The Oklahoma City Barons and The Truth

What? I'm not sure what I mean either.

Well I guess the truth is, that it is an interesting time to be a OKC Barons fan right now. This is OKC history in the making and the lucky ones that get to witness it all unfold are very fortunate people. I WISH I COULD BE YOU! **Kind of, but not really. I like Alberta**

With only two guys officially on the roster at this time, it makes getting excited right now, a little harder.

Who's on the team this year asks the average fan? Don't know for sure.

Who's going to be the face of the Barons for the 2010-11 season? Omark? Eberle? Paajarvi? Giroux? Ondrus? Don't know that for sure yet either.

Well relax and enjoy how it all unfolds. Everything is about to start and the ball will really get rolling then. Or the puck will get sliding, either way, the analogy works. ;)

I did write up a post about the team last month and after looking at it again, this should be pretty darn close -- minus a player or two-- to the actual roster. Take a look. Not a bad roster at all if you ask me.

So if that doesn't get you fired up then... well, you will have to wait till training camp starts like the rest of us. Only then will we know for sure who will be with the Barons of Oklahoma City.

IMPORTANT DATES
September 9 Oilers Rookie Camp
September 12 – 15 Prospects Camp in Penticton, BC
September 17 Oilers Training Camp begins
September 27 Barons Training Camp begins
October 2 OKC @ TEX 7 p.m. Preseason Game
October 9 HOU @ OKC 7:05 p.m. Home Opener

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Now that the Barons/Oilers have the Cox Convention Center ready to go, it's almost time to fill those seats. Have you bought your tickets for any of the games yet? No? Well then, go here to buy some. Single seat tickets are now available. Woooo!

The prices are very affordable --$14 is the cheapest and $36 is the most expensive-- and it should be fairly easy for the general fan to go and watch a game and not break the bank. HINT: date night

If you have never been to a game and you don't really understand hockey, no problem. Let us know and we can have Eric or Scott --shhhhh... they don't know this yet-- come and meet you at the game. These guys can explain anything about the Barons or hockey in general and they are pretty nice guys to boot.

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Did you pre-order or want to buy a OKC Barons jersey right now? Well you can't have one just quite yet is what I am told.

For some strange terrible marketing reasons, the jerseys are not quite ready yet to buy. In fact, many Barons fans have pre-purchased the Barons jersey months ago and they still don't have one to wear. We wonder out loud what the hold up is?

Anyone else find it strange that it's September 7th and you still can't buy a Barons jersey?

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What, if anything, is going to happen to Doug Sauter? For many OKC hockey fans that's a burning question. No matter where I go, I see "What is Doug Sauter going to do for the Barons?" It's like the fans want him more than hockey itself. It's on that scary level of obsessiveness.

I had a feeling the other night that he might be the new Play by Play radio guy for the Barons. Could Sauter effectively be a PxP guy? I don't have that answer, but I wouldn't put it past the Barons to make such a bold move. I think it wouldn't matter if he was good or not, the fans want Sauter in some capacity. Is this the job for Sauter?

Remember when I suggested Sauter become ambassador for the OKC Barons? I still stand by that and I wish the Barons would consider it. It's the best suited job for him. Sauter for Ambassador!!!

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Make sure to check out both OilersJambalaya.com and OilFieldHockey.com throughout the season. Both sites together are striving to bring you steady news and opinions involving the Oilers, OKC Barons and the Stockton Thunder. If you ever have questions or comments, feel free to ask us.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

I Have Been Shut Down! and Other Random Jambalaya Thoughts

Yes, I am moving to a new house and the internet will be shut off from today till Sunday. Then we are back. So please no crying that OilersJambalaya.com is going anywhere. We're not, I was kidding in the title.

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RANDOM JAMBALAYA

- So what does everyone think of the new OIL TERMINAL podcast? I loved it. I thought that Eric and Scott where really good at it and they seemed to work well together. It was quite enjoyable. I would like some arguing once in a while though. You guys can't always agree. ;) Maybe they need a splash of Smokin' Ray in there?

- When is Gagner going to get signed? WTF is the holdup? Maybe he DID receive some offers from other teams and he's just making the Oilers sweat it out? All I know is I want this kid signed ASAP.

