Last Chance for Mascot Submission

Today is the last day for submissions to Prodigal Hockey for the "Name the Mascot" contest. You have until 11:59pm to make your submission. If you are the winner of the "Name the Mascot" contest. You will receive a trip for 2, down to watch the Edmonton Oilers take on the Dallas Stars in 2010-11 season.

Adios My Friends, I'm On Holidays

I'm finally going to take a holiday. That's right, Smokin' Ray is taking a break. I'm taking the wife and kids and we are heading to the big town of Williams Lake, BC for my cousin Dan's wedding. We are a very large Ukrainian family (over 300 in Canada and another 150 or so in Ukraine) and that means we eat, drink, sing and we drink some more. So as always, we will have a good time. ; )

So you won't see me around here for a few days and I'll trust the other two stooges, I mean good guys (Eric Rodgers and Scott from OilFieldHockey.com), to take care of this joint. Let me know if they mess things up while I'm gone. *wink*

I will tweet all weekend so follow me and my drunken shenanigans at www.twitter.com/OilersJambalaya

See you all back here on Wednesday. GODRUNKGUY! WooOOooOOooOOo!!!

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Who Will it Be?

Just about a week after the "Official" announcement of the Oklahoma City Barons. The Oilers are still looking for a General Manager to over see the Barons. There have been a couple of names mentioned in the Edmonton media. On who just might replace Kevin Prendergast as the Oilers assistant GM. Scott Bonner of the Vancouver Giants was the lead candidate to take the position. But a report from CKNW in Vancouver, is stating the Bonner will remain with the Vancouver Giants. After meeting with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, just a couple weeks ago. Bob Tory and Gavin Hamilton are also candidates for the position. No word if Tory or Hamilton have been contacted by the Oilers in regards to the vacancy . With the rapidly approaching date of July 1st, when AHL free agency starts. And no head coach named for the Barons, even though Rob Daum is likely to remain as head coach. It remains to be seen on how long this process will take to get a GM, and a head coach in place for Oklahoma City. Let's just hope it gets done before the middle of June, because after that Oklahoma City just might start out being behind.

Update: Oilfieldhockey tweeted to Prodigal, and asked the question about a time frame of filling the GM and Head Coach positions. And we were told that there is no timetable to fill those positions.

Stockton Thunder Fan Contest / Enter Now

''How All Out Are You?'' Let Us Know!

05/24/2010 4:26 PM - Contest winners get VIP treatment through StocktonThunder.com, all entries eligible for game-worn Thunder jersey from 09-10
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GET YOUR SUBMISSION IN: CLICK HERE TO ENTER

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," has launched an online contest titled "How All Out Are You?" through the team's official website, http://www.stocktonthunder.com/, inviting Thunder fans to get creative and show their Thunder allegiance.

Where were you when Ryan Constant was mobbed by his teammates in triple OT? What does it mean to you?

(photo by George Steckler)

The contest, already underway, awards a handful of prizes to lucky winners with the most unique, remarkable and exhilarating story of the season. Among the giveaways will be a grand prize which features a V.I.P. experience for a night, topped off by luxury suite and pizza party accommodations at Stockton Arena at a Thunder home game in 2010-11.

Every submission is automatically entered to win an authentic, game-worn Thunder player jersey from the 2009-10 season. Fans can enter by accessing the contest link at the home page of StocktonThunder.com, where they will be asked to show their spirit by written submission, video, or photo.

Fans are asked to tag their submissions on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr with the tag, #thunderallout.

Fans may also submit on the Thunder's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/StocktonThunder

Whether it's a story of how you celebrated each Thunder playoff victory, a photo of you and your favorite player, or a video of a road trip you went on to show off your loyalty and passion for Thunder hockey, virtually any creative expression of fandom is welcome to be shared and is eligible for the contest.

The runner-up will receive first prize honors which include six tickets for a Thunder home game in 2010-11 special "on-the-bench" access to view pre-game warm-ups before the game and an invitation to drop the ceremonial puck before the game's opening faceoff.

The second prize winner receives six tickets to a Thunder home game in 2010-11 and a private, "meet-and-greet" with a Thunder player of their choice before the game while the winner of the third prize receives an authentic game-worn jersey from the 09-10 season.Submissions will be shared on the Thunder website and winners will be announced on July 12.

