‘I’m ready in this next chapter’
Kirt Hill, a hockey enthusiast who grew up in the Maples, had a lifelong dream of winning the Stanley Cup. From a young age, he spent countless hours on the outdoor rink, dreaming of the day he would lift the championship trophy. As he progressed through the minor hockey system, into the Winnipeg Hawks and Thrashers, and later the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna Rockets, that dream remained alive and well.
However, after a trade to the Regina Pats and a short stint in the USHL, Hill had a change of perspective. "In Regina, as a 19-year-old and seeing how good they were, I kind of knew the writing was on the wall for me," he said during a recent telephone interview from Edmonton. While his hockey journey took a different turn, it was far from over.
In May, Hill was named assistant general manager of player procurement with the Edmonton Oilers. He had previously served as the GM of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL for eight years. Hill's promotion to the NHL offers a unique synergy, as the Oilers Entertainment Group owns the Oil Kings. Hill reflected on his time managing the Oil Kings, mentioning the professional development opportunities he sought and the chance to sit in meetings and support the team.
With a competitive window at the Edmonton Oilers, led by stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, Hill is eager to see the team succeed. He recognizes the historic nature of the organization and the difficulty of winning in the NHL. Hill has witnessed the Oilers' close calls in the past, which only adds to his excitement about the current pursuit.
Hill's journey from junior hockey to the NHL is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. After his playing days, he chose to pursue higher education at the University of Waterloo, using his WHL scholarship money to fund his degree. Upon retirement, Hill accepted a marketing internship with the Ottawa Senators, where he built valuable relationships with various clubs and stakeholders within the league.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
