Condors Make Big Splash with Return of Boyd and Stewart

WATCH O’DETTE INTERVIEW + HIGHLIGHTS

“We have a great corps of guys coming back who all are on the same page in terms of what we want to do this year,” said Boyd. “I love the direction that this team is heading in, I want to be a part of it, and I want us in the mix all year. The Condorstown fans are a major reason why I wanted to come back. It’s fun playing in front of them and in front of big crowds.”

Boyd, 24, wrapped up his rookie campaign with the Condors, afterbeing claimed off waivers from Greenville during training camp, as the team’s third-leading scorer with 40 points (17g-23a) in 61 games. Through his leadership abilities and perseverance both on and off the ice, Boyd became the first Condor in team history to captain the team in his rookie season when he donned the “C” during the second half of the year. Around the league, the Cambridge-Narrows, New Brunswick native finished tied for second in shorthanded goals with four, tied for first in shorthanded points with six, and was named ECHL Player of the Week for March 12-18 when he amassed eight points (2g-6a) in four games. He was tied for second on the team in multiple-point games with nine including one, three-point outing.

The 5’10”, 190 lbs. winger played four college seasons at Ohio State where he scored 39 goals, and added 74 assists for 113 points in 159 games played. Following his college career, Boyd recorded an assist in 11 games played for Lake Erie of the American Hockey League (AHL) at the end of the 2010-11 season.

“First and foremost, he’s a high character guy,” said O’Dette. “As a player he does a little bit of everything. He’s a guy you can put out there in every situation and he is extremely reliable. His leadership capabilities came to the forefront in the second half and we’re ecstatic to have him back.”

Boyd Stats: Click Here

Stewart, 27, will be a name familiar to Condors fans as he recordedone of the most prolific seasons for a Bakersfield netminder in team history. Assigned to the Condors from the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers during the 2010-11 season, Stewart went 18-5-0 in 26 appearances with the Condors compiling a 2.20 goals against average (GAA) and a .929 save percentage. His strong regular season concluded with 10 consecutive victories during the month of March, a Condors record, and wins in 15 of his last 17 starts. The Burnaby, British Columbia native’s GAA is second all-time for a Condors goaltender in a single season and his save percentage led the ECHL that season. For his efforts, Stewart was named to the 2010-11 