CONDORSTOWN, Calif. - F Liam Huculak returned to Bakersfield with a goal and a fight, and G Brian Stewart made 39 saves, but it was not enough as the Bakersfield Condors (5-12-1-2, 13pts) fell to the Alaska Aces (15-5-0-0, 30pts) by a 2-1 margin on Friday night at Rabobank Arena.
NHL F Joey Crabb gave the Aces a 1-0 lead at 5:44 of the first period after a good forecheck from F Nick Mazzolini freed the puck up for a shot from the left-wing circle by Crabb. The Condors equalized at 1-1 when F Liam Huculak poked home a loose puck behind Aces G Gerald Coleman after a bad angle shot from LW Ev 
an Trupp. The goal came at 9:22 of the frame and the score stayed that way as the Aces out-shot Bakersfield, 14-10.
an Trupp. The goal came at 9:22 of the frame and the score stayed that way as the Aces out-shot Bakersfield, 14-10.The Aces took the lead for good early in the second period as F Bobby Hughes snapped off a shot from the slot past the blocker of Condors G Brian Stewart for a 2-1 lead at 1:35. Shots favored Alaska, 16-7.
Bakersfield had a late flurry in the third with their goaltender pulled for an extra attacker, but they could not find the equalizer and fell, 2-1. Huculak picked up five of his 11 penalty minutes on the night in the third period, earning a fighting major when he took on F Dustin Molle. Shots were 11-4 for Alaska in the third, and 41-21 in the game.
Tonight’s box score: click here
Condors droppings:
Tonight was the only meeting of the season in Bakersfield between the two sides. The Condors will head to Anchorage for a three-game set in early March… F Liam Huculak played his first game as a Condor since 2008-09… D Alain Goulet returned to Condorstown, where he spent the majority of the 2011-12 season, as a member of the Aces… Shots on goal: BAK – 21 , AK – 41 … Power plays: BAK- 0/6 , AK- 0/5 … Three Stars: #1 Hughes (AK), #2 Stewart (BAK), #3 Huculak (BAK)
CONDORS IN STOCKTON SATURDAY NIGHT
The Condors head to Stockton to begin a three-game road trip on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Condors Countdown gets you going at 7:15 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio 970, www.foxsports970am.com, iheartradio app, or www.americaonesports.com.
Holiday 4-packs are on sale now and a perfect stocking stuffer for the person in your life who likes to have fun. Check out the plan to fit your needs by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).
The team returns home after three straight on the road to host Favorite Football Team Night, sponsored by 98.5 The Fox and Aera Energy. If fans wear their favorite NFL, college or high school jersey to the game, the number of wins that team has this season is the number of dollars your lower level ticket will cost. Or donate a coat at the game and get an upper level ticket for just $1. Fans can also hit the ice for a free skate with the team after the game.
