It’s not everyday fans get to hear directly from an Edmonton Oilers prospect. We here at the Oil Rig were able to catch up for a one-on-one chat with Oilers prospect, and Barrie Colts defender, Beau Akey after a 7–4 win versus the Niagara Icedogs. He speaks on his favourite player, memory, and some of the activities Team Canada got up to at the World Juniors.
Below is the transcribed interview from March 11’s post-game interview.
Growing up did you have a favourite player, if so who was it and why?
Akey: “My favourite player growing up was always Drew Doughty, so I kinda just liked gone to [cheering for] him, and when he went to L.A. after that I had cheered for them for a little bit because of him. Never cheered for them too hardcore, but I always just loved Drew Doughty.”
TR: “A solid defenceman and a solid player absolutely.”
You wear number 86, did you get to pick the number you wear, and if so is there any meaning behind it?
Akey: “Yeah I actually got to pick the number at the start of my junior career. It was pretty random, I just thought ‘hey what’s a cool number?’ and I thought of 86, and that was that.”
TR: “Yeah, looks cool and works right?”
Akey: “Exactly.”
Do you have a favourite hockey memory?
Akey: “It would have to be just recently. Playing at the World Juniors was a dream come true, and it was a great experience all around.”
TR: “Funny you say that, because you guessed it the next question has to do with your World Juniors experience.”
What was your experience like at the Canadian World Juniors Camp this last tournament? What was it like playing for Canada and seeing the facilities and everything?
Akey: “Yeah it was awesome. You got treated so well. We got treated like a professional, we even got to use the Ottawa Senators facilities, it was unbelievable. Hockey Canada does a great job, and it was really just a privilege to be there.”
TR: “Did you have a favourite part about your off-ice time at World Juniors?”
Akey: “It was pretty cool when we got to go to a military camp in Ottawa. [Team Canada] got to fly in a military helicopter. It was really fun and a good time.”
TR: “Definitely not an everyday thing.”
Akey: “Definitely not.”
What part of your game are you focusing on this season, what area do you personally want to improve the most?
Akey: “I think the defensive side of the game, just trying to be strong and own my defence, and my play in the defensive zone.”
What is it like having a fellow Oilers draft pick and prospect in Dalyn Wakely on your team?
Akey: “It’s pretty cool, having Wakely. I met him at training camp and then got to know him a bit there. It was funny how the trades worked out and with [Barrie] and he ended up coming over to Barrie. It’s cool having that bond and being able to take it over to the next level.”
What are you most looking forward to in Edmonton, when you take that next step in your career?
Akey: “Honestly just playing there, the fans are unbelieveable, and the Oilers just have such a good fanbase so that’ll be exciting, and playing for the city will be pretty cool.”
We at the Oil Rig want to thank the Barrie Colts for being so accommodating and helping us put this interview together. Are there any questions we missed that you would’ve liked us to ask? Are there any other prospects you’d like us to talk with?
Let us know in the comments for next time.
Photo provided from the Barrie Colts
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