Why Create Another Oilers Blog?

Edmonton Oilers dressing room, September 14, 2016 (Facebook).

Well, first and foremost, I'm a huge Oiler fan. I grew up cheering for the Oilers in their dynasty years of winning cups in the 1980s—then during all of those lean years that followed—up to this very day. And even with all of that recent heartache, I think there's a chance for this club to build another dynasty in the coming years with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as a foundation up the middle. Perhaps delusional or wishful thinking and a tall task with so much parity in the NHL—but as a fan, this is what I hope to see.

Analytics and Scouting

Secondly, I've become interested in math-based analytics and how it meshes with the in-person scouting and coaching that happens in drafting, developing, and mentoring hockey players. I'm still learning what a lot of the hockey metrics mean and how they can be used, but I'd like to perhaps explore this a bit more.

Hockey Athletics and Culture

Thirdly, I follow the Oiler and NHL community on Twitter, and it's funny how they not only keep me apprised about the Oilers and NHL hockey news but also about current Canadian and international politics and events, cultural and social justice issues, food, and a lot of silliness to laugh over. I find that the hockey world can be a microcosm of the world at large—both good and bad. At times I think the world of sport can be a bit of a spectacle, distracting us from more important things, but it can also be a place that exhibits community, camaraderie, teamwork, excellence, and just plain old fun. 

Another Perspective and Hockey Designs

Finally, this will be a place for me to compile and share Oiler and hockey-related items that I find interesting as well as some hockey inspired graphic designs. There are so many quality Oilers writers and podcasters out there that share information on analytics, the day-to-day news, the draft, games, and prospects (favorites linked in the sidebar). I just hope I can add a different perspective to the landscape and, hopefully, in my lifetime, see at least one more Stanley Cup championship go to Edmonton.

Follow Me on Twitter

You can follow me on Twitter at @go_oil or visit me over at deegy.ca where I do some editing and photography.