The Okotoks Oilers brass will get a good look at the potential 2015/2016 team as the club's annual pre-season tournament kicks off Thursday.

Head Coach James Poole says the tournament isn't about winning or losing, but rather finding the right mix of players for the final roster.

"Results, we aren't too focused on this weekend," he says. "It's more about finding the players that are ready to play at this level, and play to the identity that we're looking for and looking to create. We're really excited about the young players we have, and we think the veterans have come back with the right mindset and the right attitude towards the year."

With a large turnover from the 2014/2015 roster, including a handful of players who left early to play post-secondary hockey, the Oilers have just nine returning players.

Poole says it may not be a large group of returnees, but he's confident in the ability of his veteran players.

"I think we have the right kids," he says. "All nine kids have really good attitudes, they're good people off the ice, and look like they're put in the work in the off-season, so we're looking forward to what they can bring to the team."

As the team slowly takes shape after main camp, Poole says there's plenty of chances for potential Oilers to make their mark during the tournament.

"It's an opportunity for our young players to step in and contribute right away," he says. "So far, they've brought a really good energy and intensity to our team, and I think right now we're excited about some of that new attitude we have for our team, and I think it's going to pay off with some good results."

A trio of the Oilers' rivals, the Drumheller Dragons, Brooks Bandits, and Calgary Mustangs will take part in the tournament.

The Oilers' first game goes 7:45 Thursday night against the Calgary Mustangs at the Centennial Arena.

They'll take on Drumheller Friday at 5 p.m. and wrap up the tournament against Brooks Saturday at 6 p.m.