The Thunder recently toppled the 30-win plateau for the third time in five seasons, advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and completed their deepest playoff run in club history - their first trip to the Conference Finals - where they were defeated by the #1 Idaho Steelheads, 4-2 in a best-of-seven series.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL)*

The Edmonton Oilers Roster, Before The Big Change

I had an idea after talking with some of my tweeps on Twitter. Maybe we should take a premature look at what the Oilers roster may look like next season.

This is a look at the Oilers they way they stand starting July 1st, plus/minus a few additions.

Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Jason Strudwick and Aaron Johnson are Unrestricted Free Agents and we will assume that none of the get signed by the Oilers except Aaron Johnson. He played well and I could see the Oilers signing him for this next season as they need the help on defence.

Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Marc Pouliot, Gilbert Brule, Ryan Potulny, JF Jacques, Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Deslauriers are all Restricted Free Agents and we will assume they all do get contracts from the Oilers. At this time, I have no idea on what will happen with JDD and DD. Both won't be on the Oilers and will one of them clear waivers and play in OKC? Will one of the be traded?

Also for the exercise, I'm going to include Taylor Hall (we all know he will be #1) and Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson. Judging by the way MPS had his season end, I think it propels him enough to concentrate this summer on working hard and he makes the team at the start of the year. Mind you, if he doesn't sign a contract, he won't be in North America next season as I'm sure he'll elect to stay in Sweden. But for this exercise, he signs a contract and makes the team (which I think will happen).

Even though I just said the opposite a few days ago, Jordan Eberle will have his and all his admirers hearts broken (mine included) when Tambellini sends him down to play with the Barons to start the year. Unless Eberle works his butt off all summer and comes to camp stronger, I don't see him making the team over MPS. On the plus side, the OKC Barons will need some hype to get people in the seats and Jordan Eberle can do that. He may just be the leader down there for the time being. The Oilers want winners at all levels and including Eberle to the Barons roster helps. I guess I just needed a day or two before I said that Eberle will be on the Oilers team. Oops! In my opinion, MPS just looked so great at the Worlds, it made me rethink that whole scenario that I talked about a few days ago.

We will also assume that Robert Nilsson, Ethan Moreau and Patrick O'Sullivan are not on the Oilers next season. They will either go to the OKC Barons or they are bought out.

**Unless changes are made -- and Tambellini said there will be -- this will be close to the opening day roster IMO.**

FORWARDS

Magnus Pääjärvi    Shawn Horcoff      Ales Hemsky
Taylor Hall               Sam Gagner        Dustin Penner
Gilbert Brule           Ryan Potulny     Andrew Cogliano
Ryan Stone              Marc Pouliot        Zack Stortini

SPARES: Ryan Jones, JF Jacques, Jordan Eberle, Liam Reddox

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DEFENCE

Ryan Whitney      Tom Gilbert
(Souray Trade)   Ladislav Smid
Taylor Chorney  Aaron Johnson

SPARES: (edit:) Jason Strudwick, Theo Peckham, Dean Arsene, Jeff Petry, Johan Motin

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GOALIES

Nikolai Khabibulin
Devan Dubnyk or Jeff Deslauriers

SPARES: Bryan Pitton, Olivier Roy

------------------------------------------------------------

Now that I actually spent the time writing it all out, the Oilers look terrible.

Losing Souray is going to hurt. The defence crew doesn't look very promising at all. If you really try to win games with a Chorney/Johnson pair then you are in trouble. I'm curious to see who the Oilers get back in the Souray trade. But regardless, the Oilers should pick up a 3-4 pairing guy on top of who they get in the Souray trade. They will need experience to teach the kids and his name is NOT Jason Strudwick.

Goaltending has some issues to work out as well. That's a mess I won't get into.

Judging by the Oilers forwards, they still need a good defensive type center who can win draws. Unless the Oilers find a guy for the top two lines, it appears that the 3rd line center won't be Shawn Horcoff (even though I think that's where he belongs).

By looking at this list, it very clear the Oilers have a lot of work to do this summer. I'm sure glad that my name is Smokin' Ray Burnt and NOT Steve Tambellini. At least my summer is going to be fun.

