Olympic Celebration on Tap for Opening Weekend
October 20, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
Bakersfield, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors will finally drop the puck for the 2004-05 ECHL regular season this weekend, alongside an array of events to properly welcome the return of hockey to Centennial Garden. The Victoria Salmon Kings come to town on Friday and Saturday nights, with both games starting at 7:00 p.m.
Opening Night is Friday, October 22nd, presented by Condors flagship station KGEO AM 1230. Everyone in attendance that night will pick up a free Condors magnet schedule. The stylish magnets feature every game night and starting time this season for the Condors, and thus, no one will have an excuse to miss any games whatsoever. Local Bronze Medal Winner in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games Gabe Woodward will be in attendance, dropping the ceremonial first puck and signing autographs throughout the night. Woodward is a Stockdale High graduate who won a bronze medal in the Mens' 4 x 100 meter relay at Athens.
On Saturday, the ZOOperstars make their triumphant return to the Garden, featuring giant, 10- foot tall inflatable animal mascots that are take-offs on famous athletes. The characters coming this weekend are Ichiroach Suzuki, Derek Cheetah, Roger Clamens, Mia Hammster, Peyton Manatee and Dennis Frogman. They dance on the ice, roam the stands, and cause general hysteria all night long. The first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Condors Olympic Medal honoring the Kern County Olympians from 2004. In addition, Kern County Olympian Larsen Jensen, who won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, was scheduled to be on hand to drop the puck and sign autographs on Saturday night, but now may not be able to make it due to his travel schedule. He will be a "Game Time" decision. Jensen graduated from Garces High School and won a silver medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle competitive swim this summer.
"The summer is over, the off-season is over, and the wait is finally over," said Condors President Matthew Riley. "We're all anxious to get started and optimistic about the new season. I think the events we have planned for this weekend are a fantastic way to get things started off on the right foot."
The Condors take to the road on Sunday to square off against the revamped Long Beach Ice Dogs on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. from the Long Beach Arena. The Ice Dogs swept the San Diego Gulls in a two-game preseason series last weekend. All games, home and away, can be heard live on KGEO AM 1230 with "Condors Countdown" starting 15 minutes prior to faceoff.
This Thursday is also the debut of the Condors Coach's Show for the 2004-05 season. Join the "Voice of the Condors" Kevin Bartl and Head Coach Marty Raymond live at the Holiday Inn Select next door to Centennial Garden. The opening week's guest will be veteran center Kevin St. Jacques. The Coach's Show airs on Thursday nights from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on KGEO AM 1230.
Tickets Available
It's not too late to secure premium seat locations for this weekend's games by purchasing season tickets or a Pick Six Plan. Contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825) for more information. Individual game tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location.
ECHL Stories from October 20, 2004
- Olympic Celebration on Tap for Opening Weekend - Bakersfield Condors
- Phenow and Selig Released from Roster - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Wheeling's Sgroi Suspended One Game - ECHL
- Wranglers finalize roster, gear up for season opener - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Falcons Open the 2004-05 Season Friday - Fresno Falcons
- Salmon Kings Announce Opening Night Roster - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Opening Night Roster Announced - San Diego Gulls
- Mississippi Announces Opening Night Roster - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Pride Set for Opening Weekend - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Rochon Released, Announces Retirement - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Opening day roster set for Greenville - Greenville Grrrowl
- Grrrowl trim three from roster - Greenville Grrrowl
- Bombers add veteran broadcaster to staff - Dayton Bombers
- Diamond Sports Purchased by Idaho Steelheads - Idaho Steelheads
- Sea Wolves Release One - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- P.J. Martin Joins Storm - Toledo Walleye
- Checkers get political - Charlotte Checkers
- Victoria Will Make History Friday In Bakersfield - ECHL
- Nailers release roster for alumni game - Wheeling Nailers
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