PENTICTON, B.C. – Showcase closed.
The Oilers Rookies concluded their Young Stars Classic tournament with a 5-2 defeat to the Canucks Rookies at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Monday, finishing their Okanagan campaign and 2023 Rookie Camp with a 1-1-1 record.
"I thought it was a really good effort over a long week for these young kids," Head Coach Colin Chaulk said. "We're really proud of how they played and what they've accomplished. We would've liked to get the win here, but that's why you play the games."
Edmonton responded from a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in 56 seconds during the second period, receiving quick strikes from centre Carl Berglund and winger Carter Savoie in rapid succession to set up an exciting final 20 minutes that would decide the weekend's overall winner.
But the more veteran roster for Canucks Rookies that includes the likes of Aatu Raty, Aiden McDonough and Akito Hirose, whom all played in NHL games last season, showed their experience with all three skaters finding the back of the net in the hosts' victory – handing the Oilers Rookies their first regulation defeat at the tournament over an 18-game stretch dating back to 2013.
Defenceman Beau Akey (2G, 1A), forward Matvey Petrov (1G, 2A) and Savoie (1G, 2A) tied for the Oilers Rookies tournament lead for points over the weekend and are among names like Xavier Bourgault, Tyler Tullio, Max Wanner and more who'll now turn their attention to the start of Oilers Main Camp this week at Rogers Place in Edmonton.