Oil Kings hope veteran goalie will steady youngsters

The Edmonton Oil Kings knew their roster was going to feature a number of young defencemen as they continue down Rebuilding Road this season.

And to take pressure off a blueline featuring more 16- and 17 -year-olds than the average Western Hockey League club, the Oil Kings decided to acquire a veteran goaltender.

Heading into their final pre-season game Saturday at the Downtown Community Arena (7 p.m.) against the Saskatoon Blades, the Oil Kings’ decision to trade for Travis Child, 20, appears a wise one.

“You can instantly see the calming effect that he’s had in our room,” said Oil Kings head coach Steve Hamilton. “He’s the kind of player who leads by example and quietly goes about his business every day.

“When you have a young group in front of you, there are going to be mistakes that happen, maybe a little unforeseen at times, and you want to have that calm presence behind them.”

Child, a Killam, Alta., product, is entering his fourth WHL season. He played two-and-a-half years with the Swift Current Broncos before being traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings just prior to the WHL trade deadline last season for Edmonton product Jordan Papirny.

The Oil Kings acquired Child from Brandon this off-season for a conditional fifth-round draft pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

“I was really excited about the trade, obviously. It’s my last season and to be close to home it’s very exciting for me, and I’m very happy

I’ve played in front of a young D-core in Swift Current, so I kind of know what that’s like.

to be here,” Child said. “Last year was kind of a roller coaster, up and down season a little bit. It was sad to leave Swift Current at the deadline and go to Brandon, but that’s the past, and I’m looking forward to this year.”

Child is currently one of four goaltenders in training camp and has been sharing the net in preseason with incumbents Liam Hughes, 18, and Josh Dechaine, 19, along with rookie Boston Bilous, 16.

Child has turned aside 41 of the 43 shots he’s faced in two games.

“I’m feeling pretty good, I felt pretty comfortable, and I think so far, it’s been pretty good,” Child said.

“I just try to help as much as I can, and hopefully take some things in that I’ve learned over the past few seasons. I’ve played in front of a young D -core in Swift Current, so I kind of know what that’s like. We’re young, but we’re very talented and we’re very skilled.”

Child has already demonstrated in pre-season he can keep his head while those around him are losing theirs. He has helped the Oil Kings be in every pre-season game they’ve played, although they have yet to win one, going in against Saskatoon with an 0-4 exhibition record.

“When Travis has been in the net, he’s been making the most of his opportunity,” Hamilton said. “He’s been rock solid in terms of his puck-stopping, but just his general demeanour in net has been a real compliment to the group.”

Child is one of four overage players vying for a spot on the roster this season.

The Oil Kings are allowed to keep just three.

His experience and leadership abilities make Child a strong candidate to stay.

He’s also proven to be a good mentor to Bilous, who is pegged as the Oil Kings’ goaltender of the future.