A growth mindset has been communicated to the Oilers Rookies by Woodcroft since the onset of Camp, with the bench boss eager to see gains made in all areas of the ice from the work put in during the two full on-ice sessions between Sunday and Tuesday.
"It's the same theory we've had right from our opening meeting in Training Camp, and that's we're getting better every time we step on the ice," Woodcroft said. "We look forward to seeing guys take a step here, and we want them to show what got them here."
A POINT TO PROVE FOR RODRIGUE
It's been a long summer for Olivier Rodrigue, but not one that's been void of activity.
In addition to being dealt from the QMJHL's Drummondville Voltigeurs to the Moncton Wildcats in an off-season trade, the 19-year-old was busy at the World Junior Summer Showcase in his bid to make an early impression for this season's World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.
"My training in June was with Hockey Canada. It was a big summer for me, but I'm ready to play," Rodrigue said. "I was with my new team for three weeks before this in Moncton, so I'm ready to face the challenge."
The Oilers Rookies are playing in Calgary, and Hockey Canada is headquartered in Calgary. You can make the connection.
"Probably there's going to be people from Hockey Canada, but I want to play my game and make sure I see the puck and compete on every shot," Rodrigue said. "I'll just do my thing and we'll see for December."
Rodrigue will get the start in goal tonight, with Woodcroft expecting a positive performance after goaltending dominated much of the discussion on Saturday in Red Deer.
"I thought all three goalies in the Red Deer game were excellent," Woodcroft said. "They've set the bar, and it's a great opportunity for Olivier to come in and show what he's all about. He gets the start in an NHL building, which will bode well for him moving forward."