At a press conference later this afternoon, it is expected that the Edmonton Oilers, along with the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, are picking up the farm and moving to California. The long talked about AHL Western Division is now a reality, and is slated to start in the fall of 2015.
The Oilers will be stopping operations in Oklahoma City following this season, and moving their ECHL team to the AHL. That team, the Bakersfield Condors, was purchased by Edmonton previously. The Condors will join Stockton (Calgary), San Jose (San Jose), San Diego (Anaheim) and Ontario (LA) in the new division.
This move marks a sad day, but also a new day within the organization. It’s sad to see the Barons go, no doubt. We’ve met some great people, like Eric Rodgers, Neal Livingston and Patricia Teter, and seen some pretty good hockey teams. I live in Woburn, Mass, and remember the heart break when Lowell lost it’s team following the 2009-10 season. It isn’t a fun experience.
That said, the move makes some sense for the Oilers. While it isn’t that much closer than OKC, Bakersfield is closer and provides Edmonton a little more convenience travel wise, which is the motive behind the move. This also allows the Oilers to develop their AHL talent directly against the prospects of other teams, which can be a valuable thing.
Sadly, attendance wasn’t well in OKC. I’m not sure if it was marketing, the market itself, or the fact that the NBA simply dominated the field, but the Barons didn’t draw that great. Judging by the crowds in Bakersfield for ECHL hockey, that likely won’t be an issue.
The Oilers will also exclusively own this team, and run it their way. I suspect a change in philosophy is coming as well, and the focus likely shifts away from winning. You’ll probably seem more prospects like Mitch Moroz getting more ice time, and less signings like Jason Williams and Matt Ford. This is going to be a development team I think.
The Oilers will be represented by Kevin Lowe at the press conference, and I’ll have more later this afternoon following the announcement, which will take place at the SAP Center in San Jose at 3:30 est/1:30 mt/12:30 pt.
More to come.
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