Oilers invite 3 female hockey players to join NHL development camp roster

In a historic first for NHL development camps, the Edmonton Oilers have invited three female hockey players to join their roster. Caitlin Kraemer, Abbey Murphy, and Chloe Primerano are participating in the team's three-day summer development camp at Rogers Place.

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I was in the car with my dad, and I thought it was spam.

Kraemer, from Waterloo, Ontario, currently plays for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She described receiving the invitation from the Oilers' general manager as initially unbelievable, thinking it was spam. Her experience at the camp reminded her of her time with the Canadian National Women's U-18 team, noting the elevated level of play.

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Oh, it was tough. It reminded me of my first skate with the senior women’s team. Just another level. Something that you’re excited about because it pushes you.

U.S. Olympic gold medalist Abbey Murphy and Vancouver's Chloe Primerano also joined the camp. Primerano, who narrowly missed out on the 2026 Canadian Olympic team, sees this camp as a crucial step in strengthening her skills for future international opportunities. She emphasized that "everything is earned, nothing is given."

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Everything is earned. Nothing is given. This is just the first step.

Both Kraemer and Primerano expressed their gratitude for the experience. Primerano highlighted the professional environment and top-notch facilities, calling it "something I've never seen before." Kraemer shared that wearing an Oilers jersey was a dream come true, a sentiment she held since childhood, even when making the NHL seemed unrealistic.

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It’s so professional and top-notch. You see the facilities and everything provided here. It’s something I’ve never seen before.