Showing posts with label AHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AHL. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

OKC Barons and the Preseason?


Earlier today the San Antonio Rampage and the Houston Aeros both announced their preseason schedule. Besides announcing that they'll be playing each other once, the Rampage announced that they'll be playing the Texas Stars twice while the Aeros will play the Stars once, giving the Stars three preseason dates. After going through the preseason schedule announcements so far of the rest of AHL, the average amount of games teams have announced is 2 or 3. The Hartford Wolf Pack took the extreme of 5 games, including going with a 3 games in 3 nights stretch.

So where does that leave the Barons? The Rampage and Stars have their 3 games. I'm going to doubt that Houston's going to take a third game if they didn't include it with their earlier announcement. Peoria, Rockford, and Chicago have yet to announce their preseason schedules, but would they want to travel the 11+ hour drive here for a preseason game? Or will the Barons take a road trip to play in Illinois and leave the OKC fans high and dry? Unless the Stars are going to take on a 4th(maybe 5th?) game, or the Barons and one of the Illinois teams decide to do a home and home, I'm having some serious doubts of seeing a home preseason game this year.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Update: The Texas Stars announced that they will be playing the Barons on Oct 2nd in Cedar Park, taking place of one of their games with the Rampage. The Rampage's release now shows them playing only 2 games, one against the Stars and the other against the Aeros.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Gerber signs two way deal with Oilers

From the Oilers' Website:

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with goaltender Martin Gerber on a one-year contract.Gerber, 35, played last year with Altant Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In 30 appearances he went 15-6-6 with a 2.19 GAA and .914 save percentage.

Gerber, who is from Burgdorf, Switzerland, was originally drafted 232nd overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. In two seasons with the Ducks he played in 54 games going 26-21-5 before being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes where he led the Canes to to a division championship. In 60 games Gerber posted a 38-14-6 record, 2.78 GAA and .906 save percentage.

The 5'11", 195 lbs veteran also played with the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs before heading to the KHL. In 226 games Gerber has a 110-78-21 record, 2.65 GAA and .910 save percentage.

Gerber also has some international experience and split the goaltending duties with David Aebischer for Team Switzerland in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial, TELUS, Cenovus Energy and Ford.

Contract Details: From @RealKyper on Twitter: Oilers sign Martin Gerber 1 year / 2-way contract. 500/200 guaranteed in minors. Oilers have him pegged as a 3/4 goalie in system.

Oilers' name Bill Scott as Barons' GM

Per the Barons' Website:

BILL SCOTT NAMED GM OF BARONS
(by Josh Evans, OKC Barons)

Edmonton Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini today named Bill Scott as the general manager for the Oklahoma City Barons.

Scott’s role will be management of the Barons hockey operations department on a day-to-day basis. In addition, he will also serve as a scout for the Oilers organization. He will work with the Barons’ coaching staff of Todd Nelson and Gerry Fleming to communicate the progress of the Oilers prospects in Oklahoma City.

“We feel we have secured one of the bright young minds in the AHL with Bill,” said Tambellini. “He has several years of experience in hockey operations with the AHL and ECHL and will be an important part of our management team moving forward.”

Prior to his appointment as general manager of the Barons, Scott acted as the Director of Hockey Operations for the American Hockey League for four seasons. His duties with the AHL included creation the league schedule, assisting in determining player fines and suspensions, supervised regular season and playoff games and interpreted by-laws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement for member teams.

“The Barons are pleased with the Oilers selection for this position,” said Prodigal LLC owner Bob Funk Jr. “His understanding what the Oilers are positioning themselves for will ultimately assist all of us in our success here.”

The native of Unionville, Ontario graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a Bachelors degree in Business Management. He worked as the student manager with the Spartans in the season they hosted The Cold War (first outdoor game) and their run to the Frozen Four in 2001. He got his start in hockey as an intern in the Nashville Predators hockey operations department before moving to the ECHL as manager of hockey operations for three seasons.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for the players, coaches, managers, executives and broadcasters of all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the ninth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America.

