Official Condors E-Newsletter
Published on June 5, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
Condors affiliation expands to Iowa
The Condors announcement on May 21 of an affiliation agreement with the Anaheim Ducks ushered in a new era of professional hockey in Condorstown. Visit the Condors multimedia page for video from Ducks Executive VP/General Manager Brian Burke about the affiliation.
Additionally, it was announced on June 3 that the Ducks have a new American Hockey League affiliate in Des Moines. Formerly the Iowa Stars, the Dallas Stars ended their affiliation agreement with Iowa, leaving them open for Anaheim. Iowa will soon announce a name and logo change. Click here for the story on theahl.com or visit the Anaheim Ducks website for further information.
The Blogs of Condorstown
Get your summer reading off to a good start and check out the official Condorstown blogs on www.bakersfieldcondors.com. Several new blogs are posted every week from different members of the Condors crew.
VP of Communications and Voice of the Condors Kevin Bartl kicks off every week with his blog, "The Many Faces of Kevin Bartl," each Monday. Never for a loss of words or opinions, it's rarely possible to know for sure which Bartl will show up, so check back every Monday to see! Below is a section from Bartl's latest blog:
"It's all about the numbers. *63 - the percentage of players in Condors history who appeared in less than 36 games in their Condors career. think about that. only 37% of everyone ever to suit up for the Condors appeared in more than half a season. And there were some memorable names on that list of less-than-half'ers: Steven Low, Andrew Oke, Vince Malts, Sasha Lakovic, J.J. Wrobel... etc. By the way, the total number of all-time Condors is 359."
To view the full blog, click here.
Every other Tuesday is Timmy's Top 10 Tuesday, featuring a brand new top 10 list from Marketing and Promotions Manager Tim Statezni, who's more commonly known as the Mailbag Guy! There are no limits to Tim's lists, and one last season even led to a friendly bet with Stockton Thunder Broadcaster Mike Benton over whose team would finish higher in the standings. Let's just say, Tim is still owed a lunch! Below is a section from Tim's latest list:
"Top 10 reasons to laugh at Chicago Cubs fans: 7. They blame a 30 year old nerd (with a green turtleneck on I might add) for single handedly losing an entire 7 game series. Can you say de-men-tia? Nice Job Steve-O!!! 6. Again, not joking here, this is the 80's rock jam that they play at Wrigley after a Cubs victory Go C(H)UBS Go!!!"
Click here to view the full list:
Wednesdays are split between Community Relations Manager Brian Marsh with "Marsh Matters" and Media Relations Manager Andrew Buchbinder's "Chuck-A-Buch." Here's a sample from the latest "Marsh Matters", answering a comparison between a Condors game and the Kern County Fair:
"First, from time to time fights break out on the ice in a hockey game, what does the crowd do? Stand and cheer (especially the women). Fights also break out at the fair and what do the crowds do? Run and scream... Score one for the home team."
For the full blog click here.
On every other Wednesday, here's what to expect out of "Chuck-A-Buch":
"Since apparently I have way too much time on my hands, I got to wondering about something... who would win in a no-holds-barred, steel-cage match between a hockey equipment manager and a baseball clubhouse manager? here's my line of thinking..."
Click here to check out the full blog.
Director of Creative Services Ryan Hanson gets his two cents in every other Thursday with "Creative Clutter." Hanson is not a scribe, but he can scribble with the best of 'em! If you see an image or artwork on the Condors website or any of the Condors posters, chances are he put them together, and now you can check out all the other images he cooks up in his official pseudo-blog, featuring new artwork and wallpapers every other week. Click here to check out the newest concoction in "Creative Clutter."
Speaking of cents, capping off every week is "Venny's Pennies," which is Condors Captain Sean Venedam's official blog! Venny checks in with Condorstown every Friday and blogs about a wide variety of topics, so far ranging from the world's largest nickel to the origin of hockey nicknames and hockey 101 info. If you miss "Venny's Pennies" on Friday, no need to worry because it will remain the top blog all weekend long! Below is a portion from Venny's latest blog:
"I've played this great game for a long time and have seen some more than interesting things throughout the course of my travels. I believe that with the right publisher, considerable financial backing and a comfortable position in a witness protection program, we could probably have a best seller."
For the rest of the blog, click here.
All blogs are archived on the Condors website and fans can chime in as well by posting comments and questions!
