Local teenaged hockey player Devin Oakes will be heading back to training camp for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League this August, as he is a listed player on their roster.
Nicknamed “Oakies”, he stands 6’1 and 195 pounds. Devin had 11 invitations to try out for WHL teams before being listed with the Kamloops Blazers. The Grade 10 student is currently going to school in Kelowna at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy. To date, right winger, Devin has scored 23 points in 35 games, with 9 goals and 14 assists.
“It’s going really well this season and it’s a big change for me but I’m glad to be down here in Kelowna," he said adding that Prince Rupert played a big role in preparing him for a hockey career.
"It was great, you were playing with friends. Prince Rupert is a great town to grow up in and Prince Rupert Minor Hockey got me where I am now. Gene Storey and Jerry Kurka played a big part in moving me up from Bantams to the Midget Division last year.”
As for any plans after this season, Devin says he’s taking a “Wait and See” approach.
“Hopefully I make a big impression with the Blazers at camp but all I can do is play my best throughout the season and hope people take notice,” he said.
Devin realizes he has a lot of good competition out there, so who knows? To get listed as a 15-year-old with a WHL team is a big accomplishment. He’s very grateful to have be where he is right now, and he’s working his hardest to one day be playing in the Western Hockey League.
“Prince Rupert Minor Hockey Association is very proud of Devin’s his rapid growth this season and are excited that he is doing well”, Gene Storey, President PRMHA.