ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Late Condors Comeback Stifled in Loss to Victoria

March 4, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


VICTORIA, B.C. - Mike Hofstrand's goal with 5:01 left in the game brought the Bakersfield Condors to within a goal of the Victoria Salmon Kings, but an empty net goal by Steve Roberts sealed the deal in the Condors' 4-2 loss in front of 3,895 fans at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Salmon Kings notched the evening's first goal late in the first period by converting on a brief power play. Following the expiration of Tyler Shybunka's hooking penalty to end a session of four-on-four hockey, Jade Galbraith collected a pass from Seth Leonard at the top of the left wing circle and wristed a shot over the left shoulder of Ryan Munce. Simon Mangos also assisted as Victoria took a 1-0 lead with just 35 seconds left in the first period.

Brad Mehalko threw a wrist shot on net from outside the near circle following the start of the second period. Kevin St. Jacques recovered the rebound and lifted the puck between Rob McVicar's right arm and the inside of the near post for the goal. Joel Irving assisted as Bakersfield tied the game at 1-1 just 50 seconds into the second period.

The Salmon Kings responded later in the period as Steve Roberts walked the puck through the center of the blue line, deked past Tyler Scott in the slot and threw a shot on net. Munce made the initial kick save, but Tyler Shybunka followed the rebound and slapped it into the net, giving Victoria a 2-1 lead.

Mike Josephson's slap shot from the near point several minutes later came through traffic and connected with Chip Dunleavy, who tapped it low past Munce's right side. Lanny Gare was credited with an assist as the Salmon Kings doubled their lead to 3-1 heading into the third period.

The Condors intensified their efforts in the third period and were met with several shots off posts and pucks gliding through the crease parallel to the goal line. With 5:01 left in the game, Mike Hofstrand lifted the puck from the top of the crease over McVicar's left shoulder and under the crossbar. Kevin Truelson received an assist as Bakersfield cut the Victoria lead to 3-2.

Ryan Munce was pulled for the extra skater with 1:20 left in the game, but Steve Roberts capitalized with the empty net goal to put Victoria's lead to 4-2 and seal the win for the Salmon Kings.

Rob McVicar earned the win by stopping 34 of Bakersfield's 36 shots. Ryan Munce was credited with the loss despite making 24 saves on 27 shots faces.

Other notes: The Condors season-long four-game road win streak comes to a close. Mike Hofstrand has scored a goal in seven of his last ten games. Andrew Ianiero was a healthy scratch for the game.

The Condors complete their series in Victoria with a game tomorrow afternoon at 1pm before returning home on Tuesday, March 7th for a critical match-up with the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Blood Drive Night sponsored by KUZZ 107.9. Fans who donate blood to the Houchin Blood Bank in the month of February through March 7th will receive $1.00 terrace admission to Tuesday night's game.

Individual game tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Rabobank Arena box office, which is open 10am - 6pm Monday through Friday and 10am - 4pm on Saturdays with extended hours on game days. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 322-2525, online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com, or at any Ticketmaster location.

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ECHL Stories from March 4, 2006


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