ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Willett and Mears to be Honored this Saturday

Published on April 1, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors will honor the official retirement of two Condors Legends this Saturday, during the final game of the season. Paul Willett and Glen Mears have played a combined 13 years in Bakersfield.

Willett, 34, will be playing in his final game on Saturday night against the Las Vegas Wranglers. He has spent the last five seasons in Bakersfield, and no other player has recorded more points in a Condors uniform. He is the all-time leader in points (386), assists (256) and penalty minutes (803). Willett is also second in career games (316) and goals scored (130) with the Condors. He is first with 39 power play goals and tied for the team all-time lead with 18 game winning goals.

The New Richmond, Quebec native has been a first or second-team all-star with the Condors in three of the previous four seasons. He won the West Coast Hockey League Most Valuable Player award in 2000 and played in a pair of WCHL All-Star Games, including being named a starter in 2000. During the 2002-03 season he won the WCHL scoring crown with 85 points in 69 games.

Mears, 31, has been in Bakersfield since the 1996-97 season, playing two of his seven seasons in the Golden Empire with the old Bakersfield Fog. With his Fog days included, Mears ranks first in games (372) and penalty minutes (830) and even as a defenseman, ranks among all-time leaders assists and points. He was named a WCHL All-Star during the 1998-99 season.

After sitting out all of last year, Mears returned to the fold in 2003-04, filling in on defense when injuries plagued the team. He ended up playing 25 games this season. His season was cut short with a stay on the 30-day Injured Reserve list, sidelined by a couple cracked ribs.

"It's a pleasure to honor guys that have helped build what we have here in Bakersfield," said Condors President Matthew Riley. "Paul and Glen have been there for us and the organization throughout the years and will always be a part of our family. This is our thanks to a couple of players that have contributed to the Condors, as well as the community as a whole, throughout their careers here in Bakersfield. The only sad thing is that we'll no longer have the joy of watching them play."

"Bakersfield has become my new home," said Willett. "I'm glad I had an opportunity to come here and play for the Condors for five years. The fans have been great and the organization has been great. Now I'm looking forward to moving on and trying something different with my life."

"I really appreciate all the support from everybody throughout my time here," said Mears. "Between the fans, my family and the front office... it's been great getting the know the city and all the people here. I'm pretty proud of what I've done in minor league hockey and being able to play this whole time in one city."

The Condors will host the San Diego Gulls on Friday night for Nesting Doll Giveaway, sponsored by Groove 99.3, A-plus Plumbing, Heating and Air, 3-Way Chevrolet and Oreck Floor Care Center. Saturday's game is against the Las Vegas Wranglers and features youth jersey giveaway for the first 2,000 kids 12 and under. KGET-TV 17, K-Lite 105.3 and McDonald's sponsor the jerseys. Both games start at 7:00pm. All Condors games, home and away, can be heard on KGEO AM 1230 and online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com. "Condors Countdown" starts 15 minutes prior to game time, with Kevin Bartl handling the play-by-play.

Individual seats are on sale now, 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.

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