-Written by Smokin' Ray at Oilers Jambalaya-

The Barons' Barn

The Cox Convention Center(a.k.a. The Myriad) opened up to the pubic in November 1972. And has been hosts to several concerts from Elvis Presley to Guns n Roses. And is now home to the Oklahoma City Barons, and the Arena portion of the Convention Center. It's the 3rd time in the Arena's history that home to a profressional hockey team. The arena for Ice Hockey can hold up to 13,399 people according to the Wikipedia article. The Arena is under going a 4.5 million dollar renovation to bring the ice plant, locker rooms, and restrooms up to standards. This renovation plan was instrumental in bringing the Oilers top farm team to Oklahoma City. And it hasn't cost the taxpayers any additional funding through a sales tax.The Arena has a really nice scoreboard in place to give you, as you can see from this picture. It has to video boards on either end of the ice, so that fans don't miss out on any of the action. And just from the low ceiling that's it's going to be the loudest arena in the AHL. Opponents and Referees don't know what is going to hit them once set foot in "The Barons' Barn".

Edmond Von Derrick / OKC Barons Name The Mascot Contest

So I head over to the new http://www.okcbarons.com/ on this snowy Alberta morning to fill out the entry form for the new NAME THE MASCOT contest. Well it turns out that you not only do you have to be a resident of the United States, you must live in Oklahoma.

WHAT!?! That's crazy talk.

I live in Canada and we always get stiffed on contests and promotions that are held in the States. Like for example, I think could do really well on Survivor or Big Brother, but I'm Canadian so I can't go on the show. Stupid!

So as I sit at home and get burned again on a contest that I put a lot of thought into. Before you say it. I know, I should have read the rules BEFORE I spent time on this. I thought to myself, I'm going to tell the world anyways. So here it is.

The name "Edmond Von Derrick" is my submission for the name the mascot contest.

Get it? Edmond is Edmonton. Von is very Barons like and Derrick is well... for the oil derricks.

I like it and that's why I'm bummed I can't enter.

I guess I should be use to being Canadian. Even the NHL screws us. *cough* Early game on a Saturday. IT'S SATURDAY!!! You know. Hockey NIGHT in Canada. Not Hockey Afternoon in the United States. It's our game, show some respect. Geez.

Anyways... I'm not bitter this morning. I just needed to vent. lol. Thanks for listening and have a happy Sunday.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

OKC Barons / The Possible Lines For 2010/11

With all the hype right now about the new Oklahoma City Barons, I figured I'd do up some possible lines for the upcoming season.

Be warned. These lines most likely won't happen whether it's because of contracts or a player decides to play back in Europe or something else that I can't predict. I just thought it would be fun to dream for a moment.

FORWARDS

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson  Chris Minard           Jordan Eberle
Linus Omark                   Teemu Hartikainen        Toni Rajala
Liam Reddox                  Chris Vande Velde       Philippe Cornet
Viacheslav Trukhno           Ryan O'Marra          Matt Marquardt

Forward Spares: Geoff Paukovich, Milan Kytnar, Colin MacDonald

Smokin' Ray Says: I don't see Eberle or MPS being on this team. If anything, Eberle makes the Oilers and MPS plays one more year in the SEL as he still has no contract. I also noticed that the Oilers are weak in the Right Wing position even with the prospects. If I was the Oilers, I would be drafting RW players at this years draft as much as possible. I am also not 100% clear if Rajala can play in the AHL next season or not, but I do know he has to go back to Finland for some military obligations at some point in his life. I need to check into that further. If say if 4 or more players that I have listed don't play in OKC next season, then the Oilers/Barons need to find some guys to fills some shoes. As is, this is a good forward group. Lose those players I mentioned, and it doesn't look that good. But you never know, maybe the Oilers send down some guys like Robert Nilsson or JF Jacques and it helps the team out?

DEFENCE

Theo Peckham Taylor Chorney
Jeff Petry Johan Motin
Dean Arsene  Alex Plante

Defence Spares: Matt Nickerson, Jordan Bendfeld

Smokin' Ray Says: I like this defence group for the Barons. However, I don't think that Chorney will be here. I'm going to guess that the Oilers will keep him with the big club even though I don't think he's ready for the NHL. Peckham is also a strong possibility to be with the Oilers as well. But, add an experienced AHL defenceman and this group still looks good.

GOALIES

Jeff Deslauriers or Devan Dubnyk (I don't think either will be in OKC)
Bryan Pitton

Smokin' Ray Says: I really don't believe that JDD or Dubnyk clear waivers. Nor do I think that Tambellini will take that chance. So unless the Barons snag a better veteran goalie, they are stuck with Pitton. The goaltending needs some serious attention.

-Written by Smokin' Ray of Oilers Jambalaya-

Team name? Check. Logos? Check. Mascot?

