Written by: Scott Savard
Headline photo: Chad Goddard
Okotoks, AB (September 8, 2026) – The Okotoks Oilers open the first game of the 2026-2027 BCHL preseason against the Blackfalds Bulldogs tonight at Viking Rentals Centre.
The players have been putting in the work this past long weekend as they are all fighting for a place on the final roster come the season opener.
Associate Head Coach Brody Hailwood is excited to get back behind the bench in a game scenario.
“It’s about making sure we’re prepared to play our game. We’ve put a lot of work into our structure, habits, and competitive level throughout camp, and tonight is an opportunity to start putting that into a game setting,” Hailwood explained.
“We want our guys to just play their game. There’s a reason for every one of them being here.”
As for the mindset for the team, the players are itching to get on the ice and perform in front of the Green Army.
“We’re extremely excited. There’s nothing quite like getting back into a game environment after a long offseason,” he added.
Lots of new faces are expected to hit the ice tonight at 7:05 at Viking Rentals Centre, as the 2026-2027 BCHL season is creeping closer.
Tickets for tonight’s game are still available at Tickets.OkotoksOilers.com
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.
