Evan Polei was right where he needed to be Friday night, tipping in the game-winning goal as the Oilers knocked off the Flames 4-2 at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton: in front of the net.
“I played in Red Deer and Brent really jammed it into my head. He was like, ‘That’s where you’re going to make your career,'” Polei said.
Brent, of course, is Red Deer Rebels coach Brent Sutter, a man known for demanding hard work and commitment from his players.
“I think it was really good for my career,” Polei explained. “If you can’t play for him, you can’t play for anybody. He’s been around the game a long time. He was a great mentor for me. He really showed me the right path.”
READ MORE: Red Deer knocks Brandon out of 2016 Memorial Cup thanks to Polei goal
Polei’s path now takes him into pro hockey. He has an American Hockey League deal to play for the Edmonton Oilers’ farm team in Bakersfield.
“You may sign that contract, but that doesn’t mean it’s for sure that you’re going to be on that roster,” said Polei, who played one game for the Condors last season after the Rebels’ year ended.
“He has to be big, strong and physical,” said Oilers director of player personnel, Bob Green. “He has to be a presence on the ice, and he was. He scored his goal in front of the net where he needs to be. As long as he plays the game like that, he has a chance.
“He did a good job on his conditioning over the summer.”
Polei is from Westaskiwin, Alta. and cheered for the Oilers and Canadiens growing up. He saw his family often while playing in Red Deer but knows life will change when he settles in with Bakersfield.
“Going from WHL to pro, you have to start being an adult. In WHL, we live with billets. They cook our food for us. In pro, we’re on our own.”
Polei will be back in action Saturday night when the Oilers take on the Jets in Penticton.
Stuart Skinner, a grad of the Southside Athletic Club, will start in goal. The Oilers drafted Skinner in the third round this summer.
READ MORE: Oilers move up in round 3 to draft goaltender Stuart Skinner
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