Junior Oilers White: A Triumphant Return to Canada's Women's U18 National Club Championship
Former Esso Cup Powerhouse Reemerges After Nine-Year Hiatus, Armed with Dominant Performance and Legacy of Excellence
After nearly a decade-long absence, the Edmonton Junior Oilers White have made a triumphant return to Canada's Women's U18 National Club Championship, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Representing Oil Country, the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL), and the entire Pacific Region, the Junior Oilers competed at the Esso Cup National Championship in Vernon, BC from April 21-27, securing a bronze medal at the national competition.
Formerly known as the Thunder, the Junior Oilers were once a dominant force in the Esso Cup, making an impressive 7 consecutive appearances from 2009 to 2015. During this period, they etched their name in the tournament's history with notable achievements, including appearances in the gold medal game in 2011 and 2014, as well as securing bronze medals in 2010, 2012, and 2013. Following their rebranding as the Edmonton Pandas in 2016, the team achieved victory in the AFHL championships in 2022. However, their journey faced a setback when they lost at Pacifics, missing out on the opportunity to attend the Esso Cup.
Now, after nine years, the Junior Oilers have reignited their quest for glory, fueled by a season of remarkable performance. Finishing second in the AFHL standings with a commendable 21-7-2 record, the team closed out their regular season with an impressive eight-game winning streak. Their offensive prowess was evident, ranking second in goal scoring with 104 goals in 30 games, while simultaneously boasting a stellar defensive record, conceding only 41 goals. Notably, the Junior Oilers season powerplay was an impressive 35.5%, ranking first in league play, and penalty kill stood strong at a league-leading 90.5%.
Key players, Assistant Captain Daniella Martorana and Co-Captains Ella Lloyd and Layla Matthew emerged as standout performers, with Martorana's impressive offensive contributions (15 goals, 18 assists, 33 points), Lloyd's defensive prowess (17 goals, 14 assists, 31 points), and forward Matthew’s relentless determination as leader on the penalty kill, driving the team’s success.
However, it was the exceptional goaltending duo of Ella Dunham-Fox and Mackenzie Gould-Sharpe that truly anchored the Junior Oilers' success this season. With Dunham-Fox’s extraordinary 1.14 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage finishing in the top spot between the pipes across the league, and Gould-Sharpe closely behind with a 1.15 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage, opposing teams found it challenging to breach their defense. Gould-Sharpe's impressive five shutouts further solidified her reputation as one of the league's top goaltenders.
In the playoffs, the Junior Oilers sustained their dominant form, breezing through the preliminary round of the U18 AAA AFHL provincial championship with a flawless 3-0 record. Their journey reached a climactic peak with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Red Deer Chiefs. Throughout the regular season, both teams had consistently held the top two positions in Canada, setting the stage for an epic showdown. The Junior Oilers' defensive prowess was prominently on display, conceding a mere four goals across four intense playoff encounters, a testament to their resilience and unwavering determination on the ice. Their success in the provincial championship earned them a coveted spot in the national tournament, with the Thompson-Okanagan Lakers clinching the hosting rights and sending the Junior Oilers to Vernon as representatives of the Pacific region.
The Junior Oilers secured their place in the Semi-Finals of the Esso Cup by dominating the Round Robin series with a 3-1-1 record, claiming the top spot at the national event. Their impressive performance on the ice has been evident across the board. Goaltender Ella Dunham-Fox leads the tournament as the top goalie, boasting an outstanding 0.98 GAA and a remarkable .957 SV%. Mackenzie Gould-Sharpe closely follows, ranking #4 in GAA with 2.4 and #5 in SV% with .895. Ella Lloyd shines on the scoreboard, currently tied for third in Points with 5. Claire Carruthers secures the third spot for Goals with 4, while Co-Captain Layla Matthew isn't far behind, ranked fourth overall with 3 goals. Ciara Lang leads the tournament in Assists with 5, while Co-Captain Ella Lloyd, and Assistant Captains Daniella Martorana and Callie Dach are tied for second with 3 assists each. With such remarkable achievements, the Junior Oilers capped off an exhilarating Semi-Final game with the bronze medal.
Notably, the Junior Oilers White team made history as the first all-female team authorized by the Oilers and the NHL to proudly don the iconic Oilers jersey during game-action. Additionally, they became the first AFHL team to play a league-sanctioned game at Rogers Place, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the sport.
The Junior Oilers White team extends their heartfelt gratitude to our corporate partners, whose support have been instrumental in the team’s journey to the Esso Cup. The Edmonton Oilers' groundbreaking partnership stands as the first of its kind in Canada, offering the Junior Oilers program unparalleled access to NHL resources, experiences, and opportunities. This historic collaboration ensures that the Junior Oilers White team receives identical support and opportunities as their counterparts, Junior Oilers Blue and Junior Oilers Orange, reaffirming their status as trailblazers in the sport. Additionally, Paris Jewellers has generously contributed to facilitating the Junior Oilers White team's participation in the Esso Cup, exemplifying their commitment to championing young girls in sport.
