Oilers hockey provides ice-cold action
Yes, it is true; Wooster has a hockey team for its high school students.
The team, The Wooster Oilers, has come from humble beginnings.
Allan Saline was a key figure in the creation of this program and describes its foundation as,“[the team] was put together by men and women in the area with an affection for the game, some having played in college and others just having a passion for the game and wanting to pass this along to the kids.”
Competitions for the team generally are around the Cleveland area, but the team has been known to travel to tournaments around Ohio and the United States.
“Travel consists of league games within the Cleveland and Columbus metro areas, but tournament play has taken them many to other cities including Ann Arbor, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Dayton and beyond,” Saline said.
This traveling hockey team consists of students from across the Wayne, Ashland and Stark county areas.
“The current team boasts a team where players have risen through the youth age groups with all having extensive experience… Other players are from Shreve, Bellville, Ashland, Apple Creek, Orrville, Massillon and Parma. Six players currently go to Wooster High School. The head coach is Jim Murphy from Apple Creek,” Saline said.
The Oilers program has brought many memories to the youth that have called themselves Oilers. Patrick Saline [11] says this program, and hockey in general, have been a big part of his life.
His favorite memory in hockey was “beating Jackson this year.”
Patrick has played hockey for 10 years and has been with the Oilers for three.
Hockey may bring great memories, but it also has the potential to be dangerous.
Bradley Huffman [11] says he personally suffered a concussion as the result of hockey, and has just recently snapped an opponents collarbone.
Regardless, hockey, and the Wooster Oilers, will continue to be an essential part of the lives of many of Wooster and Wayne Counties youth.
The Oilers will play their next home game at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Alice Noble Ice Arena against Fairview Park. This game will be honoring the senior members of the team.
