HOLTY’S BLOG: GO TIME

Camp is underway in Condorstown and tomorrow, preseason action returns as the team hosts San Jose in the front end of a home-and-home.

Time to flip the switch because the season is here and as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog, and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

Good opening camp interview with Colin Chaulk from Monday. After taking the reins in February last year and going 19-12-3, this is certainly his team now. In getting to know the other members of the coaching staff this week as well, I think there is good balance with Keith McCambridge and Josh Green. Both bring different elements to the table and I think will work well with Chaulk in delivering the message.

The early message has been opportunity at both levels, especially right off the hop. Vinny Desharnais, Carter Savoie, Raphael Lavoie, and Tyler Benson all are working their way back from injuries, so just from that group alone, that has created extra spots to battle for in Condors camp. One non-NHL/AHL contract that has caught the eye early on has been Tye Felhaber, who had 59 goals in 68 games in his final junior season in 2019.

Edmonton will have to cut down before their season opener on Wednesday. The Oilers play their final preseason action tomorrow night. Condors from a year ago still up there battling for a spot include Brad Malone, Dylan Holloway, James Hamblin, Philip Broberg, Markus Niemelainen, and Dmitri Samorukov.

Talked to Condors goalie coach Sly Rodrigue yesterday about Calvin Pickard and how he’s done a great job pushing Stuart Skinner in the preseason. He recognizes his role in the organization as a “No. 3” netminder, but a goalie who can play meaningful minutes in the NHL. Also, I’m going to self-impose a $5 fine anytime I call him Chet. The d corps and goaltending should be a strength of the Condors this season.

No broadcasts of either game this weekend, but will get a chance to check out the Barracuda’s new mini rink on Saturday. Should be a good broadcast vantage point for the regular season at least.

Some of the sights and sounds from camp so far. We’re mic’ing up Chaulk today for a behind the scenes feature. And some members of the Roughnecks are coming by this afternoon to do some testing for video features we’re doing with the players next Monday. Lots of cool video work being done!

Also in the works, Paul Willett, Paul Rosebush, and Andrew Ianiero are dropping by next week to lend their talents to our 25th Anniversary Intro Video.

Need preseason tickets? You can sit anywhere tomorrow for $15. It’s called the Holty Special. Click here to get yours.

Finally, it was nice having the Fort Wayne staff here for the week. They’re of course led by Ben Boudreau, who was with the Condors as an assistant in 2014-15. Hockey world is a small world.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt aka Holty is in his 12th season as Voice of the Condors. The annual staff mixer is this afternoon where everyone samples food from the arena. Come for the laughs, stay for the food. Or something like that. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@BakersfieldCondors.com with questions, comments or blog ideas.