Just 64 days remain until the Barons season opener October 9 at the newly renovated Cox Convention Center. Season tickets and mini packs are available by calling 232-GOAL (4625).

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Former OKC Blazer will play in OKC


But not for the Barons. The Rockford IceHogs announced today that they have signed Wade Brookbank to an AHL deal. Wade used to play for the Blazers from 99-01 before moving up to play for the Orlando Sun Bears in the old IHL. Wade has bounced around the AHL for most of his career since then but has been called up to the NHL a few times, racking up a total of 127 games, 6 goal, 3 assists and 345 PIM.

Wade played 68 games for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins last year, netting 3 goals and 4 assists while spending 168 minutes in the penalty box. It'll make for a nice homecoming when Rockford comes to play as Brookbank could be considered a bit of a hockey hero in OKC, being one of very few Blazers players to see the AHL or NHL consistently.
-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Live Tweetcast


 
Oilfieldhockey.com and OilersJambalaya.com will be holding a *LIVE* Tweetcast on July 15th starting at 2pm. Of the Official the Announcement of the coaches for the Oklahoma City Barons.

Barons' 2010-11 Opponents Named


The AHL teams today have all been announcing who their opponents are going to be for the 2010-11 season. Of the 21 teams that have announced their opponents so far, the average number of teams that they're playing is about 14-15 different teams. The lowest so far are Providence and Manchester, who will each play 12 teams. The highest so far are Hamilton and Hershey who will each play 18 teams.

The Barons will play 13 out of the other 29 teams in the 2010-11 season, all in the Western Conference. The lone team in the conference they will not be playing will be the Rochester Americans. They will play each of the Texas teams 10 times, five at home and five away. To round out the division, they will play Chicago and Peoria eight times, and Rockford and Milwaukee six times. In the North Division, the Barons will play Lake Erie six times, Abbotsford, Grand Rapids and Manitoba four times, and Toronto and Hamilton twice. Expect the schedule sometime after the NBA schedule is released, as a few of the AHL teams share buildings with NBA teams and need to figure out non-conflicting dates.

The Barons season starts October 9th, hopefully against the Stars.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Monday, July 5, 2010

Will he stay?

It's been a few days since Edmonton signed Giroux to a one way contract for next season. Giroux still has to show off his talent to earn a spot with the Oilers. But what happens if he doesn't get one of open spots? Will Giroux accept a veteran spot in Oklahoma City, or will he bolt for the KHL? Giroux has been a back to back champion with the Bears. He has the numbers to back up his AHL game, but was really never given a shot with the Caps. But will his success in Hershey be able to translate into success for Edmonton?  There are just too many questions about this signing, that need to be answered. If Giroux wants to be a team player in the Oilers organization. He might want to be open to the idea of playing at least part of next season in Oklahoma City.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Oilers get Giroux


The Edmonton Oilers have signed AHL Veteran Alexandre Giroux to a one way contract. Giroux was part of the Hershey Bears last season lead by former Thunder coach Mark French. The Bears won the AHL's Calder Cup by beating the Texas Stars. Giroux had 103 pts(50G, 53A)with the Bears , and played 9 games with the Washington Capitals last season. Where he had 3 pts(1G,2A)during his stint up in the nation's capital. Giroux turned down several offers, including a 1.3 mil dollar contract in the KHL.Giroux is known for being a career AHL player, with a call-up here and there. So there is a really good chance that Giroux could end up playing for OKC next season. If he doesn't make the Oilers squad, and it gives the Oilers a player. That can replace a player who gets banged up at anytime. Also former Falcon Chris Minard has signed with the Red Wings to play for their affiliate in Grand Rapids.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Barons' Radio Home


The Oklahoma City Barons have reached an agreement with Clear Channel Communications to broadcast the games on 96.1 FM KXY. The 3 year agreement includes that the games will be broadcast on the Internet from KXY.com. No word on who the voice of the Barons will be for the broadcast.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Prospects to Play in Tournament