Now that the team name and logos have been officially announced, Prodigal has decided to hold another contest. This time to name the mascot. Actually, a better way to describe it is a Create-a-Mascot contest. As there isn't an actual mascot to be named, it's a pretty fair assumption that they're going to create it based off of the name. Myself, I'd be fine without the team having a mascot, but that's just me. But thinking about it, what could be associated with the name "Baron"? Most likely, the first thing that comes to mind is Red Baron pizza. Or the Red Baron from Peanuts. A pilot and a dog dressed as a pilot. Is that something that could be used as a mascot? Evidently so. Doing a Google search, I found pictures of other Barons mascots.

This plane was the mascot of the Ocean City Barons(now the Nor'easters), a fourth-tier soccer team. Besides exceeding the non-controllable parts width(I'm sure people have been hit in the head by the wings as he went down flights of stairs), if it wasn't for the soccerball "wheels" and spinner, there's no soccer association, and I'm assuming the red plane is alluding to the Red Baron.

The Birmingham Barons mascot, a dog with it's tongue hanging out. With the goggles and the helmet, obviously alluding to the Red Baron.

So that brings me to our mascot. Unlike Ocean City and Birmingham, we have the history of oil barons. Will they decide to go with a human character like the Tulsa Oilers? Or like Ocean City and Birmingham, a characterized mascot such as a walking oil derrick? I'd rather they go with a human character. Other than the oil derrick, I can't think of anything else that would encompass Oklahoma's oil history.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Oilers Jambalaya Creates The Minor Leagues And Gains A Contributor

I'm going to kill two birds with one post.

First, I would like to introduce Eric Rodgers to the readers of Oilers Jambalaya. Eric is a guy who been hanging around lately at OJ (and a real nice guy), so I thought, what the hell, let's hear what he has to say.

So with the journalistic findings from OilFieldHockey.com and now the fans view of his new favorite team from Eric, Oilers Jambalaya has improved big time. Welcome Eric, we look forward to hearing from you about the new Oklahoma City Barons.

-----------------------------------

So what's this minor league thing I'm talking about?

OK, it's maybe not quite the minor leagues, but a starting point for many people, myself included.

I personally started out at the Oilers.com message boards and that progressed into a everyday commenter at OilersNation.com. Once I did that for a while, I was inspired to start up Oilers Jambalaya.

So as I was talking with Eric over on the OJ site, he suggested I try something new.

"Great idea!", I proclaimed. And *poof*... *drum roll* An Oilers Jambalaya Readers Forum.

With the help of Eric, we will be commenting and monitoring the forum and if we find something that either blows us away, or makes us pee in our pants, we will post it directly on Oilers Jambalaya (with your permission of course).

I just thought that it would be a great way for OJ readers to get their feet wet in the blogging/writing business as that's how I started.

So, I now welcome you to a place where you can be you, the Oilers Jambalaya Readers Forum.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Howdy, from OKC

Hey y'all! (Okay, enough with the slang) I just wanted to introduce myself real quick. I'm new to blogging, so I apologize in advance for being inexperienced.

First, thanks to Ray for giving me the opportunity to post my opinions here, I really appreciate it and look forward to helping out the site. Just a bit about myself, I was a Blazers fan for the last 5 years of their existence. I lived outside of OKC for all of it, so I went to games when I could and kept up online the rest of the time. I was disappointed when they folded, but with the rumors that the AHL was coming, it was only because I'd be without hockey for the year. Now that the Barons are here and opening night being October 9th, I'm very excited for the season. Having kept on eye on the Oilers struggles, and reading up on the prospects the organization has, I'm looking forward to the future of both franchises.

Leading up to the season I hope to give my take on the team and the prospects, and once the season gets started I hope to give a recap on most of the Barons games.

To keep up with me, you can follow my Twitter account, @AHLBarons. Any questions or comments, you can email me at erictheblue17@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to the season and riding the ride with y'all (last time). GO BARONS!

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Oklahoma CIty Barons Press Conference Photos

Click on the Photo to view the rest of the Photos taken at the Press Conference.

Michael Garnett / Is He Right For The OKC Barons?

Now I understand that the OKC Barons might have one of Devan Dubnyk or Jeff Deslauriers -- and that's the best possible option -- to start the season. But if either one of them do not clear waivers or the Oilers decide to keep both with the big club, the Barons need another option as Bryan Pitton is not the answer.

