ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Victorious in Fresno, 3-2

Published on January 24, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Fresno, Calif. – Shane Bendera stopped 30 shots in regulation and overtime and three of four in the shootout as the Bakersfield Condors defeated the Fresno Falcons 3-2 in the shootout at the Save Mart Center on Friday night.

Fresno had the lead in shots for most of the first period, and took an 8-5 advantage into the dressing room through 20 minutes. With both teams playing their first match in a week, they played to a scoreless tie at the end of one period.

Johan Astrom put Bakersfield on the board by sending his 17th of the season straight to the top left corner just 43 seconds into the second stanza. Fresno tied the game later in the second when Blair Clarance stepped into a one-timer and fired it past Condors G Shane Bendera for his sixth of the year. On the power play, Riehl and the Condors regained the lead. Riehl's slapper from the top of the slot sailed past Fresno G Mike Brusseau to make it 2-1 at the 15-minute mark.

In the third period, the Condors appeared to be in control, holding onto the one-goal lead. They outshot Fresno in the third 15-9, but the lead would not last. Brad Mehalko finished off a pass from Drew Shoneck, snapping it over Bendera for the equalizer at 14:02. That goal sent the game into overtime tied at 2-2. In overtime, the Falcons put up five more shots, compared to just two for the Condors, but neither team could get the game winner.

The Condors were looking for their first shootout win of the season and found it. Mike Barrie and Paul Willett scored, while Boris Protsenko scored for Fresno. Condors defenseman Darren Shakotko put the game out of reach in his first shootout opportunity of the season, and Bakersfield took the 3-2 win to improve to 4-1 against the Falcons this season.

It's off to San Diego for a pair against the Gulls at 7:00pm on Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday. All games, home and away, can be heard live on KGEO AM 1230, and online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com, with "Condors Countdown" starting 15 minutes prior to faceoff. The Voice of the Condors, Kevin Bartl, handles the play-by-play.

They return home on Tuesday, January 27th against Fresno at 7:00pm. That night is WB-12, KISS 96.5 and Golden Empire Transit Student ID Night. Also on that night, the Condors host their annual Project Warm Families Coat Drive, sponsored by KGET-TV 17, KRAB Radio and the Gas Company. Anyone bringing a new or gently used coat to donate to the United Way will receive a complimentary terrace level ticket. The first 500 fans will also receive a set of Condors Thunderstix.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday, by calling Ticketmaster at 322-2525, online at ticketmaster.com or stopping by any Ticketmaster location. Season and group tickets may be purchased by calling 324-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Condors office next to Centennial Garden.

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics

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ECHL Stories from January 24, 2004


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