By Luke McGinnis
Born in St Albert, Alberta, which is situated on the outskirts of Edmonton, Travis grew up in one of Canada’s most passionate hockey markets where the sport is woven into everyday life.
“Ever since I can remember, hockey has been at the forefront of my life. I was very fortunate to be raised in a hockey family, where my sister also played and my parents were always extremely supportive and involved.
“Growing up in Edmonton meant daily trips to the outdoor rink after school, no matter the weather, endless games of street hockey in the summers and basement mini-stick battles. These did lead to a few holes in the walls…”
After playing Triple A minor hockey in his hometown of St Albert, Ewanyk was selected 48th overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2008 WHL Prospects Draft.
Over the next four seasons with the Oil Kings, he quickly became a key member of one of Canadian junior hockey’s strongest teams, playing alongside notable names such as Laurent Brossoit, Tristan Jarry, Curtis Lazar and Griffin Reinhart.
“When I was drafted to the Oil Kings, they were still a new franchise after leaving Edmonton many years prior. The opportunity to build our own history was exciting.
“It was a great experience to be a part of building a new culture, and we felt something new being built from the ground up with every season. The original Oil Kings had a rich history and strong fan base in Edmonton, and we really felt this come back to life.”
His journey with the Oil Kings peaked during the 2011/12 season, when he helped the club claim the first WHL Championship in franchise history before advancing to the Memorial Cup.
“Any player who wins a championship at any level will say how special the feeling is, and this was no different.
“We were a group of young players who had started our junior careers together and built an extremely strong and tight team. Winning at home in front of a sold-out NHL arena with our own team logo on the ice will be a memory I will never forget.
“Almost every player and coach from that team moved on to play professional hockey, and to this day I cross paths on the ice and in life with teammates from that team.”
Ahead of the 2011/12 season, Ewanyk heard his name called by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, with his hometown club selecting him in the third round, 74th overall. For a player who had grown up supporting the Oilers, it represented the culmination of years of hard work.
“Out of all of my hockey memories, some of my fondest were going to Oilers games with my dad growing up. I sported many Oilers jerseys and hats growing up, and the school trips to skate where the Oilers played were always a highlight of the year.
“When I was drafted and presented with my own Oilers jersey and hat with my name on the back, it was a surreal experience. Stepping into that locker room on my first day of training camp and sharing it with players I grew up watching was an incredible feeling.”
Two years later, that dream took another step forward when Ewanyk signed his first professional contract with the Oilers organisation, officially beginning his professional career with the club he had supported growing up.
“Signing my first professional contract with the Edmonton Oilers was an honour and an extremely exciting milestone in my professional career.
“Playing the following two years for their AHL affiliate team in Oklahoma City was a whirlwind of new hockey and life experiences. I will always remember the NHL camps I attended with Edmonton and the great players and coaches I got to spend seasons with in Oklahoma City.
“I learned a lot about what professional hockey was and the ups and downs that it entails.”
Although his professional career would eventually take him across North America and Europe, the lessons he learned during his years in Edmonton have remained with him throughout his journey.
“Looking back now, my years with the Oil Kings and Oilers organisation feel far away, yet the memories and everything it taught me in hockey and life remain.
“I was very fortunate to be able to start my junior career at home and build a winning history with a new team entering the league. I will always remember my first NHL training camp and wearing the Oilers jersey in those pre-season games for the first time, and what it meant after sitting in that very arena as a child growing up in Edmonton.
“Although my career has led me far from Edmonton through many leagues and countries, it will always be a time in my career I am proud of and feel very grateful to have experienced.”
Now entering his 14th professional season, and his first with the Dundee Stars, Ewanyk continues to bring the same work ethic, leadership and team-first mentality that made him such a respected figure throughout his junior and professional career.
