ECHL Bakersfield Condors

RoadRunners hold on to beat Condors, 4-3

January 17, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Craig Kowalski made 38 saves to lead the Phoenix RoadRunners to a 4-3 win over the Bakersfield Condors before of 4,999 fans at Rabobank Arena Friday night.

In a very physical opening frame, the RoadRunners (14-16-3, 31pts) struck first with a pair of goals from D Jim Jorgensen and RW Mitch Carefoot. The Condors (12-21-4, 28pts), however, finished the first period strong, with a shorthanded goal from D Ryan Mahrle at 17:00, assisted by F Matt Pope and RW Chad Painchaud. It was the seventh shorthanded goal for Bakersfield on the season.

The Condors tied it up on the power play in the second period. D Jay Langager slapped home his first of the season at 7:13 from the right point to make it 2-2. Phoenix, however, matched it with a tally at 13:22, as LW P.J. Fenton notched his first of the season to regain the advantage. Shots were 25-16 in favor of Phoenix after two.

The Condors had their share of opportunities in the final stanza, but Kowalski was nearly perfect in the period, helping his team kill off four Bakersfield power plays in the frame. A shorthanded breakaway goal for Carefoot gave Phoenix a 4-2 lead early in the third. A late goal by F Matt Pope drew the Condors within one, but they couldn't close the gap. Kowalski finished the game as the First Star with 38 saves on the night. G David McKee made 28 saves for the Condors, who fell by one goal for the 13th time this season.

Notes from the Nest:

The Condors head out on the road for a pair in Phoenix this weekend, Saturday night (6:05 p.m.) and Sunday (4:05 p.m.). After that, the team is off for the All-Star Break in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Tuesday night is the Skills Competition, starting at 4:05 p.m. (Pacific). Wednesday night is the All-Star Game, featuring Condors LW Mark Derlago and F Matt Pope, who will be in the starting lineup. Game time is 4:05 p.m. and the contest will be broadcast live on ESPN Bakersfield 1230 AM. Join Condors broadcasters Kevin Bartl and Andrew Buchbinder with a special pre-game show starting at 3 p.m. Both the Skills Competition and All-Star Game will be carried live, free of charge, on B2 Networks as well.

The Condors return to The Nest against the Alaska Aces on Friday, Jan. 23 for Mark Derlago Bobblehead Night, sponsored by KGET-TV 17 and Barber Honda. Game time is 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the Condors host the Ontario Reign for Anaheim Ducks-style Jersey Raffle & Auction. The Condors and Reign will both wear jerseys paying tribute to their NHL Affiliates (for the Reign, it's the LA Kings), and the Condors will auction them off after the game to raise proceeds for the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County. Also, everyone in attendance will have the chance to win five of the game-worn jerseys, raffled off at the game. The night is sponsored by Bright House Networks, 98.5 The Fox and American Business Machines, and has a special 7:30 p.m. start time.

Get Tickets:

Individual game tickets may be purchased through the Rabobank Arena Box Office, which is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours on game days. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 322-2525, online at Bakersfieldcondors.com, or at any Ticketmaster location. Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available at the Condors office located at 1001 Truxtun Avenue or by calling 324-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 17, 2009


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