Two BCHL Alberta Division rivals have struck a deal, with the Okotoks Oilers sending Thomas Matte to the Blackfalds Bulldogs in exchange for 2006-born forward Otto Hanson.
Matte played parts of two seasons with the Oilers with his debut coming in the 2022-2023 season and playing in four games for the Green and Gold in their last full season in the AJHL.
He would earn nine points in 33 regular season games for the Oilers and suited up for 10 games in the BCHL playoffs, adding an assist in the all-important game six against the Brooks Bandits. Matte would make a block on Bandits defenceman Ethan Beyer and then feed Jagger Tapper with a breakout pass where Tapper made no mistake, giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead.
Hanson joins the Green and Gold after starting his junior career with the Bulldogs at age 16. He played in only one game for Blackfalds in the 2021-2022 season to start his journey in the juniors. In the 2022-2023 season, Hanson played in a total of 47 games with 14 points, five of which came from goals.
Last season, Hanson suited up for 56 games for Blackfalds with 17 points. He is also committed to West Michigan University, the same school Oilers fan favourite Sam Huck is committed to.
Matte's impressive block and breakout pass in game six against Brooks can be seen below.