ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Trade Francon and Shakotko

March 4, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL have announced the completion of this week's trade with the Augusta Lynx, sending rookie defenseman Darren Shakotko to Augusta effective today. In addition, rookie RW Devin Francon has been traded to the Texas Wildcatters in exchange for future considerations.

Shakotko has been named as the future considerations in the deal that brings LW Stu Pietersma and D John Donnelly to the Condors. Both players will make their Condors debut on Sunday against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. Shakotko, 26, from Banff, Alberta, had 5g-7a-12pts and 30 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Condors.

Francon, 24, is also in his rookie season with the Condors. He has 1g-2a-3pts and 35 PIM in 12 games this season with Bakersfield. He has been hampered by injury all year, and had two separate stints on the 30-day Injured Reserve list. The Melfort, Saskatchewan native recently got back into the lineup on Tuesday night after missing 36 consecutive games on IR with a broken thumb.

"We're sorry to let these two young men go," said Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond. "Devin has had a very tough year, but he will have an excellent chance to play and prove himself with Texas. Darren has worked hard all season for us and we wish him the best of luck, but we felt this was a move we had to make."

The Condors will host the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Sunday, March 7th at 2:00pm. All fans in attendance will receive a Condors "Splash Down" Poster, courtesy of Bright House Networks, Spanish Radio Group, and Everlasting Pools. Don't forget the Pre-Game Fiesta, hosted by Spanish Radio & El Californiano, which begins at Noon on Centennial Plaza. Also, wear your best pool party paraphernalia and you might qualify to go on the ice and shoot for a brand new car. Sunday is also Season ticket holder, Skate with the Condors. Immediately following the game all season ticket holders are invited to take to the ice with their Condors (limited skate rental available for $5.00).

The Condors Coach's Show takes place each and every Thursday from the Holiday Inn Select next to Centennial Garden from 6:00 – 7:00pm. The show features news and notes from around the ECHL, Condors guests and of course, new Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond, and is hosted by the "Voice of the Condors" Kevin Bartl. This week's guest will be Paul Willett.

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.

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 at 10:00am this Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location.

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ECHL Stories from March 4, 2004


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