Fans packed Ford Hall early for Game 1 of the pre-training camp rookie series between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, eager to grab a good seat and watch the kids hit the ice.

Most eyes were on highly touted prospects <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/all-eyes-isaac-howard-newly-acquired-top-prospectedmonton-oilers-debut">Matt Savoie and Ike Howard</a>, but a few other names jumped off the page for Oilers fans online. The prospect pool looked a lot healthier than some have suggested.
<blockquote>“<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/marjala-impresses-edmonton-oilers-rookie-showcase">Viljami Marjala</a> was the best Oiler in tonight’s rookie game, and it wasn’t close.” — Brett Holden on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I’d like to see more of Viljami Marjala in North America. He has the Oilers’ only goal so far and has been busy around CGY’s net tonight.” — Avry’s Sports Show on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I don’t know what this says but I do know that Marjala was very dynamic tonight — all night long. His backhand touch pass to Savoie for a goal was the best skill play of the night.” — OriginalPouzar on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Viljami Marjala with a great first two shifts. Excellent routes all over the ice. Interested to see him some more. Gets rewarded with a goal early.” — Oilersnation prospect writer Spencer Pomoty on X</blockquote>
Marjala set the tone early, springing free on a breakaway and slipping a five-hole finish past Flames netminder Owen Say.
One Oiler drew more attention than anyone: Connor Clattenburg.
<blockquote>“Clattenburg was the biggest surprise for me. Size, skating, even hands were impressive.” — TheLineBlender on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I like that Connor Clattenburg. Kid’s gotta play NHL games at some point.” — OilersnLifts on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Connor Clattenburg might be my new favourite Oiler… He plays with all of his size and so much passion.” — Bloopious on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“This Clattenburg kid for the Oilers has been very noticeable tonight.” — C of Red Central on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Guy had 18 career fights in the OHL… already has TWO in the Oilers preseason?! He’s a DAWG.” — delaneyymiles on Instagram</blockquote>
<blockquote>“He had some hands around the net too… Refs stopped the fights way too early.” — jvdcartel on Instagram</blockquote>
<blockquote>“He left a very good impression… The Oilers could use a little bit of that gumption.” — Chris Savoy on Facebook</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Clattenburg is a tough kid… He knows what it will take to reach his highest level.” — Jim Way on Facebook</blockquote>
Clattenburg delivered hits, dropped the gloves twice, and buried a late third-period goal. One fan even predicted he’ll make the opening-night lineup. He certainly made an impression.
Top prospect Savoie also came as advertised.
<blockquote>“Matt Savoie is going to do some special things on the wing in Edmonton with one of 97 or 29… can’t wait!” — LoyalOil on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Putting futures on Savoie for Calder.” — bretzky_84 on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Savoie with three breakaways… Two goals, both beauties. Fantastic display of speed, hands, and deception.” — Golden Era Hockey on X</blockquote>
<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-nearly-mount-comeback-high-scoring-showdown-calgary-flames-game-recap-highlights-reaction">The Flames won 6-5</a>, with Edmonton’s late push falling just short, but it was an entertaining night.
Howard didn’t pop as much as expected, but perspective matters.
<blockquote>“Howard hasn’t attended a day of a real pro camp… everything is brand new to him, but we saw him get better from the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd.” — OriginalPouzar on X</blockquote>
The rookie series shifts to Calgary on Sunday at 4:00 PM MT at the Saddledome.

Fans packed Ford Hall early for Game 1 of the pre-training camp rookie series between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, eager to grab a good seat and watch the kids hit the ice.



Most eyes were on highly touted prospects <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/all-eyes-isaac-howard-newly-acquired-top-prospectedmonton-oilers-debut">Matt Savoie and Ike Howard</a>, but a few other names jumped off the page for Oilers fans online. The prospect pool looked a lot healthier than some have suggested.
<blockquote>“<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/marjala-impresses-edmonton-oilers-rookie-showcase">Viljami Marjala</a> was the best Oiler in tonight’s rookie game, and it wasn’t close.” — Brett Holden on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I’d like to see more of Viljami Marjala in North America. He has the Oilers’ only goal so far and has been busy around CGY’s net tonight.” — Avry’s Sports Show on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I don’t know what this says but I do know that Marjala was very dynamic tonight — all night long. His backhand touch pass to Savoie for a goal was the best skill play of the night.” — OriginalPouzar on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Viljami Marjala with a great first two shifts. Excellent routes all over the ice. Interested to see him some more. Gets rewarded with a goal early.” — Oilersnation prospect writer Spencer Pomoty on X</blockquote>
Marjala set the tone early, springing free on a breakaway and slipping a five-hole finish past Flames netminder Owen Say.

One Oiler drew more attention than anyone: Connor Clattenburg.
<blockquote>“Clattenburg was the biggest surprise for me. Size, skating, even hands were impressive.” — TheLineBlender on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“I like that Connor Clattenburg. Kid’s gotta play NHL games at some point.” — OilersnLifts on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Connor Clattenburg might be my new favourite Oiler… He plays with all of his size and so much passion.” — Bloopious on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“This Clattenburg kid for the Oilers has been very noticeable tonight.” — C of Red Central on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Guy had 18 career fights in the OHL… already has TWO in the Oilers preseason?! He’s a DAWG.” — delaneyymiles on Instagram</blockquote>
<blockquote>“He had some hands around the net too… Refs stopped the fights way too early.” — jvdcartel on Instagram</blockquote>
<blockquote>“He left a very good impression… The Oilers could use a little bit of that gumption.” — Chris Savoy on Facebook</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Clattenburg is a tough kid… He knows what it will take to reach his highest level.” — Jim Way on Facebook</blockquote>
Clattenburg delivered hits, dropped the gloves twice, and buried a late third-period goal. One fan even predicted he’ll make the opening-night lineup. He certainly made an impression.

Top prospect Savoie also came as advertised.
<blockquote>“Matt Savoie is going to do some special things on the wing in Edmonton with one of 97 or 29… can’t wait!” — LoyalOil on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Putting futures on Savoie for Calder.” — bretzky_84 on X</blockquote>
<blockquote>“Savoie with three breakaways… Two goals, both beauties. Fantastic display of speed, hands, and deception.” — Golden Era Hockey on X</blockquote>
<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-nearly-mount-comeback-high-scoring-showdown-calgary-flames-game-recap-highlights-reaction">The Flames won 6-5</a>, with Edmonton’s late push falling just short, but it was an entertaining night.

Howard didn’t pop as much as expected, but perspective matters.
<blockquote>“Howard hasn’t attended a day of a real pro camp… everything is brand new to him, but we saw him get better from the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd.” — OriginalPouzar on X</blockquote>
The rookie series shifts to Calgary on Sunday at 4:00 PM MT at the Saddledome.

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