The Oilers announced that their prospects will partake in a Prospect Camp, that the Vancouver Canucks will be hosting in Penticton, British Columbia. The tournament will start on September 12, and go through September 16th.The Tournament Camp will feature the top prospects from the Oilers organization, and 4 other NHL teams. The Tournament will feature a round-robin style format during a five day period. The Oilers' prospects will play on Sept 12th at 6pm(CDT), Sept 14th and 15th at 9:30pm(CDT). The Tournament will be broadcast live on the internet from oilers.nhl.com.Oilfieldhockey.com and Oilers Jambalaya will be hosting a live tweetcast for the entire week of the tournament. The tweetcast will feature tweets from the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Jambalaya, Oilfieldhockey.com, and many more.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Why Do We Care About The Stockton Thunder? (ECHL)

The Stockton Thunder is an ECHL team that has an affiliation (*not yet confirmed for this upcoming season*) with both the Edmonton Oilers (NHL), and the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) Here is why the Thunder are glad for their affiliations.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers, one of the most storied teams in hockey history, extended its affiliation agreement with the Stockton Thunder in the summer of 2009 after the Thunder advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive season, increased a total of four alum that have advanced onto the NHL and produced eight ECHL All-Star selections in three seasons.

For the fifth (**not yet confirmed**) consecutive season, Stockton will serve as the AA minor-league affiliate for Oilers prospects. Since the Thunder and Oilers began their partnership in 2006-07, the Thunder has advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs (edit) four* consecutive years and four former Thunder players - right wing Troy Bodie, center Tim Sestito, left wing Liam Reddox and defenseman Bryan Young - have gone on to play in the NHL.

Sestito made his NHL debut with the Oilers last season on Nov. 26 against the Los Angeles Kings. The 6-foot, 195-pound forward played in 66 games for the Thunder in 2006-07, ranking second on the club with 132 penalty minutes while scoring 26 points (13g-13a). Sestito, who wore the "C" as captain for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL last year, helped guide the Thunder to the first Kelly Cup Playoff berth in team history during 2006-07 and scored three points (2g-1a) in six playoff games, ranking tied for second on the team in playoff scoring.

Bodie debuted with the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 16 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound forward was originally selected by the Oilers in the ninth round (278th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and skated in 46 games for the Thunder in 2006-07, ranking second on the club with 21 goals while amassing 38 points (21g-17a) and 80 penalty minutes. Bodie added two assists in six Kelly Cup Playoff games and represented the Thunder in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game in Boise, Idaho.

In total, seven Thunder players, including two who have been selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft, have been named to play in the ECHL All-Star Game in the last three years while in the Oilers farm system. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk, a first-round selection of the Oilers (14th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, set Thunder single-season records in 06-07 for wins (24), minutes played (2,529), lowest goals-against-average (2.56) and save percentage (.921). Dubnyk made a game-high tying 17 saves in the second period of the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game for the National Conference.

Center Ryan O'Marra, who was selected in the first round (15th overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2005 draft and an Oilers trade acquisition in 2006-07, was originally named to the National Conference squad at the 2008 Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game shortly before earning a recall to Springfield of the American Hockey League. O'Marra scored 20 points (11g-9a) in 24 games with the Thunder last year and added nine points (2g-7a) in six Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Last year, Thunder forwards Cory Urquhart and Ryan Huddy played under AHL contracts with Springfield and were named to the National Conference all-star team. Huddy, whose father Charlie previously was an assistant coach and was a member of five Stanley Cup champion teams with the Oilers as a defenseman, led the Thunder with a club record 73 points (35g-38a) and 35 goals in 69 games, ranking ninth overall and third in ECHL rookie scoring.

Urquhart's 60 points (28g-32a) and 28 goals in 57 games paced second on the Thunder in both categories, adding a team-high tying five game-winning goals. His 16 points (10g-6a) and 10 goals in 14 postseason games broke Thunder playoff scoring records in both categories last season.

