Coach Pharling

By Tony Carr

In this, the second installment of Three (future) Star Selection, we’ll examine players from the reigning WHL champions, the Edmonton Oil Kings. The Oil Kings franchise joined the WHL in 2007 and in just six seasons turned out a championship team. Notable Oil Kings alumni include Dallas Stars forward Tomas Vincour and Buffalo Sabres prospect, and former team Canada world junior defenseman, Mark Pysyk.


Third Star: Dylan Wruck (20) – Edmonton Oil Kings – Winger

The undrafted native of Saskatoon has put up impressive numbers in his WHL career. With 78 points in 2010-11 and 80 points in 2011-12, Wruck is on pace to have his best season stat wise with 36 points in 27 games so far this season. A crafty playmaker who can find the back of the net, Wruck also see’s time on the point during the power play.

Fantasy Future- one out of three stars

Second Star: Michael St. Croix (19) – Edmonton Oil Kings – Center

Chosen in the fourth round of the 2011 entry draft by the New York Rangers, St. Croix reached a career high in points last season with a team record 105, including 45 goals. An elite puck handler with great vision, St. Croix is most dangerous on the power play where he has eight goals to go with 11 assists so far this season.

Fantasy Future- two out of three stars

First Star: Curtis Lazar (17) - Edmonton Oil Kings - Center

Slated to be a first round draft pick in 2013, Lazar may still be a few years away from the NHL but has all the tools to be an impact player. Adept at playing along the boards, Lazar’s biggest asset is his ability to stay calm under pressure. At six feet tall and 198 pounds, Lazar already has NHL size and with six goals in five games in the month of December so far, he is heating up heading into the holidays. The sky is the limit.

Fantasy Future- two out of three stars

Thanks for taking the time to read Three (future) Star Selection. Next edition, we’ll take a look at the defending OHL champions, the London Knights.