Written by: Scott Savard
Headline graphic: Scott Savard
Okotoks, AB (June 8, 2026) – The Okotoks Oilers have completed a move with the Langley Rivermen, which has 2006-born defenceman Jack Birch (Edmonton, AB) making his way to the Green and Gold in completion of a move that sent 2005-born goaltender Eric Young (Mill Bay, BC) to the Rivermen on February 10, 2026, for Future Considerations.
The Alberta talent brings some volume to the backend with his 6’1 frame and has produced at the junior level with 44 points (3G, 41A) with the Lloydminster Bobcats, along with the Drayton Valley Thunder, before making his way to the BCHL during the 2025-2026 season with the Rivermen. Birch would collect a goal and two assists in 25 games as a BCHL rookie defenceman last season.
Oilers GM and Head Coach Tyler Deis is excited to get Birch into the Green and Golds defencive group this coming season.
“Jack brings some size and skill to our defensive group going into next season. We feel he adds to what we are building here,” Deis said.
Birch impressed during his years with OHA Edmonton, as he had 19 points (4G, 15A) in his final U18 year during the 2022-2023 season and posted 22 points (1G, 21A) in 29 games with the U16 OHA Edmonton squad during the 2021-2022 season which also saw Birch get called up for five games with the U18 team which he was able to collect an assist.
“We are excited to have Jack on board for the upcoming season for the final year of his junior career and feel he will fit right in with our group,” Deis added.
The Oilers have now announced the completion of two trades from last season, where they received Future Considerations as both Nolan DuPont (Calgary, AB) and Birch have come back to play in their home province of Alberta.
Green Army, keep your eyes peeled as more announcements throughout the offseason are expected, including the schedule for the 2026-2027 BCHL season.
For those who don’t want to miss a minute of the Okotoks Oilers 2026-2027 season, make sure to secure your season tickets now at: https://tickets.okotoksoilers.com/events/40207-2026-27-season-tickets
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.
