Here we go!
Every year at this time, I think to myself, what is a sports fan? More specifically, what is an Oiler fan?
Webster’s defines a sports fan as; 1a: an enthusiastic devotee of sports
OilerDadMike defines an Oiler fan as;
1a: an enthusiastic devotee of the Edmonton Oilers
There is no doubt in my mind that so many of us are devoted. In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to find another sports team that has a more devoted fan base. I follow and interact with 100’s of Oiler fans on a daily basis. I really enjoy the diversity of how we all “fan”, and how we approach the team that we fell in love with. When I sit back and reflect on The Oilers, my team, your team, one specific word comes to mind. Passionate!
Webster’s defines Passionate as;
1a: easily aroused to anger
b: filled with anger:
2a: capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling
b: enthusiastic
How true… Intense feelings, Enthusiasm, Anger – Nails it. I love sports of all kinds, I watch/follow golf, hockey, baseball, and the Olympics.
I am truly only passionate about one sport, really only one team. The Edmonton Oilers. Hard to explain how being a fan of a sports team can be so personal. But, it is!
I read all things hockey, bloggers of many teams, reporters of most teams, daily stats and standings every single morning. It’s now part of my DNA.
I ridiculously follow all the offseason rumors, discussions and speculation. Equally fun for me is reading so many of my fellow Oiler fans’ comments and opinions on the team, what your thoughts and opinions are. Personally, I find that listening to other’s opinions helps form, or reaffirm my own thoughts and opinions. I find differing points of view to help me see things differently.
I can’t wait for the season to begin tonight. How will our team do? How will the changes in management, coaching and player personnel impact actual results? Are we a playoff team? Can we contend? Can a coach and more team speed really be that effective in moving the needle? I’m a realist, but more of an optimistic realist. I don’t make predictions very often, very seldom am I right. But being an enthusiastic and passionate Oiler fan, I don’t have to be “right”, after all, I’m simply a fan. (or a simple fan, you decide?)
Predictions
Oiler 2019/20 Record:
42 wins – 32 losses – 8 ties – 92 points – will make the playoffs
Goals for – 240
Goals against – 240
McDavid:
Goals – 51 – assists 79 – Points 130
Drai:
Goals – 47 – assists 63 – 110 points
Nuge:
Goals 32 – assists 44 – 76 points
Nealer:
Goals 24 – assists 20 – 44 points
Surprise sleepers
Jurco:
Goals – 18 – assists 18 – 36 points
Nyguard:
Goals – 14 – assists 14 – 28 points
Chasser:
Goals – 16 – assists 13 – 29 points.
Smith will bounce back and have a decent year. Koski will continue to be wildly inconsistent. Between the two of them;
2.85 GAA
.911 save %
Enjoy Oiler fans!
Passion – Enthusiasm – Devotion
Enjoy the new season!
Be nice to one another – respect each other!
