Woodall Riding Wave after Eye-Opening Experience at Oilers Camp

Windsor Spitfires defenceman Carson Woodall is back on home ice after a memorable stint with the Edmonton Oilers during their NHL training camp in September.

Source: Remo Agostino/Windsor Spitfires

The 19-year-old Belle River native was one of nine Spitfires' players skating along NHL players across the league — and the experience left a lasting impression.

“It was an incredible experience,” Woodall told Powerplay Sports. “Edmonton was very welcoming. To play in those two games and then come back here, you get a little extra confidence.”

Woodall said the opportunity to observe world-class talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl up close gave him new insight into what it takes to reach the highest level of the game.

“Got to play with some first-round NHL draft picks and just to see how hard they practice, how they treat their bodies… even going in the room and seeing how McDavid and Draisaitl are — the off-ice stuff they do and how long they’re there. The best guys were always the first ones in and the last to leave. Stuff like that. That’s what I learned most.”

He even shared a light-hearted moment when McDavid personally introduced himself to the group of young players — “as if we didn’t know who he was,” Woodall joked.

Another surreal moment came in the team cafeteria one morning.

“We (Woodall and his roommate) were talking to [GM] Stan Bowman and Draisaitl.' Woodall said as he described being the only ones in the room because it was so early. "Just incredible. I’m still a kid when it comes to that kinda stuff. Almost wanted to ask them for a picture — but we were having breakfast together. Incredible.”

Now back in Windsor, Woodall has carried that confidence into the OHL season. He’s off to a strong start, tallying seven assists in the Spitfires’ first five games, helping the team jump out to a 5-0 record.

While he's no longer sharing meals with NHL legends, Woodall’s time in Edmonton appears to be fueling his best hockey yet.

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