Barons/AHL: So much better than CHL-level hockey

[JWil]

I enjoyed many Blazers games when I was younger and they won a lot. But really, overall, the talent displayed at the CHL level was average at best and not very sharp. It was a dead-end league for guys without much chance of advancement to higher levels.

Now OKC has a team in the Barons that is full of young talent but probably won't be as successful in the win-loss column. And, to me, that's OK, because the quality of AHL/AAA-level hockey is sooooo much better than what we had before. Passes are more crisp, skating is faster, etc. Just better overall hockey. I've been to two games so far, including the team's first win on Saturday and I came away very impressed with the product on the ice. I'll definitely try to hit 15-20 games a season.

Anyone else gone yet? What are your thoughts? I realize there was a giant emotional connection to the Blazers in OKC, but this form of hockey is light years ahead of what we had. I hope OKC will support them well.

Maybe we should have a Barons sub-form?

[borracho]

i really want to go, but my schedule hasn't worked out yet. i've been waiting for higher-level hockey for years and am really happy we've finally got it.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

I was there Opening night, and I do have to say that the game is exactly what I expected. Faster pace, better checks, everything else that has been mentioned. I can't wait for another opportunity to go again

[Dio]

Keep you eyes on the start times on those nights the Barons and Thunder play on the same night. Last Friday I got to see both teams, because the hockey game started at 6, then the Thunder started at 8:30

[Betts]

I'm planning to go sometime soon. I'm very happy we have the AHL here.

[REDL1NE]

I too am pleased the AHL has come to town. I need to make it out to one soon. I normally pass through there walking to the OKC Arena and have wanted to check it out.

[Rumble]

My schedule hasn't worked out. I do plan on checking it out though!

[ThunderEagle]

It is good hockey. I've been a somewhat-avid hockey fan all of my life. Grew up in St. Louis watching the Blues.

Even the most novice hockey fan should notice how much better the Barons and AHL players move and pass the puck. Passes are a lot sharper and more frequent - as in plays are getting set up instead of one guy going for the net or endless "dump and chase."

Most of the other improvements are a little more nuanced - better goalies, bigger and faster players, etc.

Unfortunately, it appears to me the Barons really aren't drawing very well (or as well as expected.) The Blazers were in a gradual but noticeable decline the last 5 years or so of their existence. I think people forgot that the Blazers glory days were conspicuously parallel to the Gibbs/Schnelly/Blake years of OU football. The rise of the Hornets and Thunder pretty much knocked minor league hockey down several notches in OKC.

I'm hoping the Barons will catch on and draw closer to 5000 a game (about 2-3 thousand currently.)

[StormFan93]

It is good hockey. I've been a somewhat-avid hockey fan all of my life. Grew up in St. Louis watching the Blues.

Even the most novice hockey fan should notice how much better the Barons and AHL players move and pass the puck. Passes are a lot sharper and more frequent - as in plays are getting set up instead of one guy going for the net or endless "dump and chase."

Most of the other improvements are a little more nuanced - better goalies, bigger and faster players, etc.

Unfortunately, it appears to me the Barons really aren't drawing very well (or as well as expected.) The Blazers were in a gradual but noticeable decline the last 5 years or so of their existence. I think people forgot that the Blazers glory days were conspicuously parallel to the Gibbs/Schnelly/Blake years of OU football. The rise of the Hornets and Thunder pretty much knocked minor league hockey down several notches in OKC.

I'm hoping the Barons will catch on and draw closer to 5000 a game (about 2-3 thousand currently.)

http://theahl.com/stats/schedule.php?view=attendance

Not to nitpick, but they're averaging 3,937 a game.

[405cowboy]

I've been to a few Barons game. They're pretty legit. I love the old Myriad. Someday OKC will land an NHL franchise too.

[ThunderEagle]

http://theahl.com/stats/schedule.php?view=attendance

Not to nitpick, but they're averaging 3,937 a game.

And thus the old "announced" attendance vs. "actual." I am glad that they are selling close to 4000 tix, but the actual rear ends in the seats are lower. It is looking better than it did in Oct-Nov.

No matter - I'll enjoy Barons games if its just my family there! But it is more fun to have a good crowd. I might even argue that hockey crowds are the most fun in all of sports.

[Laramie]

It was really nice watching a much better brand of ice hockey at the Cox Convention Center Arena this year than the goon-like hockey which nearly killed me as a hockey fan watching the old CHL.

The Oklahoma City Barons were truly be a blessing to hockey fans in the OKC area. Now, we just have to build up the fan base. Playing Houston, Texas (Austin), San Antonio, Milwaukee and Chicago was much better than playing some of those unfamiliar cities in the CHL. Let's hope that Tulsa and Wichita will join the AHL in the future.

[405cowboy]

With no NBA season, I've gone to some Barons games this year. Thea team looks good and is destined to make the playoffs. Need more people to attend the Barons games this season. They're having a $1 Hot Fog night November 11th.

[405cowboy]

Also of note, the Barons have the best record in the AHL. They really need fan support since they're a good team to watch and are heavily involved in the community.