HOLTY’S BLOG: OPENING NIGHT

Opening Night always brings with it a sense of optimism. It’s a new season, a new beginning, and 32 teams have dreams of hoisting a Calder Cup next June.

In the words of a former Condors head coach though, I like to “keep my picture small,” and focus on a flawless opening night. And as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

We mic’d up Colin Chaulk during training camp and you can watch the video here. One of the takeaways from him at practice and around the rink is his infectious positivity. No matter the situation, Chaulk is always looking for ways to keep the mood positive and keep everyone focused on the task at hand. I think the mic’d up video is a nice little snap shot into his relationship with the team and how he gets the most out of players each day.

The Opening Night roster is due to the AHL league office today in preparation for Saturday. There will still be some roster gymnastics in the coming days, but I can tell you that James Hamblin and Jason Demers are in town and ready to roll. Hamblin had a fantastic training camp with Edmonton and Demers has nearly 700 games played in the NHL. I caught up with the latter at breakfast and let him know that with his arrival, I’m officially old. My first season “working” (I was an intern just trying to stay out of the way) was in 2009-10 in Worcester and his second season pro, so things are coming full circle. He was part of some really good Sharks teams in Worcester and in San Jose and will be a valued addition here in Condorstown.

It was a fun night last night with hundreds of Condors365 Members next door at the Marriott as everyone got a chance to mix and mingle with the team. Me personally? I was there for the tacos. There was a good time had by all and a perfect way to welcome team events back after being shelved for over two years.

Last night up in Edmonton, the Oilers fell behind 2-0 and then steamrolled past Vancouver to start the season with a win. Eight former Condors dressed in the game last night, including the regular season NHL debut for Dylan Holloway, and longtime Condors captain Brad Malone. I think both of their stories highlight the foundation of what has been built in Bakersfield. On one hand you have the first round budding star and on the other, you have a guy who has done everything right over his time in Bakersfield to earn another crack in the NHL.

This weekend is an AHLTV Freeview weekend. You can sign up here and then check out the team on the road in Ontario on Sunday evening. For those new to the program too, all games are on the iHeartRadio App, AM 800 Fox Sports Radio, AHLTV, and all of these broadcast options are available inside the Condors App.

Looking for a Philip Broberg game worn jersey? We have you covered in the game worn jersey raffle. Click here to get your tickers. Anyone, anywhere can win. 

Caught up with Paul Rosebush, Andrew Ianiero, and Glen Mears this week for some Mission Bank Memories you will see throughout the year and it was great to hear from a player perspective what the past 25 years of Condors hockey has meant to them and their families. Rosie will drop the ceremonial first puck on Saturday night.

That’s all for now. See you this weekend.

Until next time Condorstown..

Ryan Holt aka Holty is the Voice of the Condors in his 12th season. He still gets nervous before every season opener that he’s forgot how to call a game. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@BakersfieldCondors.com with questions, comments, or blog ideas.