Give the Gift of Condors this Father's Day
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift this year? In case you've forgotten, Father's Day is June 15, so you're running out of time! But that's ok, just head to the Condors Team Store or look in to Condors Season Ticket Plans, and give Dad a gift that will keep on giving all season long! In addition to full season ticket plans, the Condors offer three different tiered mini plans - the Weekender Plan, the Saturday Assist Plan and the Pick 6 Plan - and start at just $42!
As an added bonus, the first 100 people to purchase two seats as part of a 2008-09 ticket plan will receive a Condors Youth Jersey! Plan holders will also get one youth jersey for every two additional seats purchased, so that a gift for dad turns into a gift for the whole family! For example, if you buy four seats, you get two jerseys; if you buy six seats, you get three jerseys, and so on. The jerseys have a retail price of $100 at the Condors team store.
Open all summer long, the Condors Team Store is located right across the street from Rabobank Arena on Truxtun Ave. Throughout the off-season, new styles and inventory will be added as we gear up for the drop of the puck in October. The Condors Team Store is open Monday through Thursdays from noon - 5:00 p.m.
For more information on Condors Season Ticket Plans and the youth jersey, including full pricing, click here or contact the Condors office at (661) 324-PUCK (7825). The front office is also open from 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday and 8:30 am - 1 pm on Fridays all summer.
Condors submit Protected List
On June 1, each team in the ECHL was required to submit its Protected List, the first step in moving toward shaping the 2008-09 roster. This list could include any player under contract with their respective team - injured, active or suspended - at the conclusion of the season. There was no roster limit, and the Condors Protected List featured 27 players.
There were stipulations to who could be included on the list, and notably, D Martin Frechette and F Alexander Naurov were not included since they were on AHL contracts last season. LW Mark Derlago however, despite signing an AHL deal last month, was on an ECHL contract last season, so he was eligible to be included. For stipulations on who could be protected, and to see the Condors list, click here.
Season Tickets now available in the All You Can Eat Pavilion!
First the good news: the All You Can Eat Pavilion will make a triumphant return for the 2008-09 season!
Now, the GREAT news: you can get a season ticket or mini plan in the All You Can Eat Pavilion for the 2008-09 season!
Starting at just $89 per seat, season ticket packages from Pick 6 Plans to Full Season deals are available, ensuring that Condors fans can get their fill of hockey, and fill their bellies for one great price. The AYCE Pavilion will once again include fans' pick from the menu of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels and peanuts, as well as soda and water. The Condors are also running a season ticket special - buy two new season tickets or mini plans and get a free Condors youth jersey - a retail value of $100! Seems like that March Monday Madness thing had a serious effect on us. Contact the Condors office for more information at 324-PUCK (7825).
NHL Finals wrap up, AHL and ECHL playoffs continue
The NHL Stanley Cup Finals came to an end on Tuesday evening, as the Detroit Red Wings won the best-of-seven series, four-games-to-two, with a 3-2 win in game six. Henrik Zetterberg was named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason's most valuable player, while Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European captain to ever hoist the cup.
While things are settled on the NHL front, playoff finals continue in the AHL for the Calder Cup and ECHL for the Kelly Cup. Former Condor Connor James and the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Penguins currently have their backs against the wall, trailing 3-games-to-0 to the Chicago Wolves in the Calder Cup Finals. James has 11 points (7g-4a) in 20 playoff games this year, and he and the Penguins will look to stay alive in game 4 on Friday night at 7:35 pm (EDT).
In the ECHL, the Cincinnati Cyclones currently find themselves leading 3-games-to-2 against the Las Vegas Wranglers in the best-of-seven Kelly Cup Finals. The Wranglers not only face elimination, but will do so with both of the remaining games to be played in Cincinnati. Game 6 will be played tonight at 7:30 pm (EDT) with game 7 scheduled for Saturday at the same time, if necessary.
Live video for the remainder of both the Calder Cup Finals and the Kelly Cup Finals is available online via B2 Networks.
Condors introduce Mercy & Memorial Hospitals as presenting sponsor
The Condors announced last week that longtime corporate partner Mercy & Memorial Hospitals has become the team's presenting sponsor in a five-year deal that commences with the 2008-09 season.
Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, member of Catholic Healthcare West, agreed to a deal that will include home ice naming rights, as well as partnering up with many community events, such as fundraisers, school programs, the inflatable slap shot game and more.
"Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield is proud to work with an organization that brings our community together the way the Condors do," said Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield President Russell Judd.
Click here to read the entire announcement. You may also visit Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield or Bakersfield Memorial Hospital online for more information about either facility.
