I’ve seen this script before. It’s about this time every year that we start looking at the standings and going “what’s happening with the Condors this year?!” I come bearing numbers and facts this holiday season!
You may want to live in fantasy, and that’s fine, but as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.
Now for the blog.
Lets not sugar coat anything. This has been a tough stretch filled with tight games, close losses, and late game winners. But this feels pretty familiar. In fact, let’s take a look at the Condors recent record at Christmas (aside from the COVID season, but more on that in a second):
- Dec. 25, 2021: 7-8-1 (.474)
- Dec. 25, 2019: 10-13-4 (.444)
- Dec. 25, 2018: 15-10-1 (.596)
But, hey, look Holty what about 2018? Yeah, that team went on to lose five straight and went back to .500 before the incredible 17 straight wins. Those three seasons exclude the COVID season in which the Condors lost five in a row to start the season. Combined, those records at Christmas and the COVID season led to four playoff series victories and two division titles. That said, it’s a big four-game stretch for the Condors leading into Santa’s arrival.
It was another thrilling Blackout Cancer Night as Seth Griffith provided the heroics on Saturday. You can still get your hands on Seth’s and more player jerseys from the night with the auction ending on Monday. Click here to get your bids in and thank you all for your participation.
Positive news on the injury front as it appears Vinny Desharnais and Yanni Kaldis will be good to go this weekend. They are two huge parts of the Condors blue line. One note though is that Jason Demers is coming to an end of his allotted games played on a PTO limit. He would need to sign another PTO (you’re allowed two in one year) or a standard contract beyond this weekend. Calvin Pickard remains out and likely won’t see him before Christmas, but won’t be long after before #31 gets back between the pipes.
One player who I think is in for a big post-Christmas push is Xavier Bourgault. He had 3-4 really good looks in San Jose Sunday and now with eight on the season, 20 goals is certainly attainable. Hopefully with Edmonton getting healthier, the Condors can get some help up front production wise, but I think Bourgault is a big part of that.
Friday we’ll recognize Scott Hay as part of the team’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Perhaps no one player has done more for the growth of hockey in the city than Scott with his work next door at the team’s practice facility. Between coaching, learn to skates, sled hockey, and more, his management over there has helped thousands of kids have fun over the years with hockey and skating.
Until next time Condorstown…
Ryan Holt aka Holty is the voice of the Condors, in his 12th season in Condorstown. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense.
