ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Raymond, Pederson to Remain with Condors

February 28, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors announced that they have agreed to terms on two- year contract extensions with Head Coach Marty Raymond and Assistant Coach Mark Pederson.

"We're happy to be back and we're excited for the challenges that lie ahead," said Raymond. "Right now we're focused on the playoffs and we're looking forward to building a team that represents Bakersfield."

Raymond, 42, has been with the organization since February 2002, when he was brought on as the team's associate coach. The Drummondville, Quebec native was named Head Coach on February 26th, 2004 and has amassed a record of 70-51-17 as head coach in Bakersfield.

Prior to the Condors, Raymond coached the Tucson Gila Monsters and Phoenix Mustangs in the WCHL. He led Phoenix on their way to the 1999-00 Taylor Cup Championship after ending the season on a 22-5-1 run.

Pederson, 38, is in his first full season as an assistant coach following an extensive playing career. He played parts of six different seasons in the National Hockey League, mostly with the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Prelate, Saskatchewan native scored 30 or more goals six different times in his pro career in North America, including a 52 goal performance in 62 AHL games in 1993-94. Following seven seasons in Europe, Pederson returned to the States to play for the ECHL's San Diego Gulls in 2002-03. That season he ranked second in the league with 39 goals and seventh with 72 points. The following year he led the ECHL with 44 goals and finished sixth with 81 points. Pederson retired last season with 34 points in 48 games with San Diego.

"There's a learning curve as a player starting out," said Pederson. "Full-time coaching has been similar, and working with Marty and [Director of Player Personnel Bob] Bartlett has been something that's benefited me as a coach. The Condors organization is taking the right steps in our quest for a championship for Bakersfield."

With the announcement, the entire coaching staff from this season is now in place for the near future. Last week, the Condors announced a two- year contract extension with Bartlett, who will take over as Director of Hockey Operations following the 2005-06 season.

"One of the things I've come to understand about hockey is that you listen to those who know best," said Condors Owner Jonathan Fleisig. "Bob Bartlett told us that we had to sign Marty and Mark, so that's what we did."

"Marty, Mark and Bob have worked extremely hard to place this team in a competitive situation night in and night out," said President Matthew Riley. "In addition, they bring players to Bakersfield much like themselves: committed, hard-working and good people. We're excited to make this commitment to the future."

The Condors host the Dayton Bombers on Wednesday, March 1st for High School and College ID Night presented by WB-12 TV and 106.1 KRAB Radio. All high school and college students who present a valid student ID at the Box Office that day will receive $1 admission.

To bring out a group of 20 or more fans, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825) for special pricing.

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 28, 2006


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