Edmonton Oilers Select Local Talent Park With Second-to-Last Pick in NHL Draft, Creating an Unforgettable Hometown Moment

For most young hockey players, hearing their name called on NHL Draft day is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. But for one player, that moment carried even more meaning than usual. With their second-to-last pick in this year’s NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected hometown product Ryan Park — a decision that sent waves of excitement through the city and created a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the young forward and his family.

Park, a 19-year-old winger from Edmonton, had been patiently waiting through seven grueling rounds, his name yet to echo through the arena speakers. But the wait only made the moment sweeter. As Oilers General Manager Ken Holland approached the podium and announced Park’s name with the 223rd overall pick, the dream officially became reality — and not just any reality, but the one every kid in Edmonton grows up imagining: putting on the Oilers jersey as the newest member of their hometown NHL team.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Park said, holding back tears during his post-draft interview. “I’ve dreamed of this since I could barely walk, skating on frozen ponds around Edmonton, pretending I was scoring the game-winner for the Oilers. To actually hear my name called by the team I grew up cheering for — there are no words.”

The selection of Park was not just a feel-good story; it was a moment that highlighted the Oilers’ ongoing commitment to building their roster with both elite international talent and homegrown players who understand the passion of the fan base.

Holland, speaking after the draft, emphasized that Park’s selection was about more than sentimentality. “Ryan’s earned this,” Holland stated. “Yes, he’s a local kid, but make no mistake — he’s here because of his work ethic, his character, and his growth over the past few seasons. We see potential in him.”

Park’s hockey journey hasn’t been the typical, linear path of a blue-chip prospect. Passed over in his first year of draft eligibility, Park returned to junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL determined to prove he belonged. And prove it he did. Over the past season, Park posted career-highs in goals, assists, and points, showcasing not only improved offensive instincts but also a willingness to play with grit and intensity — traits that have long been hallmarks of successful bottom-six NHL forwards.

The Oilers’ scouting department took notice. While Park wasn’t projected to be among the top-ranked selections, his steady progression, versatility, and relentless motor made him a prime target for a late-round gamble — the kind that sometimes blossoms into a diamond in the rough.

But beyond the statistics and scouting reports, Park brings something less tangible but equally valuable to the organization: an intrinsic understanding of what it means to wear the Oilers crest.

Growing up in the city, Park experienced firsthand the highs and lows of being an Oilers fan. From the lean rebuilding years to Connor McDavid’s electrifying arrival, Park has lived every moment alongside the community. That connection, he says, fuels his desire to contribute.

“I know how much this team means to the people here because I’ve been one of those people,” Park explained. “I’ve stood outside Rogers Place in the freezing cold during playoff runs, I’ve watched the heartbreak, and I’ve celebrated the wins. Now, to have the chance to be on the other side of that — to maybe give this city something to cheer about — that’s all the motivation I’ll ever need.”

Park’s family, lifelong residents of Edmonton, were in attendance for the draft and shared in the emotional moment. His father, David Park, spoke proudly of his son’s perseverance.

“It wasn’t always easy,” David recalled. “Ryan faced a lot of doubts — people telling him he wasn’t big enough, fast enough, skilled enough. But he never let it break him. He just kept working. Today proves that hard work and believing in yourself can take you places you’ve only dreamed of.”

Indeed, at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Park doesn’t fit the mold of the towering, physically imposing forwards often coveted by NHL teams. But his speed, hockey IQ, and tenacious forechecking have drawn comparisons to players like Yanni Gourde or Blake Coleman — industrious forwards who carve out NHL roles through determination and smart, situational play.

Though being selected near the end of the draft can sometimes feel like an uphill climb, the Oilers organization has seen late-round picks develop into key contributors before. Players like Kailer Yamamoto and Ethan Bear, while selected earlier, remind fans that draft position doesn’t dictate destiny.

For Park, the selection marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that will require even more dedication and growth. He’ll attend the Oilers’ development camp in the coming weeks, where he’ll compete alongside fellow prospects, absorbing lessons from the coaching staff and refining his game under NHL supervision.

“Nothing’s guaranteed now,” Park admitted. “If anything, it just means the real work starts. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. To have that opportunity, right here in Edmonton, wearing the Oilers jersey — I’ll give everything I’ve got.”

The Oilers fan base, known for its passionate support and deep connection to homegrown players, has already embraced Park’s story. Social media lit up following the announcement, with messages of support pouring in from across the city. Many fans expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing a “local boy” rise through the ranks and one day skate onto the ice at Rogers Place as part of the team.

Holland, while cautious about projecting timelines, believes the organization has added a player who reflects the city’s identity. “Our fans love hard-working, honest players — guys who might not have all the flash, but who play the game the right way. Ryan embodies that. We’re excited to see how he develops.”

For now, Park remains grounded. While the draft-day celebrations continue, he’s already looking ahead to the summer grind — on-ice training, strength work, and absorbing everything possible from the Oilers’ player development staff.

“My goal is simple,” Park concluded. “I want to prove that I belong — that the Oilers didn’t just draft me because I’m from Edmonton, but because I can help this team win. Someday, I want to be out there, contributing to playoff runs, making this city proud.”

Whether that day comes next season or years down the road, one thing is already certain: Ryan Park’s journey from neighborhood rinks to NHL draft pick is a testament to resilience, community pride, and the enduring magic of hometown dreams fulfilled.

As Oilers fans know well, sometimes, the best stories come from right in your own backyard. Ryan Park’s chapter is only beginning — but his unforgettable hometown moment is already written in Oilers history.