Weekend Update: I'll Labour, You Weekend

It's the labour day weekend, typically seen as the last weekend of summer and the start of fall. For some this weekend can't get here soon enough, while for others it has once again come too soon. If nothing else at least this time of the year gives us far more to talk about. This past week an ex-Oiler brought up his painful past, new radio shows took to the air in Edmonton and WHL training camps wrapped up. So, for your reading and relaxation pleasure, I have laboured through another weekend update just for you. 

There was also news from across the pond about Oilers prospect Oscar Klefbom. Thanks to Swedish Oiler fan and blogger Martin Lundén, Oilers fans were able to read news of Klefbom's unfortunate cut on his thigh. Once the stitches were removed from Klefbom's leg however, it seems that there is now an infection left behind. Klefbom is taking his antibiotics, but is unable to play at this time. Hopefully, Klefbom will recover quickly from this ailment and return to the ice shortly.

Traditionally thought of as a bust, and likely still that way, Jason Bonsignore had an opportunity to clear his chest on the Jason Gregor show on the Team 1260 with Gene Principe and Robin Brownlee on Wednesday August 31st. You can read the entire lengthy interview here to see what Bonsignore had to say about being drafted, his introduction to the team and the league as well as Glen Sather. Bonsignore brings up some interesting points, but this of course is only his side of what happened. Also, many who were in the press box and in the know at the time still feel that Bonsignore is not owning up to his part of the the situation and history enough. It seems that there may never be enough time to heal all wounds or settle all matters.

With the passing of a third NHL fighter this summer, the lines are being drawn, opinions are being stated and some feel that the media is unfairly trying to link depression with fighting. While I agree that it is folly to try to link fighting to depression, you don't hear about MMA depression stats in the same breath or argument, perhaps this is finally what it takes for the NHL to take serious and large steps towards protecting it's players and their health in regard to head shots. Georges Laraque spoke with Bob Stauffer on his 630 ched show Oilers Now to discuss what the NHL should do. Laraque feels the NHLPA and the league need to do something, but "If you take fighting away, you’re going to take close to 50 jobs out of the NHL." This is just the beginning of this discussion folks. 

On a lighter note, Theo Peckham and Ryan Jones took to the golf course with two lucky Oilers fans as their caddies.

The face of Edmonton Sports radio has changed. Bob Stauffer has moved to 630 Ched to host his new show, Oilers Now from noon to two. As such, the Team 1260 had to make some changes. From noon till 1pm, new show Inside Hockey has begun. This show features "The biggest names in hockey. Period." The 1pm-2pm time slot has been taken over by the Mark Spector Show. So, it has been a lot of internet browser switching for me, and likely many other hockey fans out there. All shows are currently "peacocking" trying to garner listeners. Overall that means that there has been a lot worth listening to but you often miss out on something you would like to hear because you didn't know it was going to be aired. If I had any say in the matter, I would love to be able to read up on what would happen on any given show before they even began. Of course I don't see that happening, but I'm sure things will settle out and even I will be able to find a routine or something that will work. If nothing else, the competition should make for better radio for the listening public.

David Staples reports, via Helene Elliott that Los Angeles Kings' GM Dean Lombardi has filed a formal grievance with the NHL. Honestly, I thought that this had already happened, The Edmonton Journal told us July 30th that that was the case. So, if you felt that this was the story that just wouldn't go away, I would have to agree with you. 

First overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wore #93 at the NHL Rookie Showcase. Unfortunately, some people seem to have forgotten about Paajarvi. Jim Matheson wrote "One other tidbit: Only three Oilers have ever worn numbers in the 90s in league games. They are Ryan Smyth (No. 94), Wayne Gretzky (No. 99) and Nedved." Not quite Mr. Matheson, Magnus Paajarvi and even Mike Comrie wore numbers greater than 90 and less than 100. At least Matheson has a couple of platforms and was able to write a correction of sorts.

Newly signed centre Eric Belanger spoke at the Perry Pearn's 3-on-3. Belanger wants to make the playoffs and believes that he and Ryan Smyth can help this team with their passion and experience. Like Smyth, Belanger is also looking forward to the excitement and energy of the youths.

If you are looking for some hockey this long weekend, the Pre-season Invitational presented by Elite Sportswear begins Sunday September 4th. All games to be played at the Servus Place Performance Arena in St. Albert. Travis Ewanyk, new Oilers prospect and the rest of the Edmonton Oil Kings will of course be playing, but so will the Medicine Hat Tigers. Although Tyler Pitlick is not on the roster, potential Team Canada goaltender Tyler Bunz is. The schedule for this invitation tournament is found on the Oil Kings' webpage.

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Mr. Sensation Himself, Omark, Checks out Youtube to Get Pumped Up - Swedish Oil

The Wow factor at the Oilers rookie camp - Cult of Hockey Staples

Fan snaps unflattering photo of Dustin Penner: "Looked kind of beer bellyish." - Cult of Hockey Staples

Putting the "D" in "Depth" – Oilers’ prospect pool is deep on back end - Cult of Hockey McCurdy

Whitney’s tender ankle cause for concern - Cult of Hockey McCurdy

Oilers Announce Young Stars Roster - Copper & Blue Reynolds

Keys to 2011/12 - More Dubnyk and Less Khabibulin - Copper & Blue Batty

Barons Season Review: Mark Arcobello - Copper & Blue Rodgers

AN EPIC RANT: JASON BONSIGNORE ON HIS FAILED DAYS WITH THE EDMONTON OILERS - Oilers Nation Brownlee 

THE HUMAN TOLL: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - Oilers Nation Brownlee

WHO GOT THE BEST UNDRAFTED GIANT? - Oilers Nation Willis

RADIO GA-GA: LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE - Oilers Nation Brownlee

OUCH! BURRRRNNN! - Oilers Nation Lowetide

Training Camp 2011: Johan Motin - Lowetide

Blue Morning - Lowetide

Griffin - Lowetide

A Closer Look at Martin Gernat - Lowetide

We Need The Bantam (Even If You Don’t) -Neal Livingston

Bunz Blog - Tyler Bunz

BUNZ BLOG DAY 2 - Tyler Bunz

BUNZ BLOG DAY 3 - Tyler Bunz

BUNZ BLOG DAY 4 - Tyler Bunz