- Notice how I didn't wonder about Cogs? Maybe I'm over him already? Isn't he traded yet?

- How awesome is that that the OKC Barons are coming to Calgary? February 17th the Barons will take on the Abbotsford Heat in Calgary. The Saddledome should be packed for that game. Maybe we will have a OilersJambalaya.com and OilFieldHockey.com meet up at the game?

- Speaking of the Barons, if you have never been there, you should check out okcbarons.com. They have pretty good website that is just waiting to get going once the season starts. The new season is just about ready to get started. GO BARONS GO!

- Finally, the AHL has realeased their schedules for this up coming season. Check it out here.

- I wish I would have listened to Jack Michaels when the Stockton Thunder was playing the Alaska Aces in the Kelly Cup playoffs. I, for obvious reasons, listened to Mike Benton (Stockton's media guy and the Play by Play guy) instead. Mike's been great to us here at OJ, but I am now wishing I checked out Michaels then.

- Also speaking of the Thunder. Check out StocktonThunder.com. Great site and great people running it.

- If you or someone you know is going to the Young Stars tournament, let us know. We want to hear your take on things.

SEE EVERYONE SUNDAY NIGHT!!!

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

The Burnt's Were On Vacation!

FOR SOME STRANGE REASON THIS NEVER POSTED!!!! BUT I'M BACK NOW!

This is it folks, I'm outta here!

I bought a new van and I'm off for 7 days to the wonderful West Kootenays in British Columbia with the family. Our parents all still live there so we are taking the kids and we are going home.

No posts or hanging around here for me. I promised the wife that I would for real "take a break" from OilersJambalaya.com. I still don't know what I'm going to do for 7 days. Probably drink. A lot.

Oh... I will have my phone so if anyone wants to call me, I have the time to talk. (no, I'm not posting my number.) I'll also be hanging around twitter so I'm not dead totally to the world. ;)

Don't worry... your in good hands with Eric and Scott, I'm sure they won't burn the place down. Will they?

I'll be back by Wednesday and I'll keep y'all posted!

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

OJ is # 6

As many have read that Smokin' Ray is off on vacation at the moment. So I thought I would post about an achievement that I consider pretty prestigious. That OilersJambalaya came in at #6 on Dave Staples Top 35 Oilogosphere blogs. Smokin' Ray does a fantastic job keeping things fresh, and finding stuff to talk about here on OJ. And he does the same talking about the Barons over on OilFieldHockey.com. And a big thanks to all the readers that come here(and to OFH too). Also a big thanks to Smokin' Ray for teaming with OFH, cause it's been one whale of a ride. And the fun is just about begin with hockey season right around the corner!

Oilers announce Young Stars Roster

From the Oilers Website:

Oilers announce Young Stars tournament roster
Tickets go on sale Monday, August 16
Thursday, 12.08.2010 / 5:00 PM / Rookie Camp
By Edmonton Oilers Press Release

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers roster for the upcoming Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Tournament taking place from September 12-16 at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, British Columbia.

The Oilers will head to Penticton led by first round draft choices Taylor Hall (1st overall in 2010), Magnus Paajarvi (10th overall in 2009) and Jordan Eberle (22nd overall in 2008).

The eight-game tournament will feature players from the Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. A total of 16 NHL first round draft picks, seven players that appeared in the Final of the 2010 World Junior Championships, and the 2009 and 2010 CHL Players-of-the-Year are all scheduled to play for their respective teams. Notable prospects from the other four teams participating include Mikael Backlund (CGY), Emerson Etem (ANA), Cam Fowler (ANA), Cody Hodgson (VAN), Kyle Palmieri (ANA), Nick Petrecki (SJ), Jordan Schroeder (VAN) and Mitch Wahl (CGY).

For more information on the tournament, visit www.canucks.com/youngstars

Young Stars Rosters:

* Anaheim
* Calgary
* Edmonton
* San Jose
* Vancouver

Also today, The Vancouver Canucks announced single game tickets and day passes (access to all games on the given day) for the tournament will go on sale Monday, August 16 at 10:00am Pacific Time.

