Monday, December 5, 2011

Klefbom Named to Team Sweden

There was a time when Oiler fans could see the club's very best teenagers at the World Junior Championships. This year the best U20 plays at Rexall with the big club, but there are a few gems still available for the WJ's.

Oscar Klefbom is the headliner.



I got the news from Guy Flaming over at Coming Down the Pipe yesterday afternoon. As you know, Oscar Klefbom has been struggling a little with injuries but has played in the SEL for most of the season. He is one of 7 defensemen on a fairly impressive Swedish team and we should see a lot of him over the holidays.

OILERS AT THE WJ's
  • Team Canada: G Tyler Bunz (1 of 4 G's named, 2 make the team)
  • Team Czech: D David Musil (named to prelim roster, should be a lock)
  • Team Latvia: L Krisitans Pelss (has been named to the team)
  • Team Slovakia: D Martin Gernat (has been named to the team)
  • Team Slovakia: D Martin Marincin (has been named to the team)
  • Team Sweden: D Oscar Klefbom (has been named to the team)

Team Canada and Team Czech will play their preliminary round games in Edmonton, the Swedes, Latvians and Slovaks will be in Calgary. The tournament gets underway on Boxing Day. My source for the above info is elite prospects and please let me know of any errors or omissions. The schedule of games is here.

From what I can tell, the following eligible Oiler prospects did not make their national teams:
  • G Samu Perhonen (not named to team Finland)
  • F Travis Ewanyk (not named to team Canada)
  • D Dillon Simpson (not named to team Canada)
  • D Jeremie Blain (not named to team Canada)
  • L Drew Czerwonka (not named to team Canada)
It's going to be a very interesting WJ's for Oiler fans, with four quality D prospects on display. Tyler Bunz should see some action if he makes Team Canada and Kristians Pelss will play a lot for his team.

45 comments:

  1. F Tobias Rieder (not named to team Canada)

    Rieder is German no?

    He's played for Germany in the U17's, U18's and U20's.

    Maybe the German's will get the Czech's spot as their long collapse continues.

    Sad story about the state of hockey in Czech Republic.

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  2. Damn Sam anyway, I always make at least one mistake on this every year. :-)

    Thanks for catching it, WG.

    Re: CZE, it really is considering all those wonderful players from the 70s and 80s. Hard to imagine international hockey without them.

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  3. It would be nice to see NHL and ex-NHL players, with the means to do so, to team up with the Czech gov't and re-kick start their hockey program.

    Not that the Czech gov't doesn't have a laundry list of stuff to get to before hockey.

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  4. A positive Klefbom post. Nice!

    The Oiler prospects involved in this years tourney certainly underlines the strength of Oiler prospects along the blueline.

    Once again a tip of the cap to Stu. In a few short years this is not going to be an obvious weakness in the organization.

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  5. re: Martindale

    There was hubbub that he was going back to the OHL, but he is still listed as on the Stockton Thunder roster and is no where on the Ottawa 67 roster.

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  6. WG

    I'm pretty sure the info on Martindale was inaccurate. When it was posted, he had scored the night before for Stockton, his first goal I believe.

    I haven't seen any confirmation on the Harski injury rumour either.

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  7. In other WJC news, Patrick Laforge strikes again!

    So those of us who bought WJC tickets early apparently paid for the "bonus" Oil King tickets we received.

    That is so like Mr. Laforge to charge you for something and imitate that its free.

    Any lawyers care to comment on the viability of a class action lawsuit against Hockey Canada and the Edmonton Oil Kings to get our money back?

    At the time of purchase, we were not given a choice of whether or not to get the Oil King tickets, we just had a choice of whether or not we wanted to donate them.

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  8. Any lawyers care to comment on the viability of a class action lawsuit against Hockey Canada and the Edmonton Oil Kings to get our money back?

    Nope!

    But I would care to comment on the difference between "imitate" and "intimate", before Dellow comes along to be a big jerk about it.

    And hey, maybe that will free him up to answer your class-action question.

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  9. Any lawyers care to comment on the viability of a class action lawsuit against Hockey Canada and the Edmonton Oil Kings to get our money back?


    The only thing that I can assure you will happen is that if successful, a good portion of your $7 will go to your lawyers.

    Would you rather go to an Oil Kings game or pay your lawyer?

    Oh, and of course if successful you will get to take a piece out of Laforge. On that count WG, why don't you just book a barn and get it over with? Call him out!

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  10. @ WG

    In Alberta there is a piece of legislation called the Fair Trade Act.

    I would think a few hundred complaints would trigger an investigation.

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  11. But I would care to comment on the difference between "imitate" and "intimate", before Dellow comes along to be a big jerk about it.

    Dammit!!

    I must have mistyped intimate and it came up with the squiggly red line and just clicked the fix without checking it.

    The only thing that I can assure you will happen is that if successful, a good portion of your $7 will go to your lawyers.

