Written by: Scott Savard
Headline graphic: Kiana Briscoe
Headline photo: Chad Goddard
Okotoks, AB (March 7, 2026) – The Okotoks Oilers Organization is proud to announce that captain Hunter Sawka (Cochrane, AB) has made his commitment to playing NCAA Division I hockey with Maryville University after the 2025-2026 BCHL season comes to a close.
Sawka first made his debut with the Oilers back during the 2021-2022 season, as he appeared in three games with the Green and Gold before becoming a staple of the Okotoks Oilers Junior A hockey. Sawka, while donning an Oilers uniform, has produced 138 points (42G, 96A) in 175 games. The Sawka name is well-known in the Oilers community as Hunter, Parker, and Tanner have all played for the organization, with Hunter being the final brother of the family to close his junior career at the end of the season.
“It’s awesome. I’m super excited, and I’m really looking forward to representing Maryville at the Division I level,” Sawka said about his commitment.
Maryville just recently announced that it is moving to the NCAA Division I level as they continue to improve its program. The school, which is located in St. Louis, Missouri, is currently competing in the ACHA but will move to NCAA Division I full-time during the 2027-2028 season.
“It’s awesome. Honestly, my brother went there two years ago now, and that was their plan that they told him. So, it’s pretty cool that it’s all coming to fruition right now, which is awesome, and I’m really looking forward to next year,” he added.
Sawka’s brother, Parker, is currently attending and playing for Maryville, which means the two brothers will wear the same uniform once again as they did with Okotoks for a full season back during the 2022-2023 season. Parker is currently in his third season with Maryville.
“Yeah, it’s awesome. Honestly, who would have thought that two years ago, it’s pretty cool, and I’m looking forward to it. Not many people get to experience that where they get to play with their siblings at the college level and junior level, it’s going to be pretty awesome,” Sawka added.
When asked who gets madder, Parker when Sawka doesn’t score or Sawka when Parker lets in a goal, Sawka joked by saying Parker definitely gives him a harder time.
Not only will Sawka join his brother Parker, but he will also reunite with former teammate Brayden Duy from the 2024-2025 season, as he is currently with Maryville University.
“Yeah, that’s going to be really cool. Obviously played with him last year, and it’s funny how hockey is such a small world, so it’s going to be really awesome that I know him down there,” he said about joining Duy.
Commitments have been harder to come by this season with the rule changes to the junior hockey landscape, and Sawka isn’t taking this commitment for granted, as he has had to battle every night to make sure he got the opportunity to play NCAA Division I hockey.
“Honestly, it’s been tough, the past two years with the hip surgeries and all that, the rule change, so I’m just super proud and excited that I got to the division one level, and I’m just looking forward to getting better every day and every year,” Sawka explained.
Sawka would also give a shoutout to each one of the Oilers coaching staff (Tyler Deis, Derek Purfield, Reid Hnatowich, Brody Hailwood, and Corban Knight) for helping him grow as a player and as a person during his time in Okotoks.
He is also looking forward to getting back to school and living in a different area of North America, as he gets to continue his hockey career.
“Honestly, been out of the school game for a bit, so that’ll be a little adjustment, but it’ll be really cool being down in St. Louis and seeing other cultures and stuff like that,” he mentioned
Sawka also said he plans on attending and taking advantage of live St. Louis Blues games.
As for the Green Army, who have supported Sawka during his tenure with the Green and Gold, he gave a huge thank you and appreciated every single person who has supported him throughout his journey.
“It’s been tremendous, you guys (The Green Army) support over the years has been huge, and it was really awesome just to see you guys stick with us through the AJ and BC, just thank you guys so much,” Sawka said.
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.
