ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Preview: Pacific Division Semifinals - Game Two

April 14, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Series Recap
GAME 1: CONDORS 3, ICE DOGS 1
Mathieu Brunelle's second period goal would prove to be the game winner as the Bakersfield Condors captured Game One of their best-of-seven Kelly Cup Pacific Division Semifinal series over the Long Beach Ice Dogs by a score of 3-1 in front of 4,437 fans at the Rabobank Arena. Long Beach's Sean McAslan scored Long Beach's only goal in the first period with a wrist shot from the top of the slot. Condor forward Mike Hofstrand tied the game on the power play in the opening seconds of the second period. Brunelle pushed a backhand shot through the legs of Long Beach goaltender Greg Hewitt to give Bakersfield a 2-1 lead heading into the third. Condor defenseman Steve Howard added an insurance goal with a wrister from the left point for the game's final score of 3-1. Munce picked up the victory with 23 saves on 24 shots.

CONDORS NOTES: The ECHL has suspended right wing Brad Mehalko for one game following a boarding incident late in Game One. Mehalko will be replaced in the lineup tonight by Andrew Ianiero, who was activated today from the 30-Day Injured Reserve. Mehalko will return for Saturday's Game Three in Long Beach. Bakersfield and Long Beach combined for 50 shots in Game One. During the regular season, the lowest combined shot output between the Condors and an opponent was 51 at Alaska on October 30th.

ICE DOGS NOTES: Long Beach is expected to see as many as four activations for Friday night's game including defenseman James Sanford and goaltender Jaroslav Halak, who were called up by the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs near the end of the regular season. Ice Dogs forward Marco Rosa and defenseman Luke Fritshaw are eligible to return from the injured reserve in time for Game Two.

Regular Season Team Leaders
BAKERSFIELD
« Kevin St. Jacques: 25g, 36a - 61 pts.
« Sean Venedam: 29g, 21a - 50 pts.
« Kevin Truelson: 11g, 36a - 47 pts.
« Ryan Munce: 30-18-5, 2.78 GAA, .919 SV%, 2 SHO

LONG BEACH
« Christian Larrivee: 23g, 40a - 63 pts.
« Sean McAslan: 28g, 28a - 56 pts.
« Steeve Villeneuve: 10g, 35a - 45 pts.
« Greg Hewitt: 17-14-6, 2.95 GAA, .900 SV%, 1 SHO
« Jaroslav Halak: 11-4-2, 2.05 GAA, .932 SV%, 2 SHO

On Friday, the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Condors Blackout Rally Towel. In addition, fans can join Obi-Won Kenobi, R2-D2, Dark Vader, Anakin Skywalker and the rest of the Galactic Empire as characters from Star Wars land in Condorstown. All fans are encouraged to wear black attire to Blackout the Ice Dogs. Friday's game will be televised live on Bright House Networks Channel 21 and will also be re-played on Saturday, April 15th at 7:00pm.

Playoff ticket packages are now available including the Condors Playoff Family Pack, which includes: 1 game ticket, 1 hot dog, 1 soda and 1 Nightly Note for all first-round playoff games starting for as low as $36 Also, fans may purchase tickets for all prospective playoff games in advance. For more information, contact the Condors office at 324- PUCK (7825).

SCHEDULE (all times PST):
Game 1 @ Bakersfield
Tue., April 11 - Rabobank Arena: 3-1 W
Game 2 @ Bakersfield
Fri., April 14 (7:00pm) - Rabobank Arena
Game 3 @ Long Beach
Sat., April 15 (7:00pm) - Long Beach Arena
Game 4 @ Long Beach
Sun., April 16 (5:00pm) - Long Beach Arena
*Game 5 @ Long Beach
Wed., April 19 (7:00pm) - Long Beach Arena
*Game 6 @ Bakersfield
Fri., April 21 (7:00pm) - Rabobank Arena
*Game 7 @ Bakersfield
Sat., April 22 (7:00pm) - Rabobank Arena
* - if necessary

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from April 14, 2006


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