JUNIOR OILERS

TEAM STAFF

JUNIOR OILERS BLUE

The Junior Oilers organization is absolutely thrilled to announce that Nathan Papirny, the reigning 2025-26 AEHL U18 AAA champion, is officially returning to the Junior Oilers Blue bench for the 2026–27 season. Widely recognized as one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the league, Papirny continues to set the standard for excellence, leadership, and elite player development.

This marks Nathan’s fifth season leading Team Blue and his 11th season overall as a Head Coach at the U18 AAA level. His coaching journey is rooted in deep experience within the Edmonton hockey community, having spent over a decade with the South Side Athletic Club (SSAC) across U16 AAA and U18 AAA programs before joining the Junior Oilers. Throughout his career, he has also contributed his expertise to the Alberta Cup as an Assistant Coach for Team Edmonton South.

Coming off a historic 2025–26 season where he set new program records for both wins and points (29-6-2-1), Papirny’s championship pedigree is undeniable. In the 2024–25 campaign, he led Team Blue to a 23-9-5-1 record, finishing 3rd in the North Division and 4th overall. His teams are perennial AEHL U18AAA contenders, also maintaining a consistent invite presence at prestigious events like the Circle K Classic.

Beyond the standings, Papirny is a proven developer of talent. He has helped produce countless Junior affiliations as well as Junior and Major Junior signings, with several of his players earning AEHL awards and all-star recognition. His impact lies in his ability to instill a culture of integrity, accountability, and teamwork, values that mirror the Junior Oilers' proud identity.

Nathan is a rare breed of leader; he combines a relentless work ethic and high energy with a humble, approachable nature that makes him a pillar of the community. Respected by players, families, and staff alike, his consistency and mentorship make him a true cornerstone of the organization. We are excited to have his record-breaking momentum leading the way for another season of excellence.

Team Blue Staff:

  • Nathan Papirny | Head Coach

  • John McMillan | Assistant Coach

  • Jason Papirny | Assistant Coach

  • Jason Malkewich | Assistant Coach

  • Devin Papirny | Assistant Coach

  • Lisa Tellefson | Team Manager

  • Dan Kordic | Player Development Coach

  • Dustin Schwartz | Player Development Coach

  • Ian Gordon | Goalie Development Coach

  • Fahreen Rayani | Mental Performance Coach

  • Billy Moores | Coach Mentor

  • Rob Lee | Team Operations Director

JUNIOR OILERS ORANGE

Junior Oilers Orange is proud to welcome Brett Cox as their new Head Coach, bringing a wealth of elite-level experience and a proven track record of success within the Alberta hockey landscape. A native of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; Cox joins the program with a coaching resume that spans nearly 30 years across the AJHL, WHL, and AEHL. His leadership has been recognized at the highest levels of the province, highlighted by being named the AEHL U18AAA Coach of the Year in 2022 and the AJHL Coach of the Year in 2007.

Cox’s extensive background in the U18AAA stream is a significant asset to the Junior Oilers Orange team. He most recently served as an Assistant Coach with the St. Albert Raiders U18AAA team and previously spent four seasons leading the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers U18AAA program as their Head Coach. His experience also includes significant tenures as a Head Coach in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, Olds Grizzlys, and Fort Saskatchewan Traders, as well as time behind the bench in the Western Hockey League as an Assistant Coach with the Spokane Chiefs.

Beyond his coaching credentials, Cox brings the perspective of a high-level player to the bench. He was a standout for the University of Alberta (CIAU) for four seasons, tallying over 100 points during his collegiate career, and represented Team Canada on the international stage during the 1992-93 season.

With his deep understanding of player advancement and his history of championship-caliber leadership, Cox is well-positioned to guide the Junior Oilers Orange athletes in their pursuit of athletic and personal excellence. He will bring energy, accountability, and lead in building a positive culture of excellence built on professionalism, respect, and energy.

Team Orange Staff:

  • Brett Cox | Head Coach

  • Dan Kordic | Player Development Coach

  • Dustin Schwartz | Player Development Coach

  • Dave Rathjen | Goalie Development Coach

  • Nicolas Allen | Mental Performance Coach

  • Billy Moores | Coach Mentor

  • Rob Lee | Team Operations Director

JUNIOR OILERS WHITE

Doug Auchenberg has been named the next Head Coach of the Junior Oilers White U18AAA team, beginning in the 2026-27 season. Doug brings an exceptional resume and a diverse skillset to the program, and we are beyond excited to have a coach of his high character and caliber taking over the leadership of our female team.

Doug is a Hockey Canada NCCP HP1 Certified Coach and a Hockey Canada NCCP Certified Skills Coach, representing the highest levels of national coaching and skill development education. His deep understanding of the game is rooted in a distinguished playing career that spans the AJHL, WHL, NCAA, and CIS levels. Most recently, Doug served as the Head Coach of the SSAC U17AAA team, where he orchestrated a significant program turnaround. Under his guidance, the team improved from a 10-17-7 regular season record to an impressive 18-12-4 in 2024-25, followed by a stellar 20-9-5 finish this 2025-26 season. In addition to his recent success as Head Coach with the Beverly Warriors Jr. B team, Doug has remained a dedicated scout for the AJHL’s Grande Prairie Storm since 2020.

Notably, Doug’s experience in female hockey includes a highly successful tenure as an Assistant Coach with the St. Albert Slash from 2020 to 2023. During this time, he took on key roles in special teams, forward development, and recruitment, contributing to three AFHL Championships, three Pacific Regional Championships, and three Esso Cup national titles. This championship pedigree, combined with a coaching philosophy centered on accountability, habit-based instruction, and elite skill development, aligns perfectly with our program vision, mandate, and developmental goals.

His emphasis on a positive culture and a consistent winning pedigree will ensure our team remains a perennial national championship contender. Joel Lenius will work closely with Doug to assist with finalizing his coaching staff and recruiting an exceptional roster for the upcoming season. We are incredibly excited for this next stage in our program and believe Doug is the ideal person to continue our success in player development, promotion, and, most importantly, an exceptional team culture.

Team White Staff:

  • Doug Auchenberg | Head Coach

  • Megan Goebel | Associate Coach

  • Sage Sansregret | Assistant Coach

  • Jeff Willan | Assistant Coach

  • Isabelle Lajoie | Assistant Coach

  • Dane Auchenberg | Assistant Coach

  • Joel Lenius | Player Development Coach

  • Dan Kordic | Player Development Coach

  • Stephen Zipp | Player Development Coach

  • Jamie McCaig | Goalie Development Coach

  • Fahreen Rayani | Mental Performance Coach

  • Billy Moores | Coach Mentor

  • Ty Prediger | Scouting & Recruitment Manager

  • Deborah Rhodes | Team Operations Director

  • Alister Matthew | Team Operations Director