Rajala and Cornet Continue Assault on ECHL

Once again this dynamic duo of Oilers prospects Toni Rajala and Philippe Cornet light up the oppositions goalie.

Both players finished the night with 3 points each. Cornet scored 2 goals and had an assist, while Rajala had 2 assists and a goal.

Since joining the Stockton Thunder they have been excellent. They have really helped make this Thunder team a high scoring group and are currently on a push for 1st place.

Rajala sits with 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points so far this season. Cornet isn't much farther behind with 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. Coach Thomas can't be happier to have those two on his roster.

On one hand, having the kid line demoted to play with the OKC Barons was terrible for Cornet and Rajala. Some guys had to be sent to Stockton. However, this couldn't have worked out better. The confidence level on these two guys will be an asset if, and when, they get recalled to Oklahoma City in the near future.

Big question is, can this success they are having translate to the AHL game?

On a side note, new/old Thunder player Cameron Abney who was just recently returned to Stockton also scored tonight. His hands aren't just for punching people. Deep down inside that rough exterior is a goal scorer. OK, so that's not entirely true. But it was sweet to hear Abney finally scored his first goal of the season.

Another Oilers prospect is creating a buzz in California too. Goaltender Tyler Bunz again played lights out. He was 1st star of the game and has been solid most nights he starts. Nice to see the kid is developing down there. Hard to believe in a few years he could be the Oilers starting goalie.

Until next time... GO THUNDER!!!

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

The Edmonton Oilers... Destination #1? Schultz Says So!

The past is the past for the Oilers now. Long gone are the days of not wanting to be in Edmonton to play hockey with the Oil.

The advantages of coming here are at a high.

Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Magnus Paajarvi, Nail Yakupov, Anton Lander, Teemu Hartikainen, Jeff Petry, Oscar Klefbom, Martin Marincin, Devan Dubnyk, Tyler Bunz.

Now the Oilers have free agent Justin Schultz to add to the list.

I'd hope and expect the Oilers to land a few more good players to compliment the kids listed above. With all this youth and excitement, I have no doubt the Oilers will be Stanley Cup challengers sooner, rather than later.

Our door is open in Oil Country... we welcome those who want to join the fun.

GOILERS!!!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY BURNT-

Tyler Bunz Cut??? What???

Just before I go to sleep after an exhausting night shift on a drilling rig, I scan twitter and I find out that Oilers prospect Tyler Bunz has been cut from Team Canada?!?

What the hell?

I thought he'd be a lock for sure. I guess I was wrong. It's too bad. I feel Tyler could have been a big part of a gold medal in a city that not only drafted him, buy support him as well.

Try not to be too sad Tyler. Your still a good goalie no matter what. Someone fu*ked up with the decision making that's for sure.

Remember this... The Nuge never played for Canada and look at him now.

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Is On Twitter!!!

While I know that this isn't big news, but if you haven't checked out twitter yet, you should.

Tyler Pitlick and Tyler Bunz have convinced RNH to join the twitter group.  I love the fact that twitter puts us so close to all these young stars of the Edmonton Oilers.  It feels like you really get to know who these kids are.  For the most part they are guarded about what they say, but it does shed some light on how and what they think.  Guess what? They're normal just like you and me.

So go ahead and sign up for twitter. Find out what RNH has to say. www.twitter.com/RNH_93

While your there, follow us too! www.twitter.com/OilersJambalaya

Projected Oilers Lines For Young Stars Game vs Canucks

The Oilers announced the practice lines this morning on twitter.  I'd assume that these are the lines they go with for the first game at least.

They have one extra forward line and two extra defence pairing who will be sitting out tonight. The guys (IMO) in italics are going to sit out. I would also assume Bunz and Roy split this game, but the Oilers have given no indication on who or what they will go with for the goalie situation.

**UPDATE** Dan Tencer says that Olivier Roy will get the start for the game. He also says the Oilers will go with 11 forwards and 7 defencemen.

Don't forget to follow along at http://www.oilersjambalaya.com/ with the LIVE TweetCast starting at 8pm.

FORWARDS

Hamilton - Nugent-Hopkins - Pelss
Cornet - Lander - Rieder
Tyrvainen - Martindale - Czerwonka
Smith - Abney

Rajala - Schaber - Pitlick
Ferguson

DEFENCE

Marincin - Teubert
Fedun - Musil
Gernat - Lowery
Schmidt

Blain - Davidson
Vannieuwenhuizen


GOALIES

Roy
Bunz

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-