Condors can't hold on against Gladiators
March 26, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
Bakersfield, Calif. - Rick Emmett's goal just 40 seconds into overtime capped a two-goal third period comeback for the Gwinnett Gladiators, 3-2 over the Bakersfield Condors in front of 5,298 fans at the Rabobank Arena on Friday night.
The first period was a battle of goaltenders, with ex-Condor Sean Fields standing on his head between the pipes for Gwinnett with 17 saves, including several odd-man rushes and a late breakaway by Brad Mehalko. Condors newcomer Davis Parley turned aside 16 first period blasts by the Gladiators, including several point-blank. It remained 0-0 through 20 minutes.
Bakersfield took the lead in the opening minute of the second, scoring against the ECHL's best penalty- killing unit. Guy Dupuis notched his 11th of the season as his wrister rolled up over the shoulder of Fields and in. Fields got a piece of Connor James' one-timer midway through the period as well, but it deflected into the net off his pad and the rookie's 19th of the season made it 2-0 through 40 minutes.
With just over six minutes remaining in the game the Gladiators began their comeback. Leading goal scorer Jeff Campbell tallied twice in the span of 2:24 for Gwinnett to tie the game after regulation. A penalty against Bakersfield with just 1:11 remaining in the third period put the Condors on their eighth penalty kill of the evening, and Gwinnett cashed in. Just 40 seconds into overtime, defenseman Rick Emmett's one-timer beat Parley for the game winner, capping the comeback.
Bakersfield dropped to a two-point lead over fourth-place Idaho, who beat Fresno in overtime tonight 6-5, and they failed to gain ground on second-place Long Beach, who lost 2-0 against San Diego tonight.
Saturday's game against Gwinnett will start with a local celebrity game at 5:00 p.m. at the Rabobank Arena. Ex-Condors, media and local dignitaries will participate in the match, which will lead into the Condors and Gwinnett game at 7:00 p.m. Also that night, the doors will open at 4:45 p.m. and the first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a Condors youth jersey, sponsored by KGET-TV 17, The Big 96.5 and McDonald's.
Individual tickets can be purchased at the Rabobank Arena box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday, by calling Ticketmaster at 322-2525, online at ticketmaster.com or stopping by any Ticketmaster location. Season and group tickets may be purchased by calling 324-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Condors office at the Rabobank Arena.
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