Written by: Scott Savard
Headline photo: Chad Goddard
Okotoks, AB (February 6, 2026) – The Okotoks Oilers are set to host the Brooks Bandits for the second time this season at Viking Rentals Centre, as the Green and Gold took the last meeting in Brooks 5-4 in overtime with Michael Kowalski (Chicago, IL) playing hero.
The Oilers will hold a moment of silence for Cameron Casorso, Caden Fine, and JJ Wright, the three players from the Southern Alberta Mustangs whose lives tragically came to an early end this past week.
Former Okotoks Oiler, Carson Beers, is set to be a part of the ceremonial puck drop before the game starts.
Assistant captain, Ryder de Nys (Canmore, AB) didn’t take part in last weekend’s games as he was healing up for this weekend, but he is a self-proclaimed hockey stats nerd and got the lowdown from the coaching staff to help his team implement a gameplan for the two home games this weekend against the Bandits and the Spruce Grove Saints.
“I think the biggest thing that stood out was the overall defence. Just kind of giving up a little bit less and taking care of the D-zone a little bit better, that was the biggest thing. The 1-0 loss (to West Kelowna) was tough there. Again, there was an empty net goal, but a tight game against Salmon Arm as well. I think the biggest thing that stood out for us was just realizing if we keep playing like that, just finding ways to score, and we’ll win a lot of games that way,” de Nys said about the Oilers’ past three games.
de Nys feels that the scoring will make its way back into the Oilers style of play this weekend, as he explained that being back on home ice will help the team get back on track.
“Yeah, just during that trip there, just a little bit of wear and tear on our bodies. You know, a couple of bodies down with just a few injuries, down in the lineup. So guys were having to step up and play some minutes that they might not be used to doing, and that might have worn us down, where once we get into those offensive areas, it’s a bit tougher,” he added.
He is no stranger to playing Brooks as de Nys has been on the Oilers roster since 2022-2023. The Oilers will rely on de Nys’ leadership as they look to come away with two wins over the weekend.
“Obviously, it’s a huge challenge; we know that they are a great team. I think the biggest thing for us is just playing that playoff style of hockey. We have had a little bit more success against them in the playoffs, and I think it’s because of that style of game; it suits us a little bit better, rather than running up the score. If we can take care of the defensive side of the game first and foremost, that’s our best chance of finding success against them,” de Nys added.
de Nys doesn’t take being a leader on the team lightly, and said he likes to lead by example while letting his actions speak for themselves. With the Oilers strong push for the playoffs, de Nys, who has already posted nine assists on the season, is ready to do whatever it takes.
“I need to wrap up my game a little bit. I’ve had a little bit of a tough season with injuries. I need to do whatever I can in order to help our team get enough wins to make it into the playoffs. Whether that’s blocking shots, finding the back of the net here the next two months, and just doing whatever it takes to win,” he said.
Puck drop for tonight’s game against Brooks is set for 7:05 MST at Viking Rentals Centre.
Tickets for tonight’s tilt are still available at: https://tickets.okotoksoilers.com/events/37875-brooks-bandits-vs-okotoks-oilers
