The 2020-21 WHL season is over and done with.
Normally we would be underway at the Memorial Cup, yet here we are. There are no more games on the schedule and there aren’t any playoff matchups to watch unless you’re following your favourite NHL team.
Truth be told, WHL fans and players are the lucky ones. It could have been much worse. The OHL didn’t even have a 2020-21 season. Nevertheless, the altered schedule and abnormal operations have affected everyone differently.
The Oil Kings patiently wait for their time to come
For the Edmonton Oil Kings, it is yet another tough pill to swallow after two consecutive seasons placing in the top of the standings.
This year, the Oil Kings had the sixth-best power play in the league at 27.8%. They also had the second-best penalty kill at 86.4%. Special teams were an area of great strength and it showed in their overall record.
Going 20-2-1 is no easy task. It takes tremendous effort, from the front office all the way down to ice level for a team to be that good. This type of result not only screams “WHL Champions” but also “Memorial Cup Champions.” The Oil Kings have proven that they are a team that’s ready for the opportunity to contend for championships.
The only issue at this point is time.
But this is where a silver lining can factor into the equation. It wasn’t all for nothing. Not one bit. The Oil Kings just had their end-of-the-season team awards handed out to players. Here are the results:
MVP, Sebastian Cossa.
Rookie of the Year, Carson Latimer.
Kristians Pelss Memorial Award, Jake Neighbours.
Humanitarian of the Year, Liam Keeler.
Top Scorer, Jake Neighbours.
Top Defenceman, Matthew Robertson.
Most Improved Player, Jalen Luypen.
Scholastic Award, Ethan Peters.
Each of these players had stellar performances and perhaps now we can take the extra time to cherish and appreciate player accomplishments for much longer.
What to take away from 2020-21
This shortened season represents a bigger picture. Something more than just about sports, competition, and winning. This season serves as a healthy reminder of the things we take for granted. That we should instead take one moment and appreciate the things that are less of a focal point during a normal 72-game season. Like an awards night. Remind ourselves of the dedication each athlete brings.
The players appreciate their awards. But as fans, we can also appreciate them just as much, if not more, especially since we do not have playoffs to turn our focus towards. We can direct all of that positive energy towards a celebration for every player. These prestigious awards and the final record of the Oil Kings 2020-21 regular season represents an incredible amount of success and hard work. Playoffs or no playoffs, it still matters. And that goes for every other WHL team as well. There is much to be proud of.
Of course, every player wishes they were in the WHL playoffs right now.
But let’s not dwell on what we cannot change. The Oil Kings had a special season. It took a collective team effort to be able to achieve such impressive results within unique circumstances. The individual accolades represent the opportunity for players to really be proud of and appreciate what they have accomplished, rather than just rush into playoffs and not have as much time to absorb and think about their achievements.
Do we wish the WHL playoffs were happening right now? Absolutely. No question about it. But instead, let’s admire the fact that the WHL, its personnel, and players were able to pull something like this off, to begin with. Everyone must be celebrated.
So, do the Oil Kings wish they had their crack at a long playoff run or two the past couple of years? Of course. But what this year represents is how resilient and strong this organization is. There is no doubt that the Oil Kings can keep climbing the mountain and hopefully be able to rest at the top very soon. Each player who has been a part of this team’s success in the last two seasons is integral to Edmonton’s sports history and phenomenal athletes that contributed to something much bigger than winning a championship. You get a true sense of team connection and bonding during tough times to produce something special on the ice.
Cheers to a successful season. Now, we cross our fingers that next year, a 72-game schedule becomes the norm again, and above all else, the Oil Kings can finally have their shot at a championship.
