A gas turbine engine having a fluid transfer connection is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a first component configured to channel a flow of air from a portion of the gas turbine engine; a second component configured to receive the flow of air from the first component, wherein the first component and the second component are movable relative to one another; a sleeve portion disposed between the first component and the second component; and a spoolie device disposed within the sleeve portion, the spoolie device having elliptical shaped opposing ends, wherein the spoolie device bridges the first component and the second component to channel the flow of air from the first component to the second component.