The Oilers, a member of the NHL's Western Conference and Northwest Division, have been a member of the National Hockey League since the 1979-80 season. A winner of five Stanley Cup Championships (1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1989-90), the Oilers became the NHL's first-ever eighth playoff seed in league history to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2005-06 as the league's Western Conference Champion, falling in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Finals.

Currently led by president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe and general manager Steve Tambellini, the Oilers have sent six players to the Hockey Hall of Fame - a list of "who's who" in hockey history - including Wayne Gretzky (NHL's all-time leading scorer), Jari Kurri, Mark Messier, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey and Glenn Anderson. Glen Sather (Head Coach/President and General Manager) and Rod Phillips (Radio Broadcaster) have also earned spots in the Hall of Fame.


A look at the Oilers five Stanley Cup championships:

•1983-84: defeated New York Islanders, 4 games to 1
•1984-85: defeated Philadelphia Flyers, 4 games to 1
•1986-87: defeated Philadelphia Flyers, 4 games to 3
•1987-88: defeated Boston Bruins, 4 games to 0
•1989-90: defeated Boston Bruins, 4 games to 1

WHAT THEY HAVE SAID:

"We are pleased to once again extend our agreement for another year with Stockton. The Thunder organization have provided our players with a positive environment that enables them to develop as professionals. We look forward to another successful season with Stockton in 2009-10."
- Former Edmonton Oilers VP of Hockey Operations Kevin Prendergast

"The Stockton Thunder are very excited about entering into our fourth year of an affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers. Developing young players and putting a winning team on the ice are the two most important factors when considering who our NHL partner will be. The Oilers and Thunder clearly are on the same page in this regard and we look forward to achieving both of these objectives with Edmonton during the 2009-10 season."
- Thunder president Dan Chapman

"We're excited to once again partner with a first class organization in the Edmonton Oilers and the opportunity to work with their exceptional front office is an advantage to the Thunder. They continue to show a strong commitment to strengthening prospect development and our on-ice product by being visibly active when it comes to scouting and on-hands teaching with prospects in our farm system. We look forward to continued success in developing future Oilers talent and helping promote a winning culture they can take on their road to the National Hockey League."
- Thunder head coach Matt Thomas

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

Contact info:

Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club
11230 - 110 Street
Edmonton, AB. T5G 3H7
Phone: 780-414-4000
http://www.edmontonoilers.com/

Oklahoma City Barons Hockey Club
P.O. Box 1478
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Phone: (405) 232-4625
Fax: (405) 232-4622
http://www.okcbarons.com/

Stockton Thunder Hockey Club
248 West Fremont Street
Stockton, CA 95203
Thunder Info Line (209)373-1500
Fax (209)373-1525
http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) *

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

AHL's Division Alignments Announced


The AHL today announced the Division Alignments for the 2010-11 season. The Oklahoma City Barons will be playing in the Illinois-Texas and Friends Western Division of the Western Conference along with the Texas Stars, Houston Aeros, San Antonio Rampage, Rockford Icehogs, Peoria Rivermen, Milwaukee Admirals, and the Chicago Wolves.

The schedule is still to be released with no news on a date yet. If the rumor that Scott over at OFH broke is true, that OKC is trying to have the home opener against Texas, then it will be a great way to start off our division rivalry with the Stars and the other Texas teams.

Alignment is set, now we just need the schedule. Oh yeah, and a coach and GM.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-


Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Rob Daum will not coach the Barons, not returning to the Oilers

From iNews 880:
"iNews880 Sports has confirmed that the Edmonton Oilers have chosen not to renew the contract of their American Hockey League head coach Rob Daum.

Daum, formerly the long-time coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears, spent the last season-and-a-half coaching in the AHL, after spending one season as an assistant coach with the Oilers. The AHL club in Springfield finished last with a record of 25-39-0-16 under Daum last season.

No replacement has been named for the Oilers' new AHL affiliate that will be based in Oklahoma City this coming season."

