I told Judge Twisselman in Kern County Superior Court that today is Thursday and loyal friends of the blog need something to read, so he excused me from jury duty this afternoon.

Civic duty is important, but as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog …

Got the text while at the courthouse from Condors GM Keith Gretzky that the team had signed Justin Bailey to a one-year AHL deal. He can play both wings and as we saw last year, he can fly. He’s had three 20+ goal campaigns in the AHL and brings an added element to the Condors forward group. Last season, an injury cut his year short, but he still produced 15 goals and 27 points in 30 games with Abbotsford. Good work done to get him in the fold.

Congrats to two levels of the Jr. Condors program who took home championships over the holiday weekend. Condors legend Andrew Ianiero, former assistant coach Tony Borgford, and friend of the blog from SC Architect Steve Corbin are part of the coaching staffs. It really is special to have so many former alums involved at all levels of youth hockey in Condorstown.

Continuing our running theme of “what have you been up to this summer” – here’s Dylan Holloway in D.C. at the White House. He was there shooting rookie content for the NHL. Pretty cool experience.

For less than $1 a game, you can watch Condors hockey and hear me talk about food. It might be the best value deal going. Welcome to our new partners at McDonald’s as well too. You’ll see them on the score bug graphic. Big Macs for everyone. AHLTV packages are on sale now. Thank you to all who watch near and far, as the Condors are in the top quarter of the league in ratings.

We are hiring! All sorts of game night positions are available. So if you want to have fun and get paid doing it, click here

The blog prides itself on scoops and thanks to good friend of the blog Al Oman, I’m able to share one — jersey numbers (not assigning players by any means, but SHOULD they come)! Michael Kesselring is switching to 7, Greg McKegg is 14, Calvin Pickard is 31, Ryan Fanti is 29, and some of the young forwards Xavier Borgault (10), Ty Tullio (47), and Carter Savoie (48) have their digits.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt aka Holty is in his 12th season as Voice of the Condors. The Patriots win 10 games this season. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to rholt@bakersfieldcondors.com with questions, comments or blog ideas.