The Fort McMurray Oil Barons have signed free agent forward Cole Penner, a former Prince Albert Raider of the WHL.
Penner was the fourth overall pick in the 2006 WHL draft after a stellar minor hockey career, but evolved into more of an enforcer role thereafter.
He was released by Prince Albert after the 2008-09 season, and collected 482 penalty minutes in 78 Junior A games with the Brooks Bandits and Camrose Kodiaks.
But head coach and general manager Gord Thibodeau doesn’t see Penner as a one-dimensional acquisition.
“We think there’s a lot of assets he can bring to the table,” said Thibodeau. “At some point the offensive game will come back — but just the size factor, the leadership, and some of the physicality abilities can certainly be a benefit.”
Thibodeau says Penner could be a major offensive contributor as well.
“You don’t get drafted as high as he did in the bantam draft without having the ability,” Thibodeau says.
“For whatever reason, it hasn’t come out consistently. He had shoulder surgery this summer, and is trying to attempt, basically, a comeback.”
Penner played only two games for Camrose in last year’s AJHL campaign.
But a familiarity with current Barons like ex-WHLer Killian Hutt, and former summer hockey mate Dylan Seymour, as well as ex-Barons like Michael Small, helped lead him to the MOB.
“He did some homework, and actually got a hold of us through some of our kids, just to test the waters,” recalls Thibodeau.
“We encouraged him to call us, and told him that we’d give him the opportunity.”
The acquisition does put the Barons bench boss in somewhat of a roster logjam.
Thibodeau now has ten 1991-born players on his roster, but can only dress nine in a game situation.
He says he will likely rotate his overage players for now, but admits a roster move will eventually be required.
“We’re going to let it play itself out, and first off see what he [Penner] can bring to the table for us, and then we’ll let the roster decision shake out from there,” he explained.
Thibodeau says he hopes to have Penner in the lineup for the Barons’ AJHL Showcase trip this weekend.
The MOB will take on the Drumheller Dragons at 7pm on Friday (6:45pm broadcast on Country 93.3) and the Calgary Mustangs at 1:30 PM on Saturday (1:15 broadcast on 93.3).
