The Grande Prairie Storm are excited to announce the signings of 2005 forward Mason Ganser and 2005 right defenceman Oakley McIlwain for the 2023/2024 Season. Both Mason and Oakley currently play for the Lloydminster U18 AAA team of the AEHL. In 36 games this season, Mason tallied 20 goals to go along with 26 assists, which is good enough for 7th in the league for total points. The 6’3 200 pound McIlwain finished the season with 11 goals tying him for the league lead by blueliners, while picking up a total of 31 points in 37 games. Mason and Oakley are currently moving onto the second round of playoffs in the AEHL, as they had a 2 game sweep in round 1 vs Fort Saskatchewan.
Storm Head Coach Eric Thurston had this to say about both players.
”Mason has top end skill and hockey sense to go along with a great work ethic. He’s a smaller forward with good speed, good offensive abilities and is not afraid to go into the tough areas. Not only will he bring skill, speed and offense to our line up, but he will bring the compete level up as well. He reminds me of past Storm Player Nate Bierd , who was a very good player for the Storm and in the AJHL. We see that potential and hopefully more with Mason”.
”With Oakley you’re getting the big, mobile, right shot dman that are hard to come by. He moves really well for a bigger body, creates offense,can move pucks and likes to get involved in the physical play. He can play in all situations”.
Thurston added, ”We are very excited to add two quality players with good character to our line up for next year”.
We would like to welcome Mason and Oakley along with their families to the Grande Prairie Storm organization!
Please stay tuned for more signing’s in the weeks ahead.
Don’t forget to get your round 1 home playoff tickets for games 3 & 4 at the Bonnetts Energy Centre Box office. Game #3 is Tuesday March 14 with a 7pm puck drop, and Game #4 is Wednesday March 15th with a 7pm puck drop.