Dueling Defence

The strategy behind Edmonton’s first ever selection in an entry draft was to pick a player who would be a steady presence on the blue line and have leadership qualities and skill. Their man was Kevin Lowe, a player whose skills have set the precedent for all defencemen playing in Edmonton colours.

The smooth transition from offence to defense, and then back again, is how Edmonton defencemen play the game. It’s one part intelligence – read the opposing team and pressure them to make mistakes. One part positional play – take a man and cut him off from the puck. Another part hard work – a defenseman must find ways to sacrifice the body and never fold in the defensive zone. And finally one part skill – turn the puck up-ice and create chances to score.

Define the qualities of the best defencemen of the game, and you need not look further then a roster of the Edmonton Oilers. Al Hamilton, Charlie Huddy, Lee Fogolin, Randy Gregg and Paul Coffey are names synonymous with great defensive ability.

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