Single game tickets will be available for $12, or day passes (access to all games on the given day) will be available for $20, beginning Monday, August 16. A special 2-for-1 offer will take place on September 16 with all tickets for the game between the Flames and Canucks being sold for just $12 per pair. Limited tournament packages, which include a ticket to each of the eight games, will be available for purchase starting at $66, until Monday, August 16 at 10:00am PDT. Tournament ticket packages and single game tickets are available for purchase online at www.valleyfirstTIX.com, by phone at 1-877-763-2849 or in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office. Game dates, times and opponents are subject to change.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS YOUNG STARS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

GAME
TEAMS DATE
TIME*
Game 1 Vancouver vs. Edmonton Sept. 12 5:00pm
Game 2 San Jose vs. Anaheim Sept. 12 8:30pm
Game 3 Anaheim vs. Calgary Sept. 13 5:00pm
Game 4 San Jose vs. Vancouver Sept. 13 8:30pm
Game 5 Calgary vs. Edmonton Sept. 14 8:30pm
Game 6 Anaheim vs. Vancouver Sept. 15 5:00pm
Game 7 Edmonton vs. San Jose Sept. 15 8:30pm
Game 8 Calgary vs. Vancouver Sept. 16 1:00pm

*Game dates, times and opponents subject to change. Times are Mountain.
All Oilers games will be streamed live on edmontonoilers.com

Edmonton Oilers 2010 Young Stars Roster (09-10 stats)

Forwards (16)

Cameron Abney
Philippe Cornet
Drew Czerwonka
Jordan Eberle
Taylor Hall
Curtis Hamilton
Teemu Hartikainen
Milan Kytnar
James Livingston
Ryan Martindale
Magnus Paajarvi
Kristians Pelss
Tyler Pitlick
Chase Schaber
Mike Thomas
Chris Vande Velde

Defencemen
Jordan Bendfeld
Jeremie Blain
Brandon Davidson
Dallas Ehrhardt
Martin Marincin
Johan Motin
Jeff Petry
Alex Plante
Dominik Schlumpf
Nolan Toigo

Goalies
Tyler Bunz
Bryan Pitton
Olivier Roy

OilFieldHockey.com and OilersJambalaya.com will be holding a week long Tweetcast of the Tournament. If you are going and can tweet from the tournament. We will include your tweets and pics from the tournament on our Tweetcast. Please email or tweet us here at OilFieldHockey.com and OilersJambalaya.com with your information.

The Oklahoma City Barons Today / Starting To Shape Up

Today we take (another) a look at the Oklahoma City Barons and where they stand right now. Things are really starting to take shape and I figured we should revisit the Barons. Steve Tambellini has been doing a credible job at creating a proper structure in OKC and they are progressing quite nicely.

PRODIGAL HOCKEY OWNER: Bob Funk Jr.
AFFILIATE TEAM: Edmonton Oilers
GENERAL MANAGER: ????
ASSISTANT GM: ???? (guessing Pat Quinn?)
HEAD COACH: Todd Nelson
ASSISTANT COACH: Gerry Fleming
TRAINER: Brandon Dionne
EQUIPMENT MANAGER: ????
MASCOT NAME: ????

WEBSITE: http://www.okcbarons.com/
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/okcbaronshockey
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/okcbarons

PROJECTED OKC BARONS ROSTER*

*subject to change

FORWARDS:

C - Ryan O'Marra
C - Chris Vande Velde
C - Brad Moran
C - Teemu Hartikainen
C - Milan Kytnar

LW - Linus Omark
LW - Liam Reddox
LW - Alexandre Giroux
LW - Gregory Stewart
LW- Phillipe Cornet
LW - Matt Marquart (probably will play with the Stockton Thunder)

RW - Magnus Paajarvi/Jordan Eberle (projecting that one of the two will be in OKC)
RW - Colin MacDonald
RW - Ben Ondrus

DEFENCEMEN:

Shawn Belle
Richard Petoit
Jake Taylor
Alex Plante
Jeff Petry
Johan Motin
Jordan Bendfield
Taylor Chorney (possible OKC player)
Theo Peckham (possible OKC player)

GOALIES:

Bryan Pitton
Backup or #1 ????

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Edmonton's New Arena / A Rant By Oil Freak / Guest Column

Once again here at OilersJambalaya.com we step outside of the boundaries. Today we have a guest post from a gentleman from the Twitter world. I seen his ranting on the arena debate and I asked him if he would want to type it out and post it here at OJ. He said yes. So here it is, an Arena Rant by Oil Freak.

