After 1-0 loss to the Brooks Bandits in their final pre-season tournament game, the Okotoks Oilers saw what they were made of Saturday night.

Despite the loss the Oilers played well enough to stay close with a more experienced Bandit team, backed by a 33 save effort from sophomore goaltender Riley Morris.

Second year forward Nolan Thompson credits the young Oiler roster for giving their all against the Bandits.

"We were with them all night I think," he says. "I think we'll have them any other night, the bounces weren't going our way so next time I expect a 'W'".

The Oilers finished 1-2 at their tournament that included the Bandits, Drumheller Dragons and Calgary Mustangs.

Thompson says playing the way they did against Brooks in the finale was good measuring stick for the rest of pre-season.

"They're obviously heavily favored as they always are but I thought we stuck with them all game, with all those others game I thought we all played well especially with such a young squad we really stuck in there."

The Oilers have three more exhibition games before their season opener September 16th, and Thompson says it's been a hard working pre-season for himself and the potential Oilers trying to crack the roster.

"Guys are trying to make teams and buying in is the best way to do that," he says. "Lot of guys want to make an impression blocking shots and blocking lanes, putting your body on the line is a good way to do that."

The Oilers face the Calgary Canucks in their next pre-season game at Pason Centennial Arena on Saturday night.