HOLTY’S BLOG: LABORING TO THE SEASON

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Labor Day brings with it glorious “Fall” weather in Condorstown, a three-day weekend, college football, and more. It also means the coaching and hockey operations staff are off to Edmonton to prepare for meetings, rookie camp, and then Oilers training camp before arriving in Condorstown.

Also, Labor Day means that I saw a commercial for Sam Adams Octoberfest and the transition from Sam Summer has started in local convenience stores. You may like Octoberfest and that’s fine, but it’s still 90 degrees out here and summer beer still works. I’m writing a petition. Oh, and as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

– Speaking of beer, Opening Night just got more appealing for those of you 21 and older. You can enjoy $2 beers through the end of the first intermission. Which is a solid two hours of $2 suds. I’m not sure if I can partake or if that would make the broadcast better, but anyways, enjoy!

– For those asking when single-game tickets go on sale, I have a little Holty Tease for you. On September 12, there will be a one-day, pre-sale for single game tickets with tickets starting at $12. It’ll just be one day, and then you’ll have to wait a couple weeks, so my suggestion would be to lock in a Big 6 Pack and not have to worry about any of this.

– Mike Griffith from The Bakersfield Californian caught up with head coach Jay Woodcroft from his cottage in Ontario this week. The coaching and hockey operations staff head to Edmonton on Tuesday before they come back on September 21.

– Oilers website with a look back at the rookie season of Ethan Bear. My opinion is that he takes a big step forward this season and will become a solid two-way d-man in Bakersfield with some time in Edmonton.

– Word on the street is we’ll have some number changes this season as well. I’ll wait until guys get assigned, but it’s not uncommon for first or second year guys to switch numbers as others leave the organization.

– Speaking of leaving the organization, Dillon Simpson dropped by this week before he heads to Columbus for their training camp. He signed a two-year deal with the Blue Jackets this offseason and it was good to see him.

– A couple of the other guys in town, including Mitch Callahan, have had informal skates as they get set to head to Edmonton as well.

– The Oilers signed veteran d-man Jason Garrison to a tryout this week. He spent nearly all of last season with Chicago in the AHL. As we’ve talked about in the blog since the Sekera injury news, the funnel continues to be filled on the blue line to provide options at both the NHL and AHL levels.

– LOCK OF THE WEEK? Nothing says the return of college football like Holy Cross being 12 point underdogs at Colgate. Just gets you in the spirit. That said here are five picks for you to start off the campaign. Entertainment purposes only of course, but I do accept tips.
NOTRE DAME (-1.5) v Michigan
AUBURN (-2.5) v Washington
MIAMI (-3.5) “at” LSU
WEST VIRGINIA (-10) “at” Tennessee
UPSET SPECIAL: Virginia Tech (+7.5) at Florida State (I like the Hokies outright)

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt enters his 8th season as Voice of the Condors in 2018-19. He’s never been to South Bend, but will one day. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@BakersfieldCondors.com with questions, comments, or blog ideas.