Arena Rant - By Oil Freak

I have been quietly sitting back and listening to the public debate over the construction of a new arena / entertainment facility in Edmonton, but I can't sit by quietly any longer. If I have to listen to one more mouth breathing HYPOCRITE on the tv and radio broadcasts I'm going to PUKE !!!!!!!

The next time I hear someone say "I don't want my tax dollars paying for a new arena" I swear I'm going to explode. They are obviously very narrow minded, misinformed and don’t use the current facility. This is not simply an arena, it’s an “Entertainment Complex”.

These concerned citizens are the same ones that were fine with spending $100 million on a new Art Gallery. Did you hear all of us that won’t be using that facility denouncing the use of public funds in it’s construction.

We finally have an owner that is willing to sink some serious money into a new arena and entertainment facility that will put this city back on the map. Not to mention generate a crap load of revenue and thousands of jobs for the city.

We all love Rexall Place and have many fantastic memories, but the old girl is 35 years old, has no windows, is built in one of the worst parts of town and does very little for generating revenue and jobs in the surrounding area.

Northlands has reported that they could have Rexall retrofitted (a fancy way of saying renovated, lol) for around $190 million. They say 190, I say it will end up costing 250-300 when all is said and done. We have to remember where this information is coming from, Northlands, the group which stands to lose the most should the new project go ahead. Does it make a shred of sense to possibly spend over $250 million for a short term fix? I think not.

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still just a pig.

Let's move into the new age and take some pride in our city.

I am ecstatic to hear that this project should be getting the go ahead very soon. If you belly achers don't like it, don't come down, cause chances are you don’t support the current facility anyways. You are not welcome to enjoy the fruits of our sports and entertainment culture that we have worked so hard and spent our hard earned money to build. You will all be eating CROW with EGG on your faces very soon, mark my words !

To all the supporters, we'll see you down there in 2014, YEE HAW !!! This will be a successful, state of the art venture that we can all be very proud of.

That's my rant for now, what do you guys think ? Agree or Disagree ? I'd like to hear from you !!!

Hit me up on Twitter @Oilfreak

-Written/Ranted by Oil Freak-

Ryan O'Marra and Greg Stewart Are Signed By Oilers

Ryan O'Marra -- 23 years old and 6’2”, 207lbs -- has agreed to terms with the Oilers on a 1 year deal. Ryan gets another shot at making the Oilers this season, but will most likely spend his time with the OKC Barons.

 

Left Wing, Gregory Stewart -- 24 years old and 6’2”, 197lbs -- was also signed today by the Oilers. He comes from the Montreal Canadiens organization and spent the majority of his time with the Hamilton Bulldogs. In 45 games last year, he had 10 points (5G, 5A) and 90 penalty minutes.

In the NHL Stewart has played in 26 games and only has the one assist, but does have 48 penalty minutes.

He was drafted by Montreal in 2004. He was taken in the 8th round, 246th overall.

 

This appears to be another depth signing for the Oklahoma City Barons. Steve Tambellini is doing the right thing with all these 1 year deals. I'm liking the cut of his jib. Keep it up Tamby!

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Oilers Steal Barons Thunder? (News From Today)

Today the Oklahoma City Barons held a press conference to announce the new Head Coach, Todd Nelson and his assistant coach, Gerry Fleming.

Once again the Barons put on a great event. They were quick and to the point and followed that up with a Q & A session with the media.

By all accounts, the Barons should be very happy with having a guy like Nelson on board. From the reports and information I have gathered, he seems like a smart and passionate man for hockey. Todd Nelson will be an awesome coach in OKC. The Barons are lucky to have him.

Gerry Fleming was also hired/retained as Nelson's assistant coach. Fleming has been with the Oilers (Falcons) for the past couple years and is no stranger to the Oilers system. The Oilers must like him as he was the only minor league guy to not be fired. Good for Gerry. Just like with Todd, the Barons and their fans are lucky to have a guy like Gerry.

Now what's this Oilers steal Barons thunder thing?

