Okotoks, AB (October 2, 2025) – The Okotoks Oilers are excited to announce the addition of 2007-born left-handed defenceman Gabe Simpson (Lafayette, CO).
Simpson took part in training camp and preseason for the Wenatchee Wild of the WHL before the start of the season. He would then make his way to Aberdeen, South Dakota, to play for the Wings of the NAHL before deciding to join the Oilers for the 2025-2026 BCHL season.
“It’s awesome, coming from Aberdeen, it’s a brand new start for me. So, ready to get going with the boys. Great locker room so far,” Simpson said after practicing for the first time with his new team.
Last season, Simpson suited up for 51 games with the New Jersey Rockets of the NCDC, while posting 18 points (3G, 15A). During the 2023-2024 season, Simpson put up a total of 38 points (14G, 24A) combined in the THF 16U and 16UAAA leagues with Team Illinois.
“I’m more of a two-way defenceman, but definitely more on the offensive side. I like to create plays, I like to score goals, but I try to be my best as a defenceman and shut down plays,” he added.
Oilers Assistant Coach, Reid Hnatowich, shared the ice with Simpson during practice and described what the Green Army can expect from the Green and Gold’s new addition.
“I watched a lot of video and stuff on him, but then today was a cool practice to throw him in, where he did a lot of tactics, battle situations, and a lot of the offensive stuff as well. So, we kind of got to see the full spectrum of what he is capable of,” Hnatowich said about Simpson.
“His skating is good, he has some cool little puck skills, he moves around the ice with good composure, good vision off of it. He’s an intriguing one, even after talking with him, too; he’s a pretty focused individual. He has goals, he has priorities. I think the longer he is here, the more comfortable he’ll get, and he’s going to be a cool addition for us.”
While this is the first time Simpson has been to Canada, coming from Colorado, Okotoks and the surrounding area share the same beautiful mountain views as his home state, which will only help him get settled in his new home with the Oilers Organization.
Simpson is a fan of the Colorado Avalanche and the former Brooks Bandits defenceman, Cale Makar, but mentioned there is another defenceman in the NHL that he idolizes.
“Yeah, I mean, I’m still a fan of (Makar), but definitely my go-to guy is Rasmus Dahlin. He’s such a sweet skater, I looked up to him a bunch,” Simpson said about the Buffalo Sabres defenceman. “Just like his footwork, the amount of poise that he has, stuff like that. It’s kind of what I like to try and replicate.”
The Oilers are set to be back on home ice at Viking Rentals Centre on Saturday (Oct. 4) when the West Kelowna Warriors make their way to Okotoks, and Simpson is fired up to get started with his new team.
“I’m ready to just get going, ready to play in front of the fans, ready to play against West Kelowna. That’s what I got my mindset on, and that’s what I have had it set on since I was on my way here.”
To purchase tickets for Saturday nights game against the Warriors, visit: https://tickets.okotoksoilers.com/events/37861-west-kelowna-warriors-vs-okotoks-oilers
