Skinner eager to start pro hockey career
Now what?
After posting six shutouts to win a Western Hockey League championship and get Swift Current to the Memorial Cup, what’s next for Stuart Skinner?
The Edmonton Oilers prospect is anxiously awaiting his marching orders this fall.
The goaltender still has another year of junior eligibility left, but steady work in the professional ranks, whether it’s the ECHL or AHL, is probably better for his development than simply re-doing what he did last year.
Skinner, who signed an entry level contract last month, is hoping to start his pro career this season, but knows the decision is largely out of his hands.
“Nothing is set in stone yet,” he said at the club’s development camp. “The organization needs to make a decision with me, whether it’s taking the next step or going back.
“I’m excited no matter what they do and I trust that they know what’s best for me and what’s best for my teammates and the other goaltenders in this camp.
“Whatever they decide I’m happy with and I’ll be working as hard as I can no matter where I am. If it’s playing pro I’m super excited. I’ll take all the experience I’ve learned and keep growing.”
Skinner, selected in the third round (78th overall) last summer, has the Oilers feeling good about that pick. He was a dominant force in the WHL and even though Swift Current ran out of gas in the Memorial Cup, he did post one of the most spectacular performances in tournament history, stopping 54 of 56 shots in a 2-1 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs.
“It was fun,” said the 6-foot-4 Edmonton product. “It was a lot of hard work and dedication to get there. Just being able to play in that tournament was an absolute blessing. Just to say we were part of the 100th Memorial Cup means a lot to us.”
Proving himself on the big stage means a lot, too. It was a long and gruelling grind, but Skinner says he is definitely better for having taken it.
“Leading up to the Memorial Cup I learned a lot. We didn’t have an easy road, we had a really tough road playing Regina, Moose Jaw, Lethbridge and Everett.
“Every team gave us a tough battle. Game 7, Game 7, Game 6 and Game 6. I had a lot of fun.
“Now I’m working with Schwartzie and Sly (goaltending coaches Dustin Schwartz and Sylvain Rodrigue), working on my game and trying to get better just for myself.”
And wondering where he’ll be playing this year.
The Oilers are making a serious attempt to load up their goaltending cupboard. They just traded up to get Olivier Rodrigue last weekend and already have Dylan Wells from the 2016 draft.
“I’m excited that they have so many goalies,” said Skinner. “It means that I have to work even harder. I’ve learned pretty quick that it’s a professional job up here and if you take one day off you could lose your job. There is a lot for me to work on and a lot to take care of.”
Watching the Vegas Golden Knights shock the world and advance all the way to the Stanley Cup final is a ride Graham McPhee, son of Golden Knights GM George McPhee, will never forget.
“I’m definitely a proud son,” said McPhee, the Edmonton Oilers’ fifth-round pick in 2016. “I see him work hard every single day. He’s very dedicated and loves the sport and loves the people he works with, I’m very proud of him.”