In fact, I wouldn't cry if Pitton went to Stockton -- or which ever team the Oilers choose to affiliate with -- and was a tandem with Andrew Perugini. His (Pitton) best GAA was with the Thunder this past year. It's clear by his stats that he can't play at a higher level than the ECHL, and he's not a good enough goalie to bother keeping around the Barons. Worst comes to worst, he can be called up if needed or play as a back up. But according to Kevin Lowe, the Oilers organization is only going to operate in a forward motion. No more shortcuts. Wouldn't this include turfing Bryan Pitton and picking up a better goalie?

Enter Michael Garnett.

Who?

Well, to be honest, I don't really remember why I picked this guy. I don't. Maybe I seen him on TV or read about him somewhere? I can't remember. But there must have been a reason. *shrugs shoulders*

So let's take a look at what possibly makes him so special and why I think he should be signed to be a Baron.

He achieved his best career GAA this season (2.06) and he posted 5 shutouts. Not bad. He was 24W-15L-4T in 44 Games. Again, not bad. But most importantly, these games were played in the KHL (Balashikha MVD HC) so it wasn't like he's been playing in a bush league. I think we can all agree that the KHL is decent league. No? With an average that's that close to two goals against is pretty good. Take a look at the NHL stats, I think you can make your own assumptions.

Maybe I picked him because he's from Saskatoon, Sask? He's practically a local and possibly an Oiler fan. Maybe that's part of the reason I liked him? I don't know. Did I mention he played his junior hockey in Red Deer? Again, practically local. Or maybe I picked him because he has AHL experience by playing for a few years with the Chicago Wolves and he could easily step into a role in OKC and be comfortable?

I really don't remember. All I know is that I have had his name saved in my draft box for a while now. So I thought why not post this? Maybe someone else out there knows more about him and can fill me in on why I liked him at that time.

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt at Oilers Jambalaya-

Oklahoma City!

Hey all! Been a while, I've been busy. But let me say how happy I am to see the Oilers affiliation go to OKC. I think Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini did a very good job in the moving process.

I am also impressed with the logo, colors, and jerseys. I think OKC is going to be a great place for our younger guys to grow. I really hope this franchise sticks unlike the last few AHL franchises the Oilers have created, (ahem, Roadrunners...)

Let me say though, it would have been nice for the team to be called the Oil Barons, but that's just my opinion. You guys give us your opinions on the move and the new AHL team.

I won't give you my assessment on the season because we all know how it was, and it's a little late now. But we should all be looking forward to the draft and the next season in Oil Country, because it should be a young, exciting one.

More off-season blogs to come!

-Nick "Oilers Fan" Walker-

p.s. Hall or Seguin? Give me your opinions. I'm on team Hall.

Rough Draft Roster

Yesterday I mentioned that one of the big questions during the chat with Bob Funk and Kevin Lowe, was about who would be playing in Oklahoma City next season.

Teemu Hartikainen is one player that could be starting in here. But if you look up Oklahoma City Barons on Wikipedia gives you an idea of who could be playing here.

The bloggers from Lowtide break down a roster on who could play, and who could get offered a contract from AHL free agency. If you were to compare the Wikipedia list and Lowtide's list. There are some notables names that aren't in Wikipedia's list. Like Chris Vande Velde, the Minnesota native just finished his college career at UND. Vande Velde and Eberle both spent time with the Falcons during the final games of the AHL regular season. There is alot of debate whether if Eberle will be in Edmonton or Oklahoma City at the start of next season. Eberle hasn't had much time off that past year, after playing in the World Jrs in Canada. Then playing with the Falcons, and now is playing in the World Championships.

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (a.k.a MPS) could be here, but he still doesn't have a contract with the Oilers. Steve Tambellini has been at the World Championships, watching all the Oilers prospects. And it's been rumored that he has a contract ready to offer to MPS.

Goaltending is another issue with the organization right now. Wikipedia has Devin Dubnyk listed on the roster, but if he gets assigned to Oklahoma City. He would have to clear waivers, before he could be assigned to OKC. Kevin Lowe did say in the chat the other night, that they are looking for an AHL veteran goalie. Someone who can handle taking most the games, between the pipes. Bryan Pitton spent most of the year back and forth between Stockton and Springfield. He has one year left on his entry level contract. And he needs to have a good season, to be offered a contract after the 2010-11 season.

Oklahoma City fans shouldn't get their hopes up too much about the #1 draft pick. Whether it's Hall or Seguin that gets drafted by the Oilers, either player will NOT be in Oklahoma City. The only that would be possible would be on a reconditioning stint. Some links which you could find out more about the Oilers prospects can be found here from Coppernblue.com. And some good info on Hockey's Future here about all the NHL's prospects.

