After a season of twists and turns, an Okotoks Junior A Oiler defenceman is heading south.
The Okotoks Oilers announced recently 17 year-old blueliner Rhett Holland has committed to play hockey for the Spartans of Michigan State next season.
“I thought it was the right place to be,” Holland said of his decision.
Oilers coach James Poole said he was pleased to see one of his most dedicated players move to the next level.
The Okotoks bench boss explained the Spartans would be getting a tenacious player who can capably adapt to any on-ice situation.
“You throw a puck in the corner, (Holland’s) going to come out with that puck nine times out of 10,” Poole said. “He was a guy that we could put into any situation.”
The 2010-2011 season was an eventful one for the Calgary native.
After playing 57 games with the Oilers last season, Holland returned to Okotoks this fall and played in 31 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
Despite the unfortunate end to the season, Holland insisted his time in Okotoks would be remembered fondly.
“Okotoks was great,” he said. “They were happy about my commitment. (It’s) a great organization (and) a great experience.”
The rock-solid defenceman also played with some of Canada’s best junior-aged players on Team West at the World Junior A Challenge in November.
Holland said his experience against the world’s best in Penticton prepared him for what’s to come in his hockey future.
“That helped me out a lot there too,” he said.
The Friends of the Alberta Junior Hockey Society, in conjunction with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), also recognized Holland in February for his academic accomplishments.
The defenceman was named a recipient of the Al McDonald Award – one of 18 scholarships awarded to AJHL players, alumni and referees totaling $28,500.
Following his Jan. 4 injury, Holland headed to East Lansing, Michigan for his visit to the Spartans’ campus.
After being poked and prodded by the university’s doctors, the Oilers defenceman said they were undeterred by his injured wing and insisted there should be no long-term consequences.
“They’re not concerned at all,” he said. “They were fine with it.”
Although he has been out of action for a couple of months, Holland has still been present at every Oilers practice and on the bus for every road trip.
“I think it’s really important to stay around the team,” he said. “I’m still a part of the team.”
Having Holland’s upbeat attitude and influence in the dressing room has helped the Oilers as they continue to chase their ultimate goal, Poole added.
“Everyone wishes he could be with us on the ice and participate in that way but he’s still in the dressing room (and) around the team as much as possible and he’s been good to have around,” he said.
Even though his AJHL experience has come to an end, Holland will continue to battle some of his Junior A counterparts at the next level.
Players like Camrose’s Sam Jardine (Ohio State) and Oiler teammate Colten Hayes (Western Michigan) will be playing against the Spartans in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association next season.
“There’s a lot of guys around the league that will be my enemies come next year,” Holland said, facetiously.
For now, he will continue to rehab his shoulder in preparation for the college hockey grind.
Holland estimated, due to the traditionally slow recovery time for shoulder injuries, he would be back to 100 per cent in roughly two months.
Until that time, he will continue to provide moral support for his Oiler teammates.
