Saturday, May 22, 2010

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.

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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.

Friday, May 21, 2010

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.

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

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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.