Andrew Oke modeled the new Vaughn SLR4 goaltending equipment for the Michigan-based company this August. (Photo by Michael Caples/Take Your Shot Photography)
By Yousef Enayah –
TROY – World Junior Summer Showcase. Arizona Coyotes training camp. Memorial Cup on the horizon.
And some modeling work? Talk about a unique off-season for Andrew Oke.
To kick off a big year for the Saginaw Spirit, the Utica native and expected No. 1 netminder for the OHL club hosting the Memorial Cup was chosen to be a model for the release of Vaughn Hockey’s latest line of goaltending equipment, the SLR4.
Although Oke is used to being the center of attention on the ice, he said making saves under flashing lights in front of video and photo crews was certainly a new experience.
“This was the first video shoot that I’ve ever done, so just kind of being out there and getting used to it – just getting used to sliding and trying to look good for the camera,” Oke said. “I thought it was awesome. I would definitely do it again if I had the chance.”
Photo by Michael Caples/Take Your Shot Photography
Oke earned rave reviews for his performance in front of the cameras, which came as no surprise to his equipment reps.
“Drew was incredible,” said Scott Hughes, director of pro sales for Vaughn. “He’s got immaculate vibes and we got to witness it firsthand while he was having a blast during the shoot! While we want to make sure we’re getting the shots we need, we want all the goalies to have fun with it as well, show a little personality. As goalies that’s not something we always get to do past customizing the gear, but we can tell Drew loves hockey and stopping pucks.
“As a person, Drew is the type of goalie you just love hanging out with. We deal with a lot of athletes at this higher level, but when you meet Drew he’s a very genuine person and you just love to root for him. His compete is incredible, and work ethic is unmatched. We’re very excited to see what he has in store for us this season with Saginaw.”
Oke (left) starred in Vaughn’s SLR4 photo and videoshoot alongside (in order) Belle Tire goaltender Natalie Jordan, Compuware goaltender Henry May and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.
Along with doing some modeling this year, Oke is expected to have the opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup, which will be hosted by the Spirit after they won the bid to host the historic championship tournament that annually crowns the champion of the Canadian Hockey League.
This will be the first time a Michigan city hosts the Memorial Cup and will also mark 26 years since an American city hosted it, with the Chiefs of Spokane, Washington being the last to do it in 1998. The host team gets an automatic bid to the tournament, regardless of how they finish the regular season and league playoffs.
Oke understands that this may be one of the biggest years for both he and the city of Saginaw, and he is looking forward to the opportunities that it presents.
Photo by Michael Caples/Take Your Shot Photography
“Its huge for the city of Saginaw,” said Oke. “The upgrades we’re doing to our rink and just the community, everybody’s pumped about it.
“I can’t wait.”
Alongside Oke and the rest of the Spirit, the other three teams that will be competing in the Memorial Cup will be the playoff champions of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
There is no set date yet but the event will take place next spring at the Dow Event Center, which is renovating the complex in preparation for the Memorial Cup and the fan and media attention the tournament brings.
