Eric Friesen

Eric Friesen, a contributor to The Hockey Writers, is a freelance sports broadcaster from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He has followed the Edmonton Oilers for more than 20 years.

Author's Posts

McLeod Eyeing Oilers Roster Spot

September 26th, 2018 Edmonton Oilers prospect Ryan McLeod has his sights set on earning a roster spot right out of training camp. Selected in the second-round (40th overall) of this summer's draft, even the most optimistic Oilers fan wouldn't have thought McLeod could play in the NHL in 2018-19. McLeod has already stuck around longer than expected in his...

Benson Has a Promising Future With Oilers

September 14th, 2018 Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Benson could become the best forward the organization has drafted after the first round since Jarret Stoll in 2002. In fairness, the list of names to beat out for that title isn't long. However, in recent years, the Oilers have made better use of their selections outside the top 30 by targeting players with...

Manny Viveiros Will Help Oilers Power Play

September 11th, 2018 The Edmonton Oilers' biggest upgrade to the power play this summer was an off-ice addition. Although they didn't add a sniper on the wing or an offensive defenceman, hiring power-play guru Manny Viveiros as an assistant coach in May was a savvy move for an Oilers squad that ranked 31st in the NHL with the man advantage (14.8 percent...

Kailer Yamamoto Aims To Stick With Oilers

September 8th, 2018 When the Edmonton Oilers selected Kailer Yamamoto 22nd overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, he was not viewed as an NHL-ready prospect. But after scoring five goals in six exhibition games, Yamamoto surprisingly earned a roster spot, and even played top-line minutes with the reigning Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid. Listed...