Condors Pick Up Three Points in Alaska
January 5, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
Last Week
Wednesday, December 31
Condors newcomer Shane Bendera turned heads in an impressive shutout debut over the powerful Aces to help ring in the New Year. He stopped all 19 shots he faced to overshadow a 1g-2a night for Condors All-Star Andrew Ianiero. The shutout was the second by a Condors goaltender this season, and the first since November 9th. Bakersfield improved to 2-1 against Alaska this season, and snapped a six-game winless skid with the victory. The win also put an end to Alaska's 10-game unbeaten streak. Kevin Riehl and Jimmy Drolet also scored for the Condors.
Friday, January 2
The Aces avenged their New Year's Eve defeat just two nights later, with rookie sensation Charles Linglet scoring twice in the third period to push past Bakersfield 5-2. Alaska held a 3-0 lead past the midway point of the second frame, but goals by Jason Ralph and Kevin Riehl made it close. The Condors couldn't get the elusive tying goal in the final stanza however, and Linglet's tallies sealed the win for Alaska.
Saturday, January 3
Bakersfield held leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in this game, but needed a late goal by Kevin Riehl to earn a point and force extra time on Saturday night in Alaska. Todd Alexander and Johan Astrom also scored for the Condors, who slipped to 1-6 in overtime/shootouts this season with the 4-3 loss. Shane Bendera started in goal for the third straight game, and made 30 saves (four of seven additional saves in the shootout). It was the third straight game with a goal for Riehl.
Where We're At
The Condors failed to gain ground on the San Diego Gulls this week, despite finding some success in Alaska. They trail the Gulls by 14 points in the Pacific Division standings for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Condors have a record of 10-16-6 overall, for 26 points.
This week
Bakersfield will host a pair of home games this weekend starting with Idaho on Saturday, as they open a four game homestand. The first 2,000 children 12 and under will receive a Kevin Riehl Rubber Duck, sponsored by KGET-TV 17, KUZZ 107.9 and Krispy Kreme Donuts. Game time is 7:00pm and doors open at 6:00pm.
Sunday's match against the Texas Wildcatters starts at 5:00pm, and features a tribute to Kern County's Oil-Rich History, with "Black Gold" Jersey Raffle and Auction Night. The jerseys, sponsored by K-Lite 105.3 and American Business Machines, feature oil-pumping derricks and the black gold that made Kern County famous. Five of the jerseys will be raffled off during the game, while the rest will be auctioned after the game to raise money for the Petroleum Shrine Club.
The Condors Coach's Show can be heard live every week on KGEO AM 1230, and is held at the Holiday Inn Select on Thursday nights from 6:00-7:00pm. This week's guests include C Paul Willett and Head Coach Paul Kelly. The Condors Coach's Show is a great opportunity for Condors fans to get together, meet and greet with players and coaches and win great Condors prizes.
Individual seats are on sale now, and may be purchased through the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location.
Notes from the Nest
· RW Andrew Ianiero led the Condors with 12 assists, 15 points and a +10 rating during the month of December. He is the team's lone Par-A-Dice ECHL All-Star Game participant, as a member of the Western Conference.
· C Kevin Riehl didn't score a goal until the ninth game of the season. He now has 10g-16a-26pts in his last 25 games. He scored a goal in all three Condors games in Alaska and became the second Condor (Johan Astrom) to score a goal in three consecutive games.
· Despite allowing the 5th lowest number of shots per game (27.56) in the league, the Condors rank 18th in goals against average (3.13). Conversely, Bakersfield ranks 13th in most shots per game (32.03) but 24th in the league in goals scored (2.66 per game).
· The Condors are one of only four teams in the ECHL with a losing record when tied after two periods (0-3-3). Only Bakersfield and the Trenton Titans (0-2-0) are winless when tied after 40 minutes.
League Leaders (among all 31 teams)
Name Category Rank
Team 4,383 fans per game 8th
Team 27.56 shots allowed/game 5th
Jon Mirasty 105 penalty minutes 3rd among rookies
Condors team leaders
Goals
Astrom 14
Ralph 11
Riehl 10
Assists
Riehl 19
Ianiero 17
Ralph 10
Points
Riehl 29
Ianiero 24
Astrom 23
PIM
Mirasty 105
Rosebush 96
Ralph 95
Plus/Minus
Astrom +12
Riehl +11
Ianiero +7
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