So that brings up the questions, who will be coaching the Barons next season, and when will they be named? And, will someone have to report who it is before the Barons officially announce who it is?

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Monday, June 14, 2010

Calder Cup Champs: Hershey Bears

Congratulations to the Hershey Bears for winning the 2009-10 Calder Cup for a 2nd year in a row. Also congrats to the Texas Stars for making it to the finals in their 1st year.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Barons STH Board Meeting

The 1st Season Ticket Holder Advisory Board meeting took place yesterday. And some interesting tidbits came out of the meeting, and were relayed to Oilfieldhockey.com. The one tidbit that was interesting was about who's going to the coach. It was told to one of the board members that a coach won't be announced until after the AHL finals are over. This news comes after a radio interview with Coach Rob Daum on Oilers Lunch on Team 1260. Daum has stated that he wants to coach the Barons, but has yet to speak to Steve Tambellini about the situation.The improvements to the Cox Center, were also talked about in the last nights meeting. That an Open House is planned for sometime in September, after the improvements are completed. Another major delay was a Point of Sale system, especially for the merchandise store. Also it was mentioned that the new ice machine will have it's first test on Aug 15th. Parking was another issue that was discussed at the meeting. Prodigal is working on getting parking available at the Courtyard, and at the Santa Fe Parking Garage. But there was a catch to parking at the Santa Fe Parking Garage. That fee for parking at the Santa Fe garage, would be more then at the Courtyard. Ice Girls dance team was also discussed, but no decision was made to them or not. But from what was told to OFH, that one board member was in favor for a dance team. Prodigal asked the AHL about scheduling the first game here in OKC, to be against the Texas Stars.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

NHL Equivalence Numbers


I enjoy stats, so I figured I'd take Behind the Net's Gabriel Desjardins' NHLE on my day off and come up with what we could expect to see next year if they were to play the full season in one league.  I highly doubt that will happen, but it gives a good idea. Keep in mind that I just used the regular seasons for these numbers. Math isn't exactly my strong suit, so if I messed up, please call me out on it.

Linus Omark
2009-10 KHL: 36 points in 56 games = .643 Points per game
2010-11 AHL Projected: 97 points in 80 games = 1.21 PPG
2010-11 NHL Projected: 44 points in 82 games = .533 PPG

Magnus Pääjärvi-Svenson
2009-10 Elitserien: 29 points in 49 games = .591 PPG
2010-11 AHL Projected: 83 points in 80 games = 1.04 PPG
2010-11 NHL Projected: 38 points in 82 games = .461 PPG

Teemu Hartikainen
2009-10 SM-Liiga: 33 points in 53 games = .623 PPG
2010-11 AHL Projected: 61 points in 80 games = .764 PPG
2010-11 NHL Projected: 28 points in 82 games = .337 PPG

Jordan Eberle
2009-10 WHL: 106 points in 57 games = 1.86 PPG
2010-11 AHL Projected: 64 points in 80 games = .800 PPG*
2010-11 NHL Projected: 46 points in 82 games = .558 PPG*
(*Question you probably have right here is, why does Eberle have a lower projection in the AHL but a higher in the NHL than MPS and Omark have. The NHLE numbers have a specific conversion rate for the CHL leagues that skewed the numbers a little bit.)

Toni Rajala
2009-10 WHL: 63 points in 60 games = 1.05 PPG
2010-11 AHL Projected: 36 points in 80 games = .452 PPG
2010-11 NHL Projected: 26 points in 82 games = .315 PPG

Like I said, let me know if I messed something up please.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Monday, May 31, 2010

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.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

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.

Monday, May 24, 2010

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".

Saturday, May 22, 2010


Two Guys & Hockey Talk NHL News (CLICK PIC FOR LINK)

The Faithful Followers

Oilers Jambalaya is in no way, shape or form associated with the Edmonton Oilers or the Bakersfield Condors. This is a fans blog for fans. We happen to love those teams, so we write about them.