ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Stockton spoils Bakersfield's home opener

October 21, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Tim O'Connell had a goal and two assists, while Devan Dubnyk made 45 saves, as the Stockton Thunder cruised to a 6-1 victory and spoiled the home opener for the Bakersfield Condors Friday night, before 6,640 at Rabobank Arena.

The Condors had a handful of chances early to get on the board and set the tone, but Dubnyk made stellar save after stellar save.

Stockton on the other hand buried its chances, scoring a pair of goals in all three periods. Troy Bodie got things started 5:12 into the first period, beating Jamie Hodson with a slapper from the right circle. O'Connell then nailed one home at 11:13 of the first, off setups from Bodie and Mike Lalonde.

Lalonde and Tyler Spurgeon traded goals in the second period, giving the Thunder a commanding 4-0 lead. Lalonde's came short-handed at 4:14, redirecting home a beautiful centering feed from Nathan Martz. Spurgeon then potted a power-play goal at 7:44, chasing Hodson. Danny Taylor, making his pro debut, entered in relief and made some acrobatic saves the rest of the fame.

Taylor continued his solid play in the third, but couldn't shut Stockton down, as Steve Slonina and Brendon Hodge beat the rookie netminder. Slonina's also came via the power play, the Thunder's second of the night, at 3:25. Hodge made it 6-0 at 5:40, before Nicklas Lindberg finally put Bakersfield on the board with a power-play tally at 9:21.

Teams combined for 36 power plays in the contest, as Stockton went 2-for17 and Bakersfield finished 1-for-19. Mike Hofstrand was awarded a penalty shot midway through the final frame, but was stopped by Dubnyk.

To access the game's full box score click here.

Notes: The Condors are now 8-4-0 all- time on Opening Night, dating back to the West Coast Hockey League. Marty Raymond is seven victories away from becoming the winningest coach in Bakersfield history. The Condors play 10 of their first 14 games at home. They were 7-1-0 against Stockton last season. Scott Borders (leg) and Steve Rodberg (knee) were placed on the 30-day injured list. Preston Briggs is on the seven-day injured list with an ankle sprain. Alex Rogosheske is expected to be activated from the three-day injured list Saturday. Todd Griffith, out of the lineup Friday, is awaiting the completion of his immigration paperwork. Brett Lutes, acquired from Stockton Wednesday, served the first of a three- game suspension. He was assessed the suspension at the end of last season while playing for Port Huron.

The Condors return to action Saturday when they'll host the Idaho Steelheads at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 kids 12-and-under will get a special Condors glow-in-the-dark trick-or-treat bucket, courtesy of KGET-TV 17 and McMillin Homes. Captain Jack Sparrow from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" will also be appearing on Saturday. Bakersfield then hits the road Sunday for a 5 p.m. contest against the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

You can catch all Condors games live on KGEO Hot Talk AM1230 with Jake Stevens and Jeremy Zager calling all the action. Saturday's game against Idaho can be seen live on Bright House Networks (cable channel 21). Most games this season will again be available to view courtesy of B2 Networks. Just click the "Watch the Game Live" link on the Condors home page. Live streaming for all Condors games is also available via their web site, www.bakersfieldcondors.com. For more information or to reserve ticket packages, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

Buy Tickets

Season and group ticket packages for the 2006-07 Condors season are on sale now at the Condors office located at 1001 Truxtun Avenue or by calling at 324-PUCK (7825)

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ECHL Stories from October 21, 2006


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