The Condors have grown into the top family entertainment outlet in Bakersfield, serving as a unique vehicle for area businesses to build their brand and connect with customers. Centered around a commitment to the community while being recognized with numerous honors, the Condors have developed a presence in Kern County that is unmatched. For more information about partnering with the Condors through corporate sponsorships, contact the Condors office at 324- PUCK (7825).
Sponsor Spotlight - McDonald's
The Condors and McDonald's have been bringing their own brand of McHockey to Condorstown for the better part of the last decade. In addition to signage around the arena to show their support for the home team, as well as the annual-favorite youth jersey giveaway, local McDonald's restaurants also sponsor the Iced Coffee Countdown. If the Condors score in the last two minutes of the first period, everyone in attendance receives a free iced coffee from McDonald's. Similar contests in past seasons included the popular McFlurry Meltdown and the brilliantly-titled Angus Assault.
"Our ongoing partnership with the Bakersfield Condors helps [local] McDonald's Operators to promote our products in front of a great fan base," said Golden Empire McDonald's Operators President Vic Cinquemani. "In addition, we sincerely appreciate the support the Condors give us with the annual jersey auction that supports the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital."
The Ronald McDonald House Family Room is one of the current projects the local McDonald's owners are spearheading. It will be a designated area in which family members of admitted children can stay while their loved ones receive treatment. The family room will have rooms with beds, restrooms, showers and even a small kitchen and dining room area.
For more information on the Ronald McDonald House Family Room, contact McDonald's publicist Jim Darling at 861-1360.
This Month in Condors History
June 6, 2007: Condors announce a team record $470,000 raised in community donations during the 2006-07 season June 9, 2005: Condors awarded 2004-05 ECHL Web Site of the Year and ECHL Ticket Department of the Year awards June 9, 2007: Condors awarded 2006 Beautiful Bakersfield Group Humanitarian Award by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce June 13, 2007: Condors staffers Greg Lowe and Tim Statezni named 2006-07 ECHL Ticket Executives of the Year June 14, 2007: Condors President Matthew Riley named 2006-07 ECHL Executive of the Year June 24, 2006: Condors awarded 2005 Beautiful Bakersfield Humanitarian Group Award by the GBCC
Ice Sports Center - a cool place for a summer birthday!
If at some point at a Condors game you've wanted to get out of your seat and onto the ice only to remember you've never played a minute of hockey, here is your chance to learn from a pro. Every Wednesday evening at the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, beginning at 8:45 p.m., Condors Legend Paul Willett teaches the basics of stopping, turning, shooting, and skating for half an hour. The last 30 minutes will be a scrimmage to test your new found skills against other beginners. For more information please call Paul Willett at 852-7402.
For those that are content with skating around, not getting checked into the boards, the Ice Sports Center holds public skate Monday - Friday 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. Saturday noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday nights 6 to 8:30 p.m. and DJ Night on Fridays from 8 to 11 p.m.
Want to give your child a birthday party to remember? The Ice Sports Center hosts birthday parties that include: skating, skate rental, a private party room for one hour, personalized birthday cake, sodas and a birthday present. The BISC will take the worry and hassle out of planning your child's birthday party, leaving the fun and enjoyment to you. For more information, contact the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center at 852-7400.
Now Playing on CondorsTV
Have you seen what's playing on CondorsTV? The top video right now is footage from the Condors press conference announcing the affiliation with the Anaheim Ducks! If you missed any or all of the press conference live, or just want to relive one of the most exciting days in Condorstown history, all you have to do is click here to check it out! Also playing on CondorsTV are interviews with Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond and players, continuously updated footage from community appearances, all of the Condors commercials, and much, much more!
Condors Birthdays
Scott Balan (Defenseman) - May 29 Justin Fahsbender (Director of Group Sales) - June 2 Greg Lowe (Senior Corporate Account Manager) - June 2 Ryan Salvis (Forward) - June 6 Martin Frechette (Defenseman) - June 11 Scott Frasnelly (Director of Marketing and Operations) - June 28
ECHL Stories from June 5, 2008
- Cyclones Win Kelly Cup - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Cincinnati Captures Kelly Cup Championship - ECHL
- Wranglers falter in Kelly Cup showdown - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Nickelodeon's Go, Diego, Go Live! On Sale at Qwest Arena Monday - Idaho Steelheads
- Official Condors E-Newsletter - Bakersfield Condors
- Street Wolves Summer Tour Hits the Asphalt this Month - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Walleye Brick Pavers - Toledo Walleye
- Stingrays Equipment Sale Next Weekend - South Carolina Stingrays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