    Would you rather go to an Oil Kings game or pay your lawyer?


    Its not $7, don't be obtuse.

    It adds up to $70 more per ticket package. (one seat)

    If they sold 12,000 ticket packages that's $84,000.

    Its about not being lied to and them taking your money.

    If my tickets came in with a face value of $7 more each, I have no problem.

    They misrepresented what I was paying for.

    They were fairly explicit that I was paying $129.50 per seat and getting some "free" Oil Kings tickets.

    It turns out I paid $122.50 a seat and bought Oil King tickets that I did not have the option to opt out of.

    How am I wrong here, because you don't like my hockey opinions?

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  12. This will be a wonderful opportunity to watch the future of the Oil and MBS should feel like a proud Papa. 2 to 1 The Klefbom gets injured during the tourney!1

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  13. WG - you kind of got a little severe in your barnbeating* of Ducey over the $7 vs $70 - I think he was throwing up a friendly (while mis-informed) comment and not putting forth a serious challenge.

    I hereby fine both you and Ducey a case of beer (send it to me) for engaging in conflict on LT's site.

    *I have trademarked this term, but offer it up free for use at LT's site.

    ReplyDelete
  14. But I would care to comment on the difference between "imitate" and "intimate", before Dellow comes along to be a big jerk about it.


    Aren't you both looking for the word 'insinuate' and not intimate or imitate? I fine you both a case of beer for you word failures!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Its not $7, don't be obtuse...

    How am I wrong here, because you don't like my hockey opinions?


    a) I chose $7 as that was the amount cited per ticket in the article you linked. Your math confirms it. Whatever the amount, you are going to get nailed for a hefty contingency fee for the lawyer to take on the matter. You can either pay an extra $7 to go to an Oil Kings game or try and get your money back. You will get less back than you paid as your lawyer will take some of it. I am not being obtuse. I am being practical.

    b) I don't have problem with most of your hockey opinions. There was nothing personal in my comment.

    c) I was attempting some good natured ribbing at your animus towards all things Laforge. Not sure who missed the boat there - you or me. Doesn't matter.

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  16. For us Oiler fans living in CGY, being able to see Klefbom and the Slovakian twins play several games helps mitigate the fact that we're only guaranteed to see Canada play twice. Is it wrong that I want to see Canada struggle a bit so they have to play in the quarter finals?

    FYI, Slovakia plays Sweden on Dec. 30th (a Friday), and there should be plenty of good seats available for those who want to make the drive up.

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  17. Ducey,

    I apologize.

    I read it differently than you intended.

    My fault entirely.

    Its not a money thing for me, its about fair business dealings.

    Bookie,

    The toughest part of the english language is that one word can have different meanings. I've heard that this fact drives people who learn English as a 2nd language nuts.

    Here's the transitive verb definition of intimate:

    Main Entry: 1in·ti·mate
    Pronunciation: \ˈin-tə-ˌmāt\
    Function: transitive verb
    Inflected Form(s): in·ti·mat·ed; in·ti·mat·ing
    Etymology: Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare to put in, announce, from Latin intimus innermost, superl. of Old Latin *interus inward — more at interior
    Date: 1522
    1 : to make known especially publicly or formally : announce
    2 : to communicate delicately and indirectly : hint
    synonyms see suggest
    — in·ti·mat·er noun
    — in·ti·ma·tion \ˌin-tə-ˈmā-shən\ noun

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  18. In summary, Bookie, you owe me a case of beer.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rieder will play for Germany in the U20 Division 1 in Germany. He will leave Kitchener this week, according to this article.

    http://www.therecord.com/sports/rangers/article/631474--rangers-murphy-gets-invite-to-canada-s-world-junior-hockey-camp

    Like most Oilers, Rieder suffered a shoulder injury on the weekend and was held out of Saturday's game. Doesn't sound serious, and he should be good to go for the WJHC.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Look Woodguy - I just want free beer and I am willing to overlook things like acceptable definitions for words to get it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. Klefbom looks to be a bit of a greaser right out of a 50's drive in movie. All he needs is a set of horn rimmed peepers to complete the look.

    I thought 70's was the cool thing with the kids these days. Maybe he should skip the brill and grow some sideburns.*

    *Don't worry, Renney will likely be long gone by the time he makes the team.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bookie,

    I cannot argue with your motivation.

    I am troubled that you are intimating that you would overlook the truth to get what you want.

    Perhaps you should apply for a job with the Oilers/Oil Kings.

    Youthingy!

    ReplyDelete
  24. anybody notice Gernat did not dress for the Oil Kings game last night?

    anybody hear why? injury? healthy scratch??

    cannot find anything one way or the other.

    ReplyDelete
  25. That is so like Mr. Laforge to charge you for something and imitate that its free.

    To be fair to Mr. Laforge, prior to the WJC tickets, I have not purchased anything from the various organizations that he has been invloved with and not received what was promised, nor felt like I was mis-led.