OKC Barons Press Conference Videos

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) / The Whirl Wind 2 Weeks

What a messed up and wacky two weeks that was.

It all started with a message from OilFieldHockey.com to me saying that he heard the new AHL team was going to be called the Oklahoma City Barons. (I had guessed the Oil Barons) He said it was from a good source and he really thought it was legit. We decided to wait on it (and not look stupid) and sure enough two days later, out of the blue, this tweet came out.

Seeing that made us believe that this had some real legs. We decided to go ahead and float the idea out there and see what happens.

Next thing you know, the Copper&Blue.com and OFH had found some logos for the Barons.

Well that really sold us. That's it! In our minds, the Barons were going to happen no doubt about it and most people believed as well.

Then once Prodigal Hockey had announced that there was going to be a press conference on the 19th, the buzz made a bigger noise.

So with time until the PC, I had a lot of time to analyze those logos. I figured out how the layout would go and I assumed (and was right) that the Barons would use the Oilers jersey design. So I made a terrible photoshop version of my concept. I really can't believe how close I was. They should give me a free jersey just for guessing it correctly! *nudge, nudge*

On May 16th, things went from confidant that they would be the Barons, to what is going on? Bisons shirts? Logos being Trademarked? Bisons. Twisters. Roughnecks. It was nuts!

Even through all that, I still had that feeling it was the Barons and this was just Prodigal Hockey trying to mess us up. I mean really... I had to be. I changed my banner and committed to the Barons and I wasn't turning back now.

Then finally the big day arrived. OFH was prepared and set to be at the Cox Convention Center for the big reveal. I was manning the TweetCast back here in Alberta.

The day went by so quick and the excitement level was really high. I'm sure all the people enjoyed their time down at the presser. I did enjoyed myself and I wasn't even there.

After all the commotion was over, Bob Funk Jr. and Kevin Lowe took the time to answer our questions and we all had a great time reading all the different responses. (very cool that they had those two answering our questions)

One thing I did learn from Prodigal Hockey and the OKC Barons tonight, they loved the fact that we (OFH and OJ) helped create the buzz that they so desperately needed. The respected the fact that we worked hard trying to find the real scoop on this team. I think they now have the same admiration for us as we have for them. I like them. This should be a nice friendship. 

Thanks for bringing the OKC Barons into our lives Prodigal Hockey. You already have changed a lot of lives. Mine included.

Let me tell you, after all the constant digging and searching for the past two weeks, it felt good to post this. It felt like forever.

Welcome to the Oilers family Oklahoma City Barons & Prodigal Hockey.

-Written by Smokin' Ray from Oilers Jambalaya-

IT'S OFFICIAL! The Oklahoma City Barons are the new AHL affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers

We here at Oilers Jambalaya and OilFieldHockey.com are finally happy to welcome FOR REAL, the Oklahoma City Barons to the Oilers family.

Thanks to those that followed the madness.

Prodigal Hockey Announces The New Team / LIVE **TweetCast** at 3:00pm MST

Welcome to this very special LIVE *TweetCast* of the official unveiling from Prodigal Hockey for their new AHL hockey team In Oklahoma City.

OilFieldHockey.com is down at the Cox Convention Center today for the Official announcement of the new Edmonton Oilers AHL affiliate... THE OKLAHOMA CITY ???

Well, we don't know the name yet, but we do (and still) believe it will be the Barons.

You will see LIVE tweets from OilFieldHockey, ProdigalHockey, NHL_Oilers, OilersJambalaya, DanTencer, AHLBarons, & the OKC_Barons.

What name is it going to be? Barons? Bisons? Roughnecks? Twisters?

What colors are the jerseys?

Who's the special guest(s) that OilFieldHockey have confirmed that will be there? All these questions that we have had for months will be answered at 3:00pm MST/4:00 CST.

Tune in right here for the LIVE event. You don't want to miss this!

Barons it will be

This banner is from the AHL's website, and was found looking up the Team Directory information. And it was suspected that the other names were nothing more then just a smoke screen by Prodigal.

Here is Proof:

More Logos Found / OKCTwisters and OKCBison

Here are some more logos found.

Bisons logo

Twisters Logo

-Written by Smokin' Ray at Oilers Jambalaya-

Oklahoma City Roughnecks / New Logos

Oilers Jambalaya FOUND SOMETHING!!! New Logos have showed up today. Here they are.

And the plot thickens...

-Written by Smokin' Ray-