ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Split Weekend with 1-1 Record

November 17, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Last Week

Friday, November 14th

The Condors came out with a chance to win their third straight, but a flat opening period put them behind for the entire game. The Gulls scored twice in the first and once in the second to lead 3-0 before Bakersfield could get on the board. The Condors rally fell short, but a second period goal by D Jimmy Drolet and third period tally by C Kevin Riehl made it close. San Diego won the third meeting of the season between the clubs, 3-2. Peter Hirsch suffered the loss between the pipes, stopping 20 shots.

Sunday, November 16th

Bakersfield never led in this one, until the final buzzer as they helped the Falcons christen the new Save Mart Center on Sunday night in Fresno. In front of over 12,000 fans, LW Johan Astrom sent the Falcons reeling with his fifth goal of the season just 36 seconds into overtime for a 4-3 win. RW Jason Ralph, RW Denis Ladouceur and D Randy Perry scored in regulation for Bakersfield, who came from behind three times to finally pull out the win. G Joe Watkins improved to 3-3 on the season with the win.

This week

The Condors host the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Student ID Night, sponsored by WB-12, KISS 96.5 and Golden Empire Transit, on Wednesday night at 7:00pm. All college, high school and junior high students can receive $1 executive level tickets, based on availability, by presenting a valid student ID at the game.

On Friday night, the Gulls come back into town for a 7:00pm showdown at Centennial Garden. The first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Condors cap, sponsored by Real Rock 93.1 and McDonald's. Doors open at 6:00pm.

Fresno comes into town on Saturday night for a rematch at Centennial Garden at 7:00pm. That night marks the return of the Oakland Raiderettes to Bakersfield, and they will entertain the crowd during the intermissions and be available for autographs. The Fox 98.5 sponsors the Raiderettes.

The Condors head on the road on Sunday to complete their busy week against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. Bakersfield is 0-1 this season against Long Beach. Game time is 5:00pm. All Condors games can be heard live on KGEO AM 1230, with "Condors Countdown" starting 15 minutes prior to game time. They can also be heard online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com, with the "Voice of the Condors" Kevin Bartl handling the play-by-play.

Individual seats are on sale now, and may be purchased through the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through Ticketmaster at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location.

Notes from the Nest

· On Friday night, the Condors drew their One Millionth Fan in team history, reaching the mark in just over five seasons at Centennial Garden. Three times the Condors have drawn over 200,000 fans in a season. The winner's name was Adrian Cook.

· The Condors allowed four power play goals this weekend and seven in their last five games. They allowed only four PPG in their first eight games.

· Head Coach Paul Kelly sits just three wins shy of tying and four wins shy of breaking the Condors all-time record for coaching victories. He is in his third season behind the Bakersfield bench.

· After a 1-4 start, the Condors are 4-3-1 in their last eight, and have won three of their last four.

· D Jani Virtanen and LW Devin Francon both played in their first game of the year for Bakersfield on Sunday. Virtanen was +2 with an assist on the OT winner in the game.

· RW Denis Ladouceur and LW Johan Astrom are both tied for the team lead in goals with five. Neither player has held the team lead in goals for more than a full game since Astrom came off IR on October 29th.

· The Condors have three power play goals all season as a team, and C Kevin Riehl has assisted on all three of them.

· Eight of the Condors next 10 games are on home ice.

Quote of the Week

"I was just trying to hit the net." LW Johan Astrom, who scored the overtime game winning goal on Sunday night, spoiling Fresno's home opener in front of 12,462 fans at the Save Mart Center.

League Leaders (among all 31 teams)

Name Category Rank

Team 25.38 shots/game 2nd

Team 2.62 goals against average 10th

Coming Up

Wednesday vs. Long Beach Ice Dogs, 7:00pm

Friday vs. San Diego Gulls, 7:00pm

Saturday vs. Fresno Falcons, 7:00pm

Sunday @ Long Beach Ice Dogs, 5:00pm

Last Week

November 14 Gulls 3 vs. CONDORS 2

November 16 Condors 4 @ FALCONS 3

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from November 17, 2003


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