Oilers Development Camp Welcomes Game-Changing Trio of Guest Coaches: Kennedy Ganser, Erin Ambrose, and Jess Healey Inspire Next Generation

The Edmonton Oilers’ commitment to player development took center stage this week as the organization hosted its highly anticipated Development Camp, welcoming some of hockey’s most exciting young prospects. But this year, the Oilers added a powerful new element to the camp experience — a trio of trailblazing guest coaches who are breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation, and making a lasting impact on the game.

University of Alberta Pandas Assistant Coach Kennedy Ganser, Victoire de Montréal standout Erin Ambrose, and Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Female Prep Coach Jess Healey were invited to join the Oilers’ coaching staff for the week-long Development Camp, providing their unique perspectives, high-level expertise, and lived experience to a group of hungry young players eager to earn their spot in the NHL.

The inclusion of Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey reflects both a growing trend across the NHL and the Oilers’ specific vision of creating an inclusive, competitive, and innovative development environment. It’s not just about drills, systems, and skating mechanics — it’s about building leaders, fostering resilience, and exposing prospects to diverse coaching philosophies that mirror the evolving world of professional hockey.

For Ganser, a rising star behind the bench with the powerhouse University of Alberta Pandas program, the invitation to help lead Oilers Development Camp was more than just an opportunity — it was the culmination of years spent grinding, learning, and building a reputation as one of Canada’s brightest young coaches.

Ganser’s coaching journey has been defined by a relentless work ethic and an innate understanding of player development, particularly at the collegiate level. Her work with the Pandas, one of the most respected university programs in Canada, has consistently emphasized skill development, mental toughness, and tactical growth — all essential elements for young players on the cusp of professional careers.

“Anytime you get to be part of something like this, it’s a privilege,” Ganser shared during the camp. “It’s about helping these players take the next step, but it’s also about learning, connecting, and pushing the game forward together.”

Joining Ganser was Erin Ambrose, one of the most decorated defenders in Canadian women’s hockey and a household name following her standout performances with Victoire de Montréal in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and Team Canada.

Ambrose, known for her exceptional hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and leadership on and off the ice, brought a wealth of experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of coaching. A silver medalist at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and a key figure in the growth of the women’s professional game, Ambrose’s presence at Oilers Development Camp made an immediate impact.

“These players are the future of the sport,” Ambrose said. “Being here isn’t just about Xs and Os — it’s about showing them different ways to approach the game, to lead, to compete. The game is changing, and it’s exciting to be part of that evolution.”

Ambrose’s on-ice sessions focused heavily on defensive positioning, transition play, and puck movement — areas where young prospects often struggle as they adjust to the speed and structure of professional hockey. Her calm, authoritative presence resonated with the Oilers’ hopefuls, many of whom expressed admiration for her knowledge and poise.

The third member of the coaching trio, Jess Healey, brought yet another invaluable perspective to the Oilers’ developmental blueprint. As the U18 Female Prep Coach with Northern Alberta Xtreme Academy, Healey works daily with emerging elite talent, guiding players through the critical stages of their development both technically and mentally.

Healey, a former standout defender herself with roots in both NCAA hockey and international competition, has been instrumental in fostering high-performance environments for young athletes aspiring to reach the game’s highest levels. Her familiarity with the rigors of elite development made her an ideal addition to the Oilers’ camp.

“The jump from junior or prep hockey to the pro ranks is massive,” Healey explained. “If I can help even one player navigate that transition, help them believe they belong, then this experience is worth every second.”

The decision to bring in Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey for Development Camp wasn’t merely symbolic — it was strategic. Oilers General Manager Jeff Jackson and the organization’s player development staff have emphasized the importance of modernizing their approach, tapping into the deep coaching talent within the women’s game, and providing their prospects with well-rounded guidance.

Jackson highlighted the trio’s inclusion as “a no-brainer,” praising their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to connect with players at various stages of their development.

“The future of hockey is about collaboration,” Jackson noted. “We want the best people, the best minds, and the most driven leaders working with our players — it doesn’t matter where they come from, what league they coach in, or what jersey they’ve worn. Kennedy, Erin, and Jess are phenomenal examples of what the hockey world has to offer.”

Indeed, their impact at Development Camp extended beyond the boards and into conversations about culture, representation, and opportunity within hockey’s ever-evolving landscape. Their involvement sent a clear message: excellence knows no gender, and the best coaching minds belong at the table, period.

For the players, the experience was equally eye-opening. Several Oilers prospects expressed how the trio’s varied coaching styles and unique insights helped unlock new ways of thinking about the game.

“You can tell right away when someone speaks the language of hockey at a high level,” one prospect shared. “It doesn’t matter if they coached in the NHL, the PWHL, or university — they understand what it takes, and they push you to be better. That’s what this week was all about.”

While the Oilers’ Development Camp primarily serves as an evaluation and growth opportunity for the organization’s prospects, the ripple effect of Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey’s presence will likely be felt long after the drills conclude and the rosters are set.

For Ganser, the camp also reinforced the value of visibility and mentorship, especially for young girls and women aspiring to coaching careers in male-dominated spaces.

“I remember being that kid in the stands, wondering if there was a place for me in the game beyond playing,” Ganser reflected. “To be here now, helping develop future NHL players — it shows how far we’ve come, and how much more we can do.”

The Oilers, meanwhile, hope their commitment to diverse, high-level coaching continues to set a standard across the NHL. With player development more competitive than ever, organizations willing to innovate and invest in people like Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey will be better positioned to maximize their young talent — and, in turn, elevate the game.

As the Development Camp wrapped, the consensus was clear: the future of the Oilers — and hockey as a whole — looks brighter thanks to leaders willing to challenge conventions, embrace new voices, and foster environments where the next generation can thrive.

For the Oilers prospects who hit the ice under the guidance of Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey, the message was simple yet powerful: greatness demands not just skill, but vision, courage, and a willingness to learn from the best, wherever they come from.