The Barons had planned this PC for a couple of days and had the fans interest peaked, mine included. Just as the conference was starting to get rolling, the Oilers decide that they needed to rise above what the Barons are doing and they announced their assistant coaches at the exact time Bob Funk Jr was getting up to speak.

Go to 2:32pm in the TweetCast box. Proof is there.

How sad is that? Your own baby club is about to announce their "big surprise" when, what the hell? Let's announce our own news. way to market your brand. I really hope the Oilers don't screw this up with the Barons, I like them and I want them to succeed.

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The TweetCast went well today thanks to Eric and Scott as they provided some great pictures and tweets. It was also nice for me as I was able to sit down and chat with a few of the loyal readers about the Barons and Oilers at the Cover It Live box. It's always nice to talk to the readers. Thanks to those who stopped by, we value your opinions.

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Back to the Edmonton Oilers. Like I said above, they announced their assistant coaches today. No surprises, Kelly Buchberger is welcomed back to the fold. Bucky was on the ice last week for the Oilers Rookie Development camp and we all knew he would be doing something with the Oil this year.

The other man they bring back is Steve Smith. Yes, that Steve Smith. While he has no real experience as a coach, he gets a job with the Oilers and not the Barons. Puzzling. Don't newbies start at the bottom? Not in the old boys club. Both of these hirings have Kevin Lowe stink all over them.This couldn't have been Renney's or Tamby's choice. Could they?

I can not believe that Steve Smith is an Oiler once again.

-Written By Smokin' Ray-

Oklahoma City Barons Press Conference LIVE *TweetCast*

Welcome to another fine TweetCast by OilFieldHockey.com and OilersJambalaya.com.

Today we tune into the Oklahoma City Barons press conference where they are expected to announce who their 1st ever Head Coach will be.

It's also expected that they will announce who the assistant coaches will be too.

I have heard reports that the OKC Barons may also announce the Name The Mascot winner as well. Should be an exciting day.

The Press Conference begins at 2:00pm CDT

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE LIVE TWEETCAST

The Wait Is Over... Well Sort Of

With the announcement finally coming up from the Oklahoma City Barons on Thursday, we are all waiting patiently to find out who will be the Head and Assistant coaches for the OKC Barons. The excitment is killing us!

OK, not really killing us, but we are curious nonetheless.

Will Kelly Buchburger really get a position with the Barons? Will it be a some what unkown group? Will they be local to OKC? Will it be a "fired" Oiler? hint: MacT

On Thurday at 3:00pm MDT, we will find out what they decide. Join us for a LIVE TweetCast of the announcement.

One just has to wonder, when will the GM be named? Isn't that more important to the team?

**Tweetcast brought to you by

OilersJambalaya.com and OilFieldHockey.com**

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Oilers sign Shawn Belle

The Edmonton Journal today reported that the Oilers have signed D Shawn Belle to a One-year/Two-way deal worth 600,000/150,000.

Belle played for the Hamilton Bulldogs for the majority of last season, netting 19 points in 70 games in the regular season as well as 7 points in 19 playoff games. He also made two appearances for the Canadiens. In 311 career AHL games he has 13 goals and 45 assists. In 11 career NHL games he has 1 assist.

Belle should be expected to challenge for the #6 defenseman slot in Edmonton, but will make for a top defenseman in OKC.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

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.

JF Jacques Signs 1 Year Deal With Edmonton Oilers

It appears that JF Jacques smartly avoids arbitration by signing a 1 year deal worth $615,000. It was rumored that he wanted a 2 year deal, but for whatever reasons, he settles for a 1 year deal. The news comes from Jason Gregor of OilersNation.com.

Stay tuned for more information as we get it.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Oilers Jambalaya Moves On Up / www.oilersjambalaya.com

Well we finally caved, opened the piggy bank and stepped into the future. Welcome to OilersJambalaya.com.

After much thought and debate we figured what the hell, let's do it.We have expanded over time and we will continue to grow, so the next logical step was to shorten the url. 

We thank you for following us in the past and also into the future as we continue to cover the Edmonton Oilers, OKC Barons and the Stockton Thunder. This is just another step in making this a top notch Oilers website.

The changes are not yet over...

WOoOOOooOoOO!!!! http://www.oilersjambalaya.com/

PS: Let's not forget to change the links and the rss feeds if you have us in your blog rolls.