A FIRST FOR MANY
Sunday's clash marks the first time 2018 Oilers draft picks Evan Bouchard, Ryan McLeod and Olivier Rodrigue have the chance to suit up in Orange & Blue.
Bouchard, the tenth-overall selection in June's NHL Draft, has maintained a calm demeanour since his name was called to the podium in Dallas, TX. Even ahead of Sunday's tilt, the 6-foot-2, 194-pounder is remaining level-headed.
"It means a lot," Bouchard said of finally getting to wear an Oilers sweater in game action. "We just have to come in and play our game. Listen to the coaching staff and just play hockey."
Bakersfield Condors Head Coach Jay Woodcroft wants to remove any of the pressure some of the inexperienced prospects may be feeling.
"The most important thing is their effort and will," the bench boss said. "Not to be pressured up, not to overthink things or be worried about concepts or systems. We've put our focus on the will to do things correctly and the ability to adjust if a mistake is made.
"For some of the younger players, this is their first camp and we want to make sure it's an environment that's encouraging. Let them know that mistakes will be made and that it's not the end of the world. But we're going to work our hardest to correct them."
