NAHL Alumnus, Owen Michaels, Signs NHL Contract with the Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that former Bismarck Bobcat forward Owen Michaels has signed a one-year entry-level NHL contract beginning in the 2025-26 season.

Michaels just finished his junior season with the Western Michigan University Broncos. The former Bobcat served as the captain this season while playing a key offensive role during his tenure with the Broncos. He skated in 119 collegiate games, spotlighting 66 points. This season, the Michigan native laced up in 39 games for Western Michigan, tallying 13 goals and 13 assists. In addition, Michaels was named as a Hobey Baker Award nominee in his 2025-26 campaign.

His sophomore season was when Michaels played a key role in helping Western Michigan capture their first NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Championship title. In the Broncos’ semifinal win over Denver University, the former Bobcat scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner, helping to send his team to the championship matchup. In the title contest, Michaels scored two goals against Boston University, lifting his team to a championship win. His efforts in the Frozen Four earned him the recognition as the Most Outstanding Player for the 2025 NCAA tournament. That season, the ‘02 skater scored 18 goals while producing 18 assists for Western Michigan. He ranked as one of the top scorers on the team, ranking third overall with his 36 points on the season.

For his three-year collegiate career at Western Michigan, Michaels spotlights 33 goals and 36 assists.

Prior to skating collegiately, Michaels had a two-year career in the NAHL, playing with the Bismarck Bobcats from 2020 to 2022. He played a total of 91 career games wearing the Bismarck sweater. He notched 14 goals and 39 assists in his time playing in the League of Opportunity.