plays,” he said about his game day preparation.
Young would give credit to the Laval Rocket’s (AHL) goaltender for adding the study of the opposing teams to Young’s pre-game preparation.
“I don’t necessarily study each guy in particular; it’s more about what the team does. I don’t want to be looking at numbers in-game and thinking too much, but watching the video beforehand helped me see the plays before they happen. If it helps me make three, four, or five saves in the season, if it makes us win another two games or three games, it’s well worth it. It gives me confidence going into a game as well,” Young said.
Another way Young keeps his head cool under pressure is by taking a break between TV time-outs. The Green Army at Viking Rentals Centre can witness this by seeing Young sit on his knees during the timeout and look completely at peace.
Young grew up with an older sister, Olivia, who he said was one of his role models growing up. Like most siblings, they didn’t always see eye-to-eye when they were younger, but have built a strong bond as they grew older.
“She taught me how to be a good person and how to treat others. I don’t know where I would be without her,” Young praised his sister, Olivia. “She was big into dance. I think she tried hockey out, but it wasn’t for her. She showed me how to compete, too. She was a high-level dancer, represented Canada, and went to Germany and stuff like that. She taught me what a good work ethic is, too.”
When it came to who picked on whom the most, Young quickly joked that Olivia was the one the blame.
“She definitely started everything. Yeah, it wasn’t me at all. If she did something to me, I’d get back at her, but that’s all it was,” he said as he poked fun at his sister.
Young said he was able to convince Olivia to take shots on his growing up, when asked if he would do some of Olivia’s dance routines, Young joked by saying no comment.
Becoming a goaltender was an easy choice for Young as a youth, as it meant more ice time.
“I remember in Initiation Tim Bits Novice, more initiation though, we had set shift times. I remember the buzzer going off to change and getting back to the bench every time I’d have a meltdown because I wanted to stay on the ice. I’d be in tears, just wanting to be on the ice the whole time. I figured a goalie can do that, so why not become a goalie, right?” Young said about how he became a netminder.
While the more ice time was a reason Young decided to test his skill between the pipes, it’s the unique pressure that goalies face that has kept him in net. He would say that players obviously feel pressure, too, and are important parts of the game, but explained it’s different than being a goalie. He added that there is no greater feeling than getting your team a win.
Young has a short memory when he’s playing between the pipes, as he feels dwelling on any puck that gets passed him during game time doesn’t help anyone.
“I think it’s bad to dwell on it. Mid-game, I think staying present is huge. Go back to what my mental coach has taught me, just next shot, next save,” he said about how he handles letting in a goal. “I remember (Anthony) Stolarz (Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender) had an interview last year in playoffs, he was playing unreal. He was cheating on a play and got scored on. The interviewers were talking to him like, ‘Didn’t you feel bad for letting your team down when you let in a weak goal like that?’. He doesn’t see it like that, right? He knows that obviously those things are going to happen, but the faster you move on, the more you can help your team.”
“The next shot is the most important, right? If you dwell on the past, maybe that’s going to happen again.”
A way that Young erases the goal from his mind is by talking to himself after a goal and keeps reminding himself, “Next shot, next save,” and “They’re not getting another one.” He added that letting in a goal fuels him even more to stop the next shot, as he has a strong competitive spirit.
One thing the Green Army has noticed if they have been to any games with Young in net is his calmness in the chaos as he never looks like he is in any sort of panic, even if there is a massive amount of traffic in front of him. He would mention that it wasn’t always the case for him.
“To be honest with you, I used to be a pretty emotional kid. Super competitive, but I hate to lose. I have had to channel that into focusing, and I think I have done a good job with that. It’s been a long road. Don’t get me wrong, even playing cards against me, you’ll notice I’m competitive,” he explained about his competitive spirit.
“Growing up watching guys like Stolarz and Carey Price (Former Montreal Canadien and NHL All-Star goaltender), they do a really good job at it.”
Young joked that goalies are crazy and that it takes a unique person to handle the pressure og being a goalie in the game of hockey.
Young’s parents, Shari and Kirk, have instilled a great mental strength in Young, and he gives all the credit to his parents for helping him get to where he is today.
“They’ve taught me what hard work is, perseverance, just being a great person. Obviously, hockey’s something that teaches you a lot of life lessons, but it’s not going to be something that’s forever, and to be a good person is the number one thing,” Young said about his parents.
“It means a lot, I wouldn;t be where I am without all their support and driving me to the rink at 6:00 a.m., and funding my gear. I couldn’t be happier. Just supporting me no matter how well I do. They love me the same at the end of the day.”
He said that he talks to his parents every single day, whether that’s a call or a text. Young said that his mom, Shari, was just out in Okotoks to come check out his new stomping grounds, and he expects his parents to be back in December. The plan for when his family comes down next is to try some AAA Alberta beef in the area. Young has already had some AAA Alberta beef as his family went out previously, he said the steak he had was 2/3’s the size of the plate, and he is excited to indulge in some more.
This season marked the first time the Young played for a team located in Alberta. While he spent most of his playing time in the province of B.C., Young left the BCHL during the 2024-2025 season to play for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL.
“It’s been pretty cool, you know, to see this awesome country. Met a lot of great people, have had a huge support system between coaches, billets, and teammates. I’ve been really happy with all the relationships I’ve built, which is another huge part of the game. So, after you’re done playing, you still have those relationships. I think that’s pretty cool,” Young responded to what he appreciates most about his travels.
