Head Coaches Announced for 2024-25 Season
After highly successful seasons, the Junior Oilers program is proud to welcome back Nathan Papirny (Team Blue), Lee Zalasky (Team Orange), and Joel Lenius (Team White) for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Team Blue | Nathan Papirny, Head Coach:
Nathan Papirny, revered as one of the league's most esteemed mentors, returns to the Junior Oilers program with an unmatched reputation for excellence. His tenure at the helm of Team Blue has solidified his status as one of the league's most highly respected and sought-after coaches, renowned for his unwavering dedication to player development and success. Under Papirny's guidance, Team Blue achieved unprecedented success, securing back-to-back second place finishes in the North Division and earning consecutive Circle K Classic tournament invites. In the 2023-24 season, Papirny led Team Blue to victory, clinching the "D" Championship at the prestigious Circle K tournament, a testament to his strategic prowess and leadership. Papirny's impact extends far beyond the scoreboard, as he instills the core values of the Junior Oilers culture into every player he mentors. His incredible personality and unwavering commitment to excellence create a culture of integrity, resilience, and teamwork, embodying the NHL club’s brand with pride. Notably, Papirny's coaching acumen has resulted in numerous individual accolades for Team Blue players, with multiple selections for AEHL awards and all-star honors. Furthermore, Papirny's adeptness at promoting players to the next level is unparalleled, evidenced by 13 Junior player affiliations and 9 player signings in the 2023-24 season under his leadership. Respected by both staff and players alike, Papirny's energy, dedication, and passion for the game set him apart as a true leader in the hockey community. As integral contributors to the foundation of the Junior Oilers program, Papirny and his staff are poised to continue their legacy of excellence, shaping the next generation of hockey stars with their unparalleled expertise and mentorship.
Team Orange | Lee Zalasky, Head Coach:
Lee Zalasky returns to the Junior Oilers program for the 2024-25 season. In an impressive first season with the program, Zalasky guided the Junior Oilers Orange to new heights, including qualifications for the 2023-24 Circle K Tournament and a 4th place finish in the AEHL league standings. Under his leadership, the team finished their last 10 league games with a remarkable 7-2-0-1 record and advanced to the U18 AAA AEHL North Final. Known for instilling energy, pace, and physicality in his teams, Zalasky's coaching prowess has been evident throughout his career. He brings a wealth of coaching experience at the U Sport level, Team Alberta level, and AAA level. Prior to an extremely successful 2022-23 season as the Head Coach with the U18 AAA Sherwood Park Ennis Kings, Zalasky led CAC U16 AAA to an AEHL Provincial Championship during the 2021-22 season, showcasing his ability to develop winning teams at the highest levels. Under Zalasky, the 2023-24 Junior Oilers Orange roster boasted significant talent, with 6 players signing LOIs to play Junior A with all rostered players attending a Junior spring camp, and 2 players confirmed graduating to the WHL next year and 2 players confirmed to graduate to the WHL next year. Furthermore, 13 players affiliated to Junior A during the 2023-24 season, highlighting the program's commitment to player development and advancement. In addition to on-ice success, Zalasky's coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability, knowledge, and dedication, traits that have resonated with players and staff alike. His commitment to fostering a cohesive team dynamic has led to a culture of unity and joy within the Junior Oilers organization. As Lee Zalasky rejoins the Junior Oilers coaching staff, the organization is excited to continue building on past successes and benefiting from his future contributions to the program. With Zalasky at the helm, the Junior Oilers are poised for another season of growth, excellence, and achievement.
Team White | Joel Lenius, Head Coach:
Joel Lenius returns for 2024-25 after a triumphant season as head coach, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected mentors in U18 AAA hockey. Following a stellar season, where he clinched the AFHL U18 AAA Coach of the Year title, Lenius led his team to victory at the 2023-24 AFHL U18 AAA Provincial Championships. His leadership propelled the team to an impressive appearance at the Esso Cup, marking Edmonton's first visit in nearly a decade on the national stage, where they secured a bronze medal finish. Throughout his coaching career, Lenius has left an indelible mark on the hockey landscape, particularly with the Edmonton Pandas U18 AAA program. Over his four-year tenure from 2018-2022, he played a pivotal role in shaping one of the nation's most esteemed female U18 AAA programs. Under his guidance, the Pandas achieved unprecedented success, clinching numerous tournament and league championships while supporting over 40 young women in earning post-secondary scholarships. Lenius's coaching prowess extends across various levels of the game, from NHL to NCAA, WHL to U Sport, AJHL, and AAA. Known for his teams' relentless pace, competitive spirit, and exceptional skill, Lenius fosters a positive culture that resonates with players and their families. Beyond the rink, Lenius has a reputation as an excellent mentor. His ability to promote and develop talent has been instrumental in helping countless players elevate their game to the next level. As Lenius returns to Team White for the 2024-25 season, the Junior Oilers program is thrilled to welcome back his wealth of experience, energy, and leadership. Under the direction of Lenius, the team is poised for another season of growth, success, and camaraderie, as they continue to uphold the proud tradition of excellence synonymous with the Junior Oilers brand.
