Tumbler Ridge to host Western Hockey League exhibition games

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Top junior hockey stars from the Western Hockey League (WHL) will converge on Tumbler Ridge this fall.

According to a press release from the district, “high-level” WHL games featuring the Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince George Cougars will take place on Friday, September 4th, and Sunday, September 6th.

In an emailed statement, Tumbler Ridge mayor Darryl Krakowka said hosting the matchups at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre Arena is a “fantastic opportunity” for the district.

“Bringing two WHL teams to our community is something that will excite hockey fans of all ages,” said Krakowka. 

“These games showcase what can be achieved when community organizations, volunteers, and partners work together.”

“We are especially grateful to the Edmonton Oil Kings, Prince George Cougars and the Western Hockey League for their enthusiasm and support in bringing this event to Tumbler Ridge.”

The release says the games were put together through a collaboration between the District of Tumbler Ridge, the Tumbler Ridge Minor Hockey Association, the Tumbler Ridge Curling Club, the Tumbler Ridge Figure Skating Club and Tumbler Ridge Oldtimers Hockey.

Games will raise funds for the sports associations, according to the Oil Kings Director of Business Operations and Alternate Governor, Kevin Radomski.

Originally from Grande Prairie, Radomski said the Cougars and Oil Kings have planned neutral-site pre-season contests for the past four seasons.

While prior games included towns in Alberta, this will be the first time since the Covid pandemic the exhibition games will take place across the border. 

“[We] take our preseason game into communities that typically don’t get to see the action of the Western Hockey League,” Radomski told Energeticcity.ca. 

“Last year we were in Hinton, Alberta, the year before that we were in Edson, Alberta, and the year before that we were in Grand Cache.”

“It is going to be a tremendous community event on Friday, the 4th of September and Sunday the 6th of September. It’s going to be great.”

Radomski said that while the clubs were “never on the fence” about hosting the match in Tumbler Ridge, the mass school shooting in February made both clubs “want to go to help [the] community have something to celebrate.”

Radomski also added the plans with Tumbler Ridge were well underway prior to the incident.

Both the Cougars and Oil Kings had successful 2025-26 regular-season campaigns, but were knocked out early in last year’s WHL playoffs.

Several notable players from last year, including Oil Kings defenceman Ethan MacKenzie and goaltender Parker Snell, will be eligible for this weekend’s NHL draft in Buffalo, New York.

“The NHL draft is going to be a huge step for some of the players on our team,” said Radomski. “The next step after that is getting ready for the season, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick it off than [in] Tumbler Ridge.”

The WHL preseason games will be held at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre Arena on Friday, September 4th and Sunday, September 6th, with ticket information and other details to be released soon.