Young said when he first left home to play hockey, he felt nervous, but added that the love of the game helped fuel him to continue on with his dream.
“I love my family, but I also love this game,” he said about being able to play away from home. “I used to be that kid who was nervous to sleep over at someone’s house. After my first year of junior, my parents talked to me, and they were surprised I left. They knew I loved the game, but they didn’t think I would leave.”
“It was definitely a tough first year, but when I got the opportunity to play in the BCHL, there’s nothing I wanted more. So as nervous as I might have been moving away from home, I didn’t skip a beat; it was a yes right away.”
While the road trips in the BCHL are nothing to scoff at, Young has seen much worse in terms of travel times playing in the QMJHL for a team in the Maritimes. He has learned some tricks to defeat the long BCHL road trips, as he likes to lie down on the aisle of the bus.
“Being (in the QMJHL) for the last two or three months that season, we didn’t go on a ton of long road trips. But I did get there for the longest road trip of the year. Middle of January and February, going to northern Quebec, driving there. I was lucky enough to fly into Montreal when I signed and didn’t have to drive all that way, but on the way home, 17, 18 hours on a bus was a little uncomfortable,” Young said about the long road trip he had in the QMJHL.
He added that his mom suggested getting an air mattress as the seats are uncomfortable for his back. Young joked that a teammate told him to get a yoga mat in the past, which he did, but it didn’t help nearly as much as his now air mattress that he brings on the bus.
Young has the goal of playing Division 1 hockey in the NCAA once his junior career has come to a close. He added that the route of the NCAA has always been something he was chasing over playing in major junior. He mentioned having a late birthday in the year and having a smaller stature, especially when he first joined juniors, helped him realize the route to NCAA hockey was best suited for his progress in hockey.
As for the Green Army, Young has been impressed by the energy they bring every night and the youth who idolize the players.
“It’s pretty cool, thinking about it,” he said about the fans who pay to see him play. “I never thought I would get this opportunity. The fans mean so much to me, obviously, but the team and organization. Supporting us not only during games, but also to help us be able to play this level of hockey. They may not understand, yes, it might be fun to go to a hockey game, but it means the world to us. To help us do what we love to do,” he said about the Green Army.
Young also appreciates all the younger fans who come out to games and ask the players for autographs.
“It’s pretty cool, because every single guy was in those kids’ shoes at one point. So, every time I get to meet someone at a grocery store or whatever, it’s a small community too, and it’s cool that those moments happen. A lot of guys I think, take those for granted, but being a role model is one of the coolest things about this sport and playing at this level.”
10 Questions with Eric Young:
What is your go-to cheat meal?
“I don’t even know, to be honest with you. When I need something, I’ll probably choose a snack like chips and queso.”
What is your favourite sport other than hockey?
“Golf, easy. I work at a golf course, mostly for the free golf, but those guys (the golf course) is awesome.”
Favourite player and team growing up?
“Favourite goalie was Roberto Luongo for the longest time, and obviously the Vancouver Canucks. I had a life-sized poster of Luongo. I remember being five or six years old and my mom calling me Eric, and I was like ‘No, I’m Roberto Luongo. ‘ I remember on his stats page, his height, weight, and birthday were on there. I remember being mad at my mom for not getting me a present on April 4th (Luonog’s birthday).”
What is your favourite movie and TV show?
“Probably Pursuit of Happiness. I’ve watched that one pretty recently. I can’t even say my favourite (TV show), but I can do a top three. The office is probably number one. But, recently, I’ve been watching Modern Family again and The Rookie.”
What is your guilty pleasure song?
“Probably Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.”
Who was your celebrity crush growing up?
“I won’t lie to you, I thought about this one the other day. Someone asked me about this. I don’t even know her name, to be honest with you/ Her name was Emma (Peyton List) on the show Jessie.”
If you could relive any day in your life, what day would you choose?
“We did a trip to Nantucket, Massachusetts, and we golfed at that golf course. It was the first time I was ever golfing, and it was not this summer, not last summer, but the one before. It was a super sweet golf course. But, I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I should have.”
Would you rather travel to the past or the future?
“I think it would be pretty cool to see dinosaurs. I would like to know how the pyramids were built, because that’s something they always talk about on shows like Joe Rogan and stuff. It’s something that amazes me. Dinosaurs are a little bit of a childish answer, but pyramids would be pretty cool.”
If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would you meet?
“Michael Jordan. Just his work ethic and competitiveness would be cool to sit down and have dinner with him. Him or Kobe (Bryant).”
Where in the world would you go if I could snap my fingers and get you there right now?
“No place better than the VRC. No, I’d say Australia. I remember watching this guy on YouTube, and he went fishing in Australia and lived down there. I think it’d be cool to go like a fishing charter down there.”
Bonus
Who has the worst stick tape job on the team?
“It’s between Gabe (Simpson) or (Holden) Pajor. Gabe has the black tape on the knob. I’ve never seen that, really, and just the full sock. Pajor tapes a third of his toe.”
Do you prefer to use black or white stick tape?
“White all the way.”
Who on the Oilers would be your emergency contact?
“My emergency contact would be de Ny’s. I feel like that guy has got a lot of time on his hands, so he’d probably show up if I needed him.”
Best advice you have got from your parents?
“Treat people how you want to be treated.”
The Okotoks Oilers are a not-for-profit, community-run junior hockey franchise competing in the BCHL and operating out of Viking Rentals Centre. For more information, visit okotoksoilers.com or follow the Oilers on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
