ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Fukufuji strong, but Condors fall to Phoenix, 3-2

December 27, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


PHOENIX, Ariz. - Yutaka Fukufuji made 39 saves for the Bakersfield Condors, but it couldn't prevent a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Phoenix RoadRunners in front of 3,191 fans at U.S. Airways Arena Thursday night.

In a quick start for Bakersfield (7-16-5, 19 points), Steven Later put the Condors on the board on their first shot of the night. His snap shot from the top of the slot found the top shelf for his fourth of the season at 3:55. The RoadRunners (10-13-5, 25 points) responded, however, at 5:37 to even the score. Ryan Walsh got the goal as Phoenix put together a barrage of shots throughout the rest of the period. Yutaka Fukufuji made 14 saves in the opening period.

The RoadRunners put two goals up on the board during the second period to take the lead. Linemates Sean O'Connor and Thatcher Bell both lit the lamp to give Phoenix a 3-1 lead after two, as the RoadRunners outshot the Condors 18-6 in the frame.

Bakersfield was strong in the third period, outshooting the RoadRunners 12-8 and spending much of the frame in the offensive zone. Tim Konsorada potted his team-leading 17th goal of the season at 14:46 to cut the deficit to one goal, but that was as close as the Condors could get. Fukufuji finished the night with 39 saves, suffering the loss.

Coming Up: The Condors return home this weekend for a pair of games to close out 2007. Saturday night against the Stockton Thunder is KGET- TV 17 and Quad Knopf Paul Rosebush Bronze Statue Giveaway and #17 jersey retirement. The first 2,000 fans 17 & older will receive a bronze statue of Condor great Paul Rosebush and his #17 jersey will be hung at Rabobank Arena in a special ceremony as well. Doors open at 7 p.m., puck drops at 8 p.m.

The Condors finish 2007 by hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers on Sunday, Dec. 30. Everyone in attendance will receive a Condors Cheer Sign, courtesy of Bakersfield Californian, KERN 1410 AM and Lennar Homes. There will also be a Season Ticket Holder Skate with the Team after the game. Doors open at 5 p.m., puck drops at 6 p.m.

Notes: D Steven Later, skating as a forward for the second straight game, extended his point streak to five games (3g-4a). F Todd Griffith had his 10-game point streak snapped tonight. The National Conference All-Star had 6g-5a during the stretch. C Tim Konsorada recorded a new personal mark with his 17th goal of the season tonight.

The Condors again advanced to the next round of the logo tournament after defeating the Reading Royals last week. Bakersfield is now up against the Augusta Lynx. The poll is open now and voting will continue through Monday, Dec. 31, so click here and vote now!

If you can't catch the game on KGEO AM1230 or B2 Networks, you can still stay up to date with the team by signing up for Condors text message score alerts, brought to you by the Condors and Bakersfield.com. Alerts will be sent to your phone with scoring updates at the end of each period and every game to keep you in the loop.

To sign up, just text the word "condors" to 47645, or click here. You can also sign up at www.bakersfieldcondors.com. The mobile alerts are free, though standard text messaging fees from your cell phone service provider may apply.

To view the full 2007-08 schedule, click here. For more information or to reserve season tickets, mini- plans and book group outings contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825) or check out www.bakersfieldcondors.com!

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ECHL Stories from December 27, 2007


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