Marty Raymond Back as Bakersfield Bench Boss
Published on May 24, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
The Condors have announced that Marty Raymond has been named head coach for the 2004-05 campaign. Paul Willett, who retired this season after an illustrious career which spanned 14-years, including five for Bakersfield, will serve as assistant coach.
Raymond, 39, has been with the organization since 2001-02 as the Condors Associate Coach. He assumed the head coaching duties on an interim basis on February 26th, replacing Paul Kelly and becoming the fourth head coach in Condors history. From that date on his record was 6-9-2 as head coach. The Condors record in all games with Raymond behind the bench is 77-67-19. Bakersfield is the third professional team on Raymond's head coaching resume in North America. He also stood at the helm of the Tucson Gila Monsters and Phoenix Mustangs of the West Coach Hockey League, winning a Taylor Cup Championship with Phoenix in 2000.
It was in 1999-2000 that Raymond took the reigns in midseason for Phoenix, as the Mustangs compiled a 5-12-3 record prior to his arrival. Under his leadership the Mustangs went 27-23-3 and rolled through the post-season. They finished the year 22-5-1 in their final 28 games, including 10-2 in the post season and a four-game (best-of-five) elimination of the Bakersfield Condors.
Willett, 34, enters his first season as a coach and will assist Raymond. He played his last game on April 3rd, calling it a career after 14 seasons in the pro ranks. His playing career included four First or Second Team All-Star selections, a pair of mid-season All-Star Games and an International Hockey League Championship with the Fort Wayne Komets. He also won one WCHL scoring title, a Best Defensive Forward award in the United Hockey League, and a WCHL Most Valuable Player Award. He scored over 1,000 points and played in over 900 games in his career, leading his team in scoring for four (4) season.
"We can say what we want about winning, but the proof will be in the pudding," said Raymond. "We're looking for more speed this year and guys that are smart and can adapt, but creative enough to do their own thing. We need a good defensive team as well, from the goaltender out. Two years ago we had that and we were very good. And we're also looking for good individuals with strong character. These are three unbendable rules for our hockey team."
"It's good to have Marty back behind the bench for the Condors," said Bakersfield Sports Entertainment President Matthew Riley. "Having been with the organization for several years, it's great to have that familiarity and continuity. We know Marty brings to the table a tremendous work ethic and a drive and expectation to win."
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