ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors edged by Grizzlies, 2-1

February 15, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - Ryan Kinasewich's shorthanded tally in the second period proved to be the game winner as the Utah Grizzlies defeated the Bakersfield Condors 2-1 in a defensive battle in front of 4,231 fans at the E Center Friday night.

Utah (27-20-5, 59 points) got on the board first with a power play goal by RW Olivier Labelle. But just 22 seconds later, at 7:48, the Condors (15-25-9, 39 points) tied it up with LW Jason Kostadine's fourth of the season. Bakersfield had a 13-11 shot lead in the period, with G Michel Robinson getting the start in net for the Condors.

The Grizzlies controlled the play in the second period, leading in shots 12-6. They regained the lead at 12:03 with a shorthanded tally by LW Ryan Kinasewich, his 12th of the season. There were six power plays in the period between the two clubs, but neither team could convert.

Bakersfield battled in the third period, but managed only four shots on goal as Utah tightened up the defense. In a scary moment of the final minutes, Condors Captain F Sean Venedam suffered an injury and left the game on a stretcher. He did not return. The Grizzlies held on for the 2-1 win, and Robinson made 35 saves in goal for the Condors.

Notes from The Nest:The Bakersfield Dragons Mite Team skated this evening during the first intermission of the Los Angeles Kings home game at Staples Center, as part of Hockey Weekend Across America.

The Condors face off against the Utah Grizzlies one more time this weekend at The "E" Center, on Saturday night. Game time is 6:05 p.m. (Pacific) and can be heard live on KGEO AM1230 and www.bakersfieldcondors.com. The games can also be viewed live online through B2 Networks. Visit the multimedia page on the Condors website for archived audio and video from past Condors games.

After the Condors series in Utah and an away game against the Las Vegas Wranglers on Monday, they return home for the Condors Fighting Cancer Hockey-Thon Weekend, a 41-hour hockey marathon organized by Condors legend Kevin Barrett that includes Condors games on Feb. 23 and 24.

On Saturday, Feb. 23 they host the Stockton Thunder at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 fans, 12- and-under, will receive a Yutaka Fukufuji Bobblehead Doll, courtesy of ABC23 and Carl's Jr.

On Sunday, Feb. 24, the Condors host the Fresno Falcons for a 2 p.m. matinee, sponsored by Bright House Networks, KUZZ 107.9 and Hudson Custom Construction. Prior to the game, Condors and Falcons Alumni will square off in a charity match at noon. Doors will open at 11:45 a.m. that day.

Individual game tickets are on sale and may be purchased through Rabobank Arena Box Office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and opens at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours on game days. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 322-2525, online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com, or at any Ticketmaster location.

Season tickets, mini plans and group outings are available at the Condors office located at 1001 Truxtun Avenue or by calling 324-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 15, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central