    That is if you do not include tickets to watch a "competitive NHL hockey team" for the prior 2 years.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oilersfan,

    See ironsight's excellent post earlier in this thread.

    Shoulder.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gernat was actually out with a minor rib injury, apparently, according to the guys at TPS:

    #Oilers prospect Martin Gernat is a scratch for tonight's game (ribs) but says he doesn't expect to be out long. Looking forward to WJC.

    Looks like he's going against the grain by not injuring an appendage or joint!

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  28. Woodguy: The Oilers acting as though they were privileged is not a new phenomenon. In a past position I had occasion to be involved with negotiations with all of the Canadian teams on an annual basis and can say that hands down that the Oilers were the biggest asshats of all.

    Even in the dog days of the mid to late 90's this team acted as though they were still winning SC's on a regular basis. They put the Leafs and Habs management teams to shame when it comes to arrogance and expectations.

    Outside of the business realm ask any hockey parent that's ever been roped into selling 50/50 tickets during a game what it's like. I'm assuming that getting through the pearly gates has fewer requirements and ass-kissing involved.

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  29. It's going to fun to see who among Gernat, Marincin & Klefbom comes out looking like the best prospect. By all accounts they're fairly similar in size and skill set.

    Give's us a chance to evaluate the order of LT's Prospect List :)

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  30. Melman - let's not forget Musil. He may not appear to have the 'total package' skill set but may nevertheless have the longest career in the NHL.

    ReplyDelete
  31. LT. Off topic but trust you won't mind.

    The NY Times is running a 3 part series about Derek Boogard called "Punched Out, the life and death of a hockey enforcer". I think the first two parts have been an excellent read no matter your stand on fighting in the NHL.

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  32. @ Bendelson - very true. I'm looking forward to seeing him play as well, but he's cut from a different cloth than the other 3.

    From what I've read they're all more or less the same player. I would think odds are 1 of 3 will pan out as a top 4 D, and if you get 2 of the 3 hit it that's bonanza territory. 3 for 3 would be school girl giddiness.

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  33. =====OT Police Tape, Do Not Cross=====

    Yeah, I have to be careful with my spell checker, since it's there's no GUI process to remove a word added by mistake that finds shelter among my favoured neologisms.

    As I read it, in the sphere of shady dealings "intimate" relies mostly on setting up passive cues and trusting the rube to come to a reasonable (yet incorrect) reading of the intent of the situation, such as using the word "bonus" meaning not the second stub itself, but sparing you the effort of pulling our your CC for a second time to pay exactly the same marginal price.

    Amazon is constantly offering to let me buy three books for the price of three books by presenting a big link in a prominent place where the grammar of advertising leads you to think a bonus offer might be found.

    Those people. If you put a bunch of advertising people on an isolated island, the world's first pidgin language would emerge lacking objects. How do you say "better than sex"? We don't, we just say "better than" and leave the rest to chance. Muscular eyebrows would soon develop through a Lamarkian process.

    "Insinuate" runs the gamut all the way to Joe Mc holding up a blank piece of paper and flexing his muscular eyebrows, had the TV cameras not been running. For what he actually did we're short the ideal word. You would need to start with a root such as sarin or botox, add some dust lust for glory, then bind with all the expired semi-prescription meds from the sloppy box in Rush's attic.

    In the sphere of social climbing, "intimate" see-saws toward brazen implication.

    In the plural, "intimates" are those dainty restraints you scatter about then desperately hunt down before the spouse returns.

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  34. I absolutely hear what you are saying melman just wanted to give a little love to Musil - a top four shutdown defencemen (in my estimation) can be a extremely valuable addition to the mix.

    I see Musil in this category and consider him a top 6 prospect in the org. - contrary to LT's list.

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  35. Oilers re-assign O'Marra to OKC.

    Lander must be good to go.

    Not sure that O'Marra was a drop off from Lander.

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  36. Nathan Mckinnon, phenom from the Q.

    The kid just had a 5 goal night.

    He's on pace for 120 points as a 16 years old.

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  37. "Intimates" Available at Victoria's Secret.

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  38. It adds up to $70 more per ticket package. (one seat)

    If they sold 12,000 ticket packages that's $84,000.


    Actually that is $840,000.

    Math is hard.

    ReplyDelete
  39. "Intimates" Available at Victoria's Secret.

    Accept no imitations!

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  40. "Intimates" Available at Victoria's Secret.

    Accept no imitations!


    Are you insinuating that there's imitation intimates?

    ReplyDelete
  41. I dunno WheatnOil

    Bogus bras, counterfeit corsets, sham skivvies, duplicitous drawers, phony panties...

    ReplyDelete
  42. No, but please allow me to imitate some intimate insinuations.

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  43. Actually that is $840,000.

    Math is hard.


    You felt and thought the number should be 84,000.

    ReplyDelete