The Estevan U14 Oilers are entering the 2025 season with a fresh roster, new energy, and plenty of excitement as they prepare for their first game on August 29 in Moose Jaw against the Raiders.
Last season, the Oilers had a remarkable campaign, finishing third in the league and capping it off with a 13-6 victory over the Moose Jaw Vikings in their final game. With only two losses throughout the season, the team’s resilience and growth set a strong foundation for the years to come.
Head coach Christian Pfiefer said only four players are returning from that roster, with the majority of last year’s squad moving on to high school. This year, the Oilers will rely heavily on new and first-time players to carry the team forward.
“It’s always exciting to see these new players grow their interest in football and develop skills they can use to have success on the field,” Pfiefer said. “A lot of them have never played before, so this is a great opportunity to see where they fit best.”
Pfiefer also emphasized the broader approach to player development in Estevan Minor Football. “All of us coaches throughout all the levels work really closely to make sure that our development goes seamlessly from the first age group all the way through to high school,” he said.
The Oilers will open the season with a 23-player roster. While not large for 12-man football, Pfiefer said the focus is on teamwork, skill-building, and giving each player the tools to succeed.
For Pfiefer, one of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching players move on and use what they’ve learned at higher levels. “We only get the kids for two years,” he said. “It’s a good thing and a bad thing. We don’t like to see them graduate, but it’s always nice to see them take the skills they learn and apply them to the next level.”
And there’s still room for players to join the team. “We’re always welcoming new players, even if they join a little later than some others. We’ll never turn a player away if they want to check it out,” Pfiefer said.
With a fresh roster and a full season ahead, the Estevan Oilers are ready to build on last year’s success and write a new chapter for their program.