AHL franchise to be named Oilbarons?

[Betts]

This is interesting:

http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/1/15/1252460/additional-names-for-the-oklahoma

Though lips are sealed from both Prodigal Hockey and the Edmonton Oilers, the affiliation agreement is already in place and has been for some time. The Oilers' will dust off the Roadrunners franchise, move their AHL affiliate from Springfield to Oklahoma City next season, and unless the proximity of the Tulsa Oilers and the backlash from Blazers fan is too much, they'll be named after an oil theme.

[Rod4soonrs]

Maybe just barons, like before we were thunder?

[ThunderMoneyBall]

Oh yea!...Oklahoma City Barons...go ahead and CUT that oil off!

[Betts]

I suspect if they used either of the "oil_______" names, it will quickly be shortened to kings or barons.

I don't really understand why they don't stick with Blazers, unless they think the Blazer fans will be insulted. People know you're talking hockey when you say Blazers.

[Rod4soonrs]

announcement due Tuesday, heard its going to be oil kings

[Betts]

announcement due Tuesday, heard its going to be oil kings

I could live with that, as they'll become the Kings almost immediately. Oilkings is just too cumbersome. I would have preferred Barons, but whatever. This link was posted on the OKCTalk forum:

http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/2/5/1297800/springfield-separation-official

Springfield separation official, Oklahoma City announcement coming soon
by Derek Zona on Feb 5, 2010 7:11 PM PST in News 3 comments

The end is near in Springfield as Bruce Landon announced that the Oilers were moving their affiliation to Oklahoma City. Now comes word that the Springfield separation is official and the worst-kept secret in the AHL SHOULD finally be announced next week some time. Prodigal Hockey could not be reached for comment. In the meantime, Springfield continues to search for a new affiliate relationship and they may be closing in on that agreement.



Thanks to the investigators at the OKC Slackers message board, we've discovered that Prodigal Hockey has reserved @okcoilers, @okcroadrunners, @okchawks, @okcoilkings, @okcoilbarons, @okc89ers on Twitter. Follow them all and you might be the first to hear about the announcement next week.

[Betts]

Looks like the announcement will be Tuesday, from the DOK:

"An announcement regarding the future of pro hockey in Oklahoma City is set for 4 pm Tuesday at the Cox Convention Center."

[Tx Thunder]

I'll buy a jersey if the name is Oil Field Trash
Now that i have offended everybody......good night!

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Is Prodigal Hockey the OKC group? If they are, did they come from the Express Group?

I just wonder why not keep the Blazers name. If they're two different entities, then that would answer my question very easily.

[bigjkt405]

I'll buy a jersey if the name is Oil Field Trash
Now that i have offended everybody......good night!

LOL @ Oil Field Trash.... That was the name of a softball team in our league a couple years ago....

[Tx Thunder]

LOL @ Oil Field Trash.... That was the name of a softball team in our league a couple years ago....

I applaud you sir! :)

[KDisNotNice]

http://www.prodigalhockey.com/

They are having a name the team nickname contest. I assume Blazers is eligible to be chosen though ultimately, Prodigal Hockey will choose the name, not necessarily the most popular choice by fans.

[Betts]

I like Blazers, but if they want an oil-related name, I like Wildcatters and Roughnecks. It's kind of exciting to have a new team in town. I wonder if they'll keep the colors of the Edmonton team, which are blue and orange.

[Dio]

I like Blazers, but if they want an oil-related name, I like Wildcatters and Roughnecks. It's kind of exciting to have a new team in town. I wonder if they'll keep the colors of the Edmonton team, which are blue and orange.

What other team do we all know and love that wears blue and oran...er, Oklahoma Sunset? Hmmmm.....

[Betts]

Looks like Prodigy has also registered domains with Roughnecks as the name. I think it would be great, as long as people don't think it has an OU affiliation. It's definitely a name associated with the oil industry, and has an appropriately tough persona, which works for a hockey team.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Has anyone heard a date when they'll announce it?