At Bat with the Oilers Prospects

Last week during Prospect Camp, the Oilers top prospects took some time away from the rink to try their hand at batting practice with the Edmonton Capitals. The boys were split into four groups and each had two turns at bat before rotating out to the field. It was fun to watch as each of the guys took their turn at bat. Magnus Paajarvi was so funny as he took his first turn at bat, he called out to the pitcher, "Please be nice to me!" as everyone in hear-shot laughed out loud. Let's just say it's a good thing he's a great hockey player! When the next guy took his turn in the cage, Oilers exec, Kevin Lowe pulled Paajarvi aside and gave him a couple of pointers on stance and swing and Paajarvi's next time at bat went much, much better!

Taylor Hall took a few swings at bat and after missing the first couple of balls, managed to hit a decent ball that went about mid-field as his team-mates applauded his efforts. Jordan Eberle seemed a little nervous with his first attempt in the batter's cage, but seemed to have fun after the first few balls were pitched. For the most part, the Oilers prospects seemed to just go out and have fun with the experience and walked away with an appreciation of what pro ball is all about.

Of course being the hockey crazed city that Edmonton is, there was a huge media showing at this event. Many of the players including Hall, Eberle and Paajarvi were surrounded by the media after each turn at bat and asked a variety of questions ranging from how they felt about batting practice to how things were going at the development camp. The boys seemed to handle the pressure well as they all seemed very relaxed and at ease as they enjoyed the hot July day. This was supposed to be a media only event, but once again being the hockey crazed city that Edmonton is, a couple of fans managed to find out that Taylor Hall was in the building and decided to show up in hopes of getting an autograph. They were quickly escorted out of the ball park, but waited patiently outside for Hall to come out. They were still sitting on the bench across the street from Telus Field when I came out and they pounced on me right away asking if Hall was still inside. I hope all their waiting paid off!

As the event wound down, I couldn't help but over hear part of a conversation between Jordan Eberle and Kevin Lowe where Lowe asked Eberle if he would be interested in staying with a family in Edmonton this fall, where Eberle responded he'd be fine with that. HUMMM, could this be a sign that at least two if not all three of the top three prospects stand a really good chance of making the squad this season???? Only time will tell!

It was a really great afternoon as the weather was warm, the boys seemed to have fun and I was amazed at how close they let the media get to the boys. I managed to get some pics of Hall, Eberle and Paajarvi. Check out the Pipestone Flyer's facebook page where I'll post some pics of the guys at Telus Field!