ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Bring Back Both Behind the Bench

Published on May 28, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors Professional Hockey Club of the ECHL held a press conference today to announce that both Head Coach Paul Kelly and Associate Coach Marty Raymond will return for the 2003-04 campaign.

Kelly, 36, was named the WCHL Coach of the Year last season. It is the second time in the last three years the Hamilton, Ontario native has won such an honor, also winning with the Central Hockey League's Topeka Scarecrows in 2000-01. In his seven seasons as a head coach, Kelly has compiled a record of 256-197-49 (.559 winning percentage). In his two years as head coach of the Condors, he has a combined record of 73-57-14. Defense has been a strong point as well, as both of his Condors teams shattered the previous club record for least goals against, and last season's team was one of two WCHL clubs to break the old league mark for least goals against in a season.

Raymond, 38, reprises his role as the team's associate coach for the second straight season. He was originally introduced on February 20th, 2001. His coaching experience spans nearly a decade, and includes head coaching terms with Tucson and Phoenix in the WCHL, as well as in France, where he won a championship. While at the helm of Phoenix, the Drummondville, Quebec native led the Mustangs to a Taylor Cup in 1999-2000 with a dramatic turnaround at the end of the season and an impressive drive through the playoffs.

Under Kelly and Raymond, the Condors experienced their best season in team history in 2002-03, setting over 30 individual and team records, including 41 wins and 91 points, en route to a third-place finish in the West Coast Hockey League's final season. The two have a combined record of 52-29-10 (.626) during their time together on the bench.

"The key to trading is cutting your losses and riding your winners," said Condors Owner Jonathan Fleisig, comparing hockey to his experience on the New York Mercantile Exchange. "Paul and Marty are obviously a winning combination and I'm going to ride them as long as they allow me to. I think it says a lot about the city of Bakersfield that they both want to live and work there, and I'd like to thank everyone for making them feel so welcome.

"I'm excited because I feel Marty and I make a good combination," said Kelly. "We thought we had the right mix last year, and unfortunately came up a little short. But we feel we're headed in the right direction and I'm looking forward to next season.

"I'm excited to come back for the next step," said Raymond, "which is not only to have a winning team, but go to the playoffs and contend for a championship. I'm glad to be coming back and I'm happy to be a part of this great organization.

In addition, Kelly will participate in a live, real-time chat on the Condors website, www.bakersfieldcondors.com, on Monday, June 2nd at 6:00pm. Log on for more information.

The countdown begins to the 2003-04 season, with the Condors hosting the Fresno Falcons for Opening Night on Friday, October 17th. Season ticket packages are available starting at just $48, and group outings are also available. For more information, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825), or visit the Condors office at Centennial Garden.

Condors droppings: The Condors will be hosting a Stanley Cup viewing party for Game Three of the finals between the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the New Jersey Devils on Saturday afternoon at Paco's Tacos (1514 Wall St.). Game time is 5:00pm (Pacific Time). This will be the only Cup viewing party of the season.

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ECHL Stories from May 28, 2003


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