What's In A Number?

As I watch these last few games, I'm starting to notice that the little things are bugging me. Here's some examples of what I mean;

Why is Khabibulin starting again? Isn't MacIntyre supposed to kick the crap out of somebody? Why does Brule keep trying to comeback? Does Fraser ever improve as a player? Ever? Is Cogliano for real the best player out there? And for the love of god, why is Khabibulin starting again?!? (*Editors note: For the record, Dubnyk starts tomorrow. I'm just being sarcastic*)

But what is really bugging me lately is the stupid numbers the Oilers give these kids in training camp without considering who may or may not be called up during the season. Most stories you hear from players is that the team gave them their numbers when they joined the organization, so that's what they wear now. Makes you wonder, how did Giroux get #12 this year? Or Ondrus get #25? Or Moran as #20? Or even Petiot with #37? Was this the teams choice, or the players? Why are they special?

It's strange that they gave those four lower numbers even though they got passed up on for call ups all year long. While the rest of the "also good prospects" get odd ball numbers like #42 or #58 or #54 or #56.

Don't get me started on why in the hell Peckham is wearing #49. I can almost guarantee that's not his "number". Yet he still wears it? Come on Oilers!

I can see the prospects that have no chance getting to the show taking an odd ball number like say Brandon Davidson, but a kid like Jeff Petry shouldn't be playing 30+ games as an Oiler with #58 on his back. Give him a proper number (unless he actually likes #58) and make him part of the team officially. Nothing sticks out a rookie for the other team like a stupid number on his back.

I've noticed that there is no number yet for Colten Teubert on the Oilers site. Will he get to choose his own number or will he get an odd ball given to him for next year? I'm going to guess he gets a low number like #8.

I'm curious to know how giving out numbers really works for the Oilers. How does it get determined who gets what? Who picks the numbers?

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY -

OKC Barons (7) vs Icedogs (0) Video Highlights (April 1st)

The Official Box Score

OKC Barons Game Recap

The Tweetcast is Back! OKC v. Rockford

Barons Game Day Information Center

• Oilers sign Mark Acrobello to a 2 year Entry Level Deal.
• Jeff Deslauriers will get the start in tonight's game.
• No word on Martin Gerber's return to the Barons lineup.

Listen to the Live Broadcast here!


Barons Game Day Media Kit in pdf form
Barons Roster in pdf form

Show Support For The New Arena / Watch This

The vote for the new arena is happening on April 6th, 2011 and the Oilers are asking us for our support. Watch this video and visit http://revitalizedowntown.ca/ for more information on what you can do.

GOILERS!

Katz Angry / Tom Renney Fired After 4-2 Loss To Wild / Krueger Takes Over

"I've had enough!", Oilers owner Daryl Katz said early this morning to a couple of local scribes. "Tom Renney is no longer the coach of the Edmonton Oilers. We thank him for his time and for what he has done, but we need to move on. Enough is enough."

Surprisingly Katz made the claim himself. He's generally quiet and isn't one to speak out often, but for what ever reason he decided to speak for himself this morning. The scribes said he was visably upset that it's almost spring and no playoffs yet again for his beloved club.

He also mentioned that Ralph Krueger will take over the team until further notice.

The Oilers will make an official announcement later on this morning.

Stay tuned for more developments...

-WRITTEN BY YAD SLOOF LIRPA-