Four Allen Americans in Barons Camp

The Allen Americans posted an article today announcing which of their players would be attending AHL camps this year. Of the 14 players attending AHL camps, four will be coming into OKC for the Barons camp; forwards Jarret Lukin, Dustin Donaghy, and Dave Bonk and defenseman Justin Dacosta.

Jarret Lukin

Center Jarret Lukin is entering his 5th season as a pro. He's listed at 5'11", 187 lbs. After a junior career with the Kamloops Blazers where he had mediocre to great success depending on the season, he played a season and a half with the University of Calgary where he averaged 1+ points a game. Beginning his career in the ECHL, he netted 38 goals and 59 assists in 164 games with the Florida Everblades and the Dayton Bombers. In 2008-09, he got a look at the AHL with the Rochester Americans, getting three assists in 6 games. Last year with Allen, he netted 14 goals and 18 assists in 47 regular season games, and 5 goals and 9 assists in 20 playoff games.

Dustin Donaghy

Left Winger Dustin Donaghy will be entering his first season as a pro. Listed at 5'11", 187 lbs. he has played the last three seasons with the Spokane Chiefs and the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. In 176 games he scored 15 goals and added 23 helpers. He appeared with the Americans in the playoffs for two games where he was held scoreless.

Dave Bonk

Center Dave Bonk, listed at 5'10", 176 lbs., is entering his 7th year as a pro. Starting out with Northern Michigan University in the NCAA, Bonk put up pretty mediocre numbers, 25 points in 74 games. He began his pro career with the Motor City Mechanics of the UHL, posting 41 points in 66 games. The next year, he split time with the Bakersfield Condors and the Columbia Inferno of the ECHL, posting 54 points in 60 games. Following that season, he went overseas to play in the Netherlands, scoring 35 goals and 47 assists in 43 games, then Germany, scoring 14 goals and 27 assists in 50 games. In 2008-09, he returned to the States to play for Bakersfield again, netting 31 goals and 51 assists in 60 games. Last year, he played in Norway, scoring 18 goals and 28 assists in 44 games.

Justin Dacosta

Defenseman Justin Dacosta, listed at 5'10", 183 lbs., is entering his 2nd year as a pro. After splitting 4 years in the OHL with the Barrie Colts, Owen Sound Attack, and Mississauga IceDogs he posted 83 points in 212 games, with 2005-06 being his most productive season, scoring 10 goals and adding 32 helpers. He then played two season with the University of New Brunswick, getting 38 points in 54 games. Last year, he split time with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Stockton Thunder. After getting 3 points in 9 games with Muskegon he went on to score 3 goals and add 21 assists in the Thunder's regular season and and assist in three playoff games.

Of the forwards, I think the only one that might have a shot at cracking the Barons roster is Bonk. If he doesn't make the opening day roster, I definitely see the Barons signing him to a two-way deal. Dacosta, I see the same thing. These guys definitely add a little bit more interest for me for training camp next week.

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

OJ/OFH Weekly Round Up

Eberle, Hall, and Paajarvi(Courtsey of EdmontonOilers.com)

This week Oil fans got their 1st taste of the future of the organization. The "Baby" Oilers won 2 of the 3 tournament games, and saw the renewal of "The Battle of Alberta". The Oilers put the Canucks down with a 4-1 win, as Mangus Paajarvi had two goals in the game. And showed why he was an excellent pick for the Oilers, with his presence in front of the net paid off. Jordan Eberle got his 1st goal as an Oiler, with an assist from Taylor Hall late in the 2nd period. And 2010 pick Tyler Pitlick put the nail in the coffin, as he scored a empty net goal in the 3rd Olivier Roy showed why he could be the future netminder for the Oilers. He stopped 28 of 29 shots, and he made some spectacular saves. Vande Velde and Hartikainen made their presence known by crashing the net several times, even though they didn't score any goals.

Game 2 was especially fierce as the Oilers took on Flames, and there was no love loss between the two teams. The lack of Hall, Eberle, and Paajarvi in the lineup, didn't slow things down. As the Oilers put literally put the smackdown on Flames in a 5-3 win. And several good scraps during the game, including Cameron Abney v. Chris Breen(video below of the fight). 5th Round draft pick Tyler Bunz was put in net, and didn't disappoint anyone that night. Even though He let 3 goals slip by him, but he stopped an onslaught put on by the flames. Future OKC Baron Chris Vande Velde got his first goal at the 9:21 mark in the 2nd period. With assists coming from Kristians Pelss and James Livingston. The Oilers hung on to win by getting an empty netter from Alex Plante.




Game Three was the complete opposite of the two previous games. Even though that the Big 3 were put back into the lineup. The coaching staff decided to experiment by moving Hall into the Center position. From what I saw of the game on the internet. Hall looked out of place being at center, and couldn't get the offense going against the Sharks. Sharks prospect Michael Sgarbossa came out of the game with a hat trick, and also getting an assist too. But Oiler fans had some reason to celebrate as Taylor Hall scored his 1st goal as an Oiler. But it just wasn't enough as the Sharks chewed up and spit out the Oilers. And Oilers goaltender Bryan Pitton showed why he isn't going to be resigned after this season. Cause he got lit up like a christmas tree, but there just wasn't any flow to the game for the oilers. At least Cameron Abney sure tried motivating his teammates, by taking a tilt with Samuel Finn.




