Dekker's Corner

 It has been a roller coaster off-season for the MOB. Even though we are still about a month away from training camp, the 2025/26 roster is slowly starting to take shape. Fort McMurray could have around 15 returners from last season. This can give the Barons an edge on some other teams. Let's take a peak at the how the Oil Barons could look heading into the new campaign. Forwards With ten returning forwards, there will be plenty of competition for roster spots. Dustin Good, Drew Freer and Ryan Arnold will be leaned on to lead the charge as overagers this year. When healthy, Good can be dynamic in all situations, Freer brings plenty of leadership qualities with almost 140 games of WHL experience, while Arnold has the most points out of any Oil Baron. The biggest key is how big of a step will the second year players take. Cade Petersen and Leo Adams will be looking to be contributors on a nightly basis. Can Griffin Gidney, Reis Nyland and Nolan Eastwood become every day grinders who ...

 After a much needed holiday, I am back in the saddle! Lots happened when I was gone; the announcement of Phase Two of the Western Canadian Development Model, the AJHL schedule being released and a number of Oil Barons' prospects signing their Letters Of Intent. We'll touch on all these topics over the next couple of weeks, but first let's take a look at the Oil Barons schedule. Preseason Tue. September 2nd - vs Bonnyville in Lac La Biche Thu. September 4th - @ Olds Fri. September 5th - @ Devon Sat. September 6th - @ Devon Fri. September 12th - vs Grande Prairie in Slave Lake Sat. September 13th - vs Grande Prairie in Slave Lake The preseason comes fast and furious at the Oil Barons. Starting with four games in five days, several players battling for roster spots should get a good look to keep everyone fresh. What's frustrating is that Fort McMurray has zero games at Centerfire Place. I know it's difficult to bring an opponent to the isolated community in northeaste...