HOLTY’S BLOG: CAMP UNDERWAY

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This time next week there will be ice inside Rabobank Arena. 1,736 miles northeast, the Edmonton Oilers begin main camp today.

You didn’t think you’d be getting a geography lesson today, but as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

– 62 players (7 goaltenders, 19 d-men, 36 forwards) began Oilers main camp today with testing, physicals, and other workouts. Of those 62, 27 have spent time in Bakersfield, plus there are a number of the Condors AHL contracts beginning camp in Edmonton.

– I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Condors roster will be comprised of players off that 62-man roster. Just a hunch.

– Edmonton’s preseason game slate starts on Monday at Calgary.

– Nice goal from Evan Polei last night in Red Deer against Calgary’s rookies. Afterwards, he talked about what he has his sights on for the upcoming season.

– Here was Condors Head Coach Jay Woodcroft’s final thoughts on rookie camp from last night

– Ice at Rabobank Arena starts going in next Monday at 11 a.m. when the crew will paint the lines and chill down the floor. Then the logos are placed. Then they meticulously flood it and by Friday, there will be ice.

– Sunday Sept. 23, from 2-4 p.m., everyone is invited to come skate at Rabobank Arena. Players will be going through testing that morning and you may even get to meet one or two.

– The Colorado Eagles unveiled their new look for their first season in the AHL. They’ve had many different looks throughout the years and I personally liked last year’s model. Your first chance to see the new look Eagles in Condorstown is Saturday, November 17.

– The final free agent from last season is off the board as Ben Betker signed with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings. They’re the affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Utica Comets.

– Erik Karlsson’s trade to San Jose came before the blog went to print. The Sharks sent the Barracuda’s leading scorer last season, Rudolfs Balcers, the other way in the package.

– Looking to golf with the Condors? Here’s your opportunity.

– LOCK OF THE WEEK: Well for the first time ever, I’m out after Week 1 of the NFL season thanks to New Orleans and Detroit. Sorry folks. That said, the other picks were pretty good. Let’s be better this weekend and go three college and three NFL. Entertainment purposes only.

NFL
Philadelphia (-3) @ Tampa Bay – Fitzmagic runs out … right?
New England (PK) @ Jacksonville – Pats don’t lose
Los Angeles Rams (-13.5) v Arizona – Rams are my Super Bowl pick

NCAAF
Auburn (-10) v LSU – Auburn at home, book it.
Notre Dame (-13.5) v Vanderbilt – ND had their yearly let down game last week
Ole Miss & Alabama over 71 because have you seen the Rebels defense? Woof.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt enters his 8th season with the Condors in 2018-19. 22 days away folks. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@bakersfieldcondors.com with questions, comments, or blog ideas.