Kaid Oliver Honors Grandfather and Oil King Alumnus Garnet “Ace” Bailey

Kaid Oliver of the Edmonton Oil Kings will pay his late grandfather and Oil King alumni Garnet “Ace” Bailey tribute on Saturday against Lethbridge Hurricanes by wearing number 16 with an “Ace” name bar reminiscent of when he played for them.

Oliver hails from White Rock, BC and was selected by Victoria Royals as part of their 2015 WHL draft in the third round (57th overall). Later that April he was traded to Edmonton Oilers.

Early Life and Education

Kaid Oliver has been with Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League for four seasons and excels as a defensive player, making him a coach’s dream player.

“He is dyslexic. Though initially reluctant to open up about it, he now advocates on its behalf,” according to his bio.

He and his mother Sheralynn credit former NHL defenceman Brent Sopel for this. Sopel, himself diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, spent much of his career trying to keep it hidden from others.

Sopel’s story inspired Oliver Bailey, grandson of Oil Kings alumnus Garnet “Ace” Bailey, to advocate for himself and other kids who struggle with reading and writing. On Saturday against Lethbridge Hurricanes he will wear number 16 with an “Ace” name bar in honour of his late grandfather Garnet “Ace” Bailey.

Professional Career

Kaid Oliver has held professional membership with Edmonton Oil Kings, Iowa Wild, and Iowa Heartlanders while also competing in both World Championship and Memorial Cup tournaments.

Oliver Oliver has become an outspoken advocate for dyslexia due to his friendship with Brent Sopel. Before meeting Sopel, Oliver never imagined speaking openly about his struggles with dyslexia; since meeting him he has begun reading books for the first time and signed up for college courses.

This 22-year-old stands out among his peers with his high hockey IQ and offensive skillset, but what truly distinguishes him is his incredible faceoff winning percentage – second only in the league with 152 wins out of 251 draws so far this season!

Achievement and Honors

Kaid Oliver earned multiple accolades this season. He was honored as the team’s Unsung Hero, acknowledging his efforts on defense, dressing room and community service fronts. Additionally, he won Rookie of the Year, given to players who have demonstrated exceptional promise during their first full season with us.

Oliver will honor his late grandfather Garnet ‘Ace’ Bailey at Saturday’s game when wearing a special uniform featuring 16 with an “Ace Bailey” name bar – his jersey number when playing for Edmonton Oil Kings. Dylan Guenther and Oliver each scored twice as Edmonton rolled to an easy 7-2 win against Lethbridge Hurricanes Tuesday evening; Carlin Dezainde and Jalen Luypen also scored while goaltender Sebastian Cossa made 17 saves in net.

Personal Life

Kaid Oliver’s family has long had a close association with the Edmonton Oil Kings. His grandfather Garnet “Ace” Bailey played for them during their glory years of the 1960s, reaching two Memorial Cup finals and winning once.

Oliver will honor his late grandfather at Saturday’s game against Lethbridge Hurricanes by donning a number 16 jersey with Bailey written across its name bar – similar to one worn during his tenure with the club. Sheralynn Oliver anticipates it being an emotional night for her son.

Prior to meeting Sopel, Oliver never considered discussing his dyslexia openly; but now that he feels more at ease discussing it publicly and advocating on their behalf. Additionally, Oliver has begun reading more books and signed up for a college course!