Troy Stecher breaks his silence about being ready for the NHL
As the Highly anticipated NHL regular season comes knocking on our doorstep, only a few spots on the Oilers roster remain up for grabs.
The battle for the second defensive pairing on the right side has been an absolutely thrilling to watch all preseason. Ty Emberson has been named the likely candidate to take home the job beside Darnell Nurse, but not before Troy Stecher has anything to say about it first.
In a recent interview with Oilers insider Jason Gregor, Stecher spoke to the opportunity ahead of him, and what it means for him to seize the moment.
We discussed the competition, his path to the NHL, why he signed in Edmonton and where he feels he can contribute.
Jason Gregor: There are two openings on the right side, and four players competing for those spots. How are you approaching the battle for ice time?
Troy Stetcher: I'm just kind of focused on myself right now and making sure I'm putting my best foot forward and giving my best effort every single day. At the end of the day whatever's going to help the team win is what I want to do. I think, not to change your question, but I think you look at the offseason a lot of guys took less. I'm not one of those guys by any means, but I definitely wanted to be a part of this culture and be a part of this team.
Gregor: How have you been able to excel being a smaller defenseman and playing tougher minutes? Is it quick stick, quick feet? What allows you to defend well?
Stetcher: I think more than anything, it's just limited defending where you can break a puck out quick, so you're not spending time in your own zone. I think that's the most important and second, just having a really good stick and lastly, I'm not scared to get hit. I'm not saying guys are scared to go in a corner, but I'm kind of fearless in that regard where, I don't know, I'll just throw a name out, Ryan Reeves, that doesn't really bother me going in a corner against him.
I think Oilers fans across the board are rooting for Stecher. The fanbase got a glimpse of his grit during the 2024 playoffs, and the Oilers could surely use some of that this upcoming season.
source: Oilers Nation
Troy Stecher is ready for an opportunity with the Oilers