Oilers GM Steve Tambellini told reporters that disgruntled player Sheldon Souray was "Persona Non-Grata" at Oilers Training Camp. This came after what seemed like that Souray had a change of heart, that he was excited with the renewed enthusiasm in the locker room. This mess with Souray has taken more turns then a roller coaster at an amusement park. There are several assumptions of what could happen to Souray, including sending him down to the Barons. But given the fact that Tambellini doesn't want Souray to be a distraction. Hopefully that Souray is just told that his services are no longer needed, like former Canadiens' player Geogre Laraque.

In Oklahoma City this week, the rink was painted, logos laid out, and the ice was formed this week. Also the Barons' Mascot has been out at the State Fair of Oklahoma. And our own Eric Rodgers(@AHLBarons) was able to capture the 1st picture of Derrick the Mountain Lion. The Barons' also announced that former Blazers' play by play broadcaster Jim Byers is going to be the play by play broadcaster for the Barons. Former RoadRunner and Oil King assistant Rocky Thompson was hired to be an assistant coach for the Barons.

Barons' Mascot: Derrick the Mountain Lion(Courtsey of Eric Rodgers)

 

The Oil Terminal podcast will return next week with a full recap of what has gone on with the Penticton Tournament. And we'll look at who looked good at the Oilers main camp. And get you up to date on the latest news from the Barons. So Stay Tuned to OilersJambalaya.com and OilFieldHockey.com. We are your Number 1 source on news and opinions on the Oilers, Barons, and the Stockton Thunder. We would like to thank Shawn McMann (@bulletacdotcom) for all the tweets from the Penticton Tournament.

It's Getting Clearer / Rookies Go To Training Camp

Last night before the game Dan Tencer tweeted that all the kids at the Young Stars tournament are getting invited to the regular Edmonton Oilers training camp.

Wow! These kids must be peeing in their pants. To think that Tyler Pitlick will be skating circles and lines with Ales Hemsky. Or Hall honing his leadership skills by watching Horcoff work his ass off, on and off the ice. For some of these kids, this is it. This is their one chance at an NHL training camp. Some may never be here again. I'm willing to bet they all make the best of a great situation.

Steve Tambellini says that he wants to show the kids what it takes to be an NHL player and to create a good atmosphere for the team. He wants the Oilers to be class. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

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So, what's this getting clearer thing?

I can see now why he's (Tamby) shunned Sheldon Souray from training camp. Bringing these kids here to experience what it's like to be a real NHL'er, is, and should be, the focus of camp. This Souray mess shouldn't even cross these kids' minds and with Souray being sent home, the kids, and the Oilers, can focus on hockey. I believe that's best for the team.

Could have Tambellini handled this Souray situation better? You bet he could. He could have made it clear last month Souray wouldn't be attending camp. He could have made it clear, he wasn't wanted anymore by the Oilers. God knows he was asked 5000 times about Souray this summer by every Tom, Dick and Harry so it's not like he forgot. And we all know that that training camp question was also brought up countless times and he sluffed it off like the question never was asked. He knew the answer, he just never said it out loud.

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The word cancer has been used a lot in reference to Sheldon Souray. It's been used by TV, newsprint, bloggers, fans. Even Steve Tambellini said it.

But what does the term cancer mean in hockey? What are they saying without saying it?

I look at that and the first thing I think is, is he a shitty teammate? Is that what it means?

They call him and his situation toxic. What does that mean? Doesn't that also mean he's a shitty teammate? Or is it just because he's a constant complainer?

I know he's a good leader and I loved him for it. If he's in the right situation (another hockey cliche), he can be an asset to an NHL club.

Somewhere along the way he made a mistake.

The mistake started with this article with Spector. After that, the avalanche got bigger and bigger till it couldn't be stopped. He was shopped around more than a Vancouver hooker and nobody wanted to trade for him. He was placed on waivers and still, nobody wanted him. That was an eye opener for Souray and probably caused his change of heart for the Oilers and his willingness to come back, but it was too late. The damage was done.

I don't know. I would still have him on my team (until a trade is made) because without Souray, there is a hole in the 2nd defence pairing that none of the current Oilers can handle. Foster? Strudwick? Vandermeer? So until a trade is made, there is a hole in that spot.

I'd say it's clear now (is it?) that there is no turning back. It's clear the Oilers have moved on and I think we will all be better for it.

I want to focus on hockey. I want to focus on Oilers hockey, not more scandals and BS that has surrounded this great and storied franchise in the past. I want hockey. True Edmonton Oilers hockey. The way it was meant.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Are You Attending The Rookie Young Stars Tournament?

As most of you know, we here (the Jambalaya Family and OFH.com) like to do LIVE TweetCast's of events that most people can't attend to provide a more in depth look at what is going on.

The Young Stars tournament is no exception.

We are looking for people who will be at the tournament that can tweet what they see as it unfolds. We need the help of you to make this a success.

If you are going, let us know ( email ) so we can have your tweets included in our LIVE TweetCast of the Young Stars tournament. This will indeed be a special rookie tournament for all those that get to watch it live.

Stay tuned in September for the Jambalaya families and the OilFieldHockey.com LIVE TweetCast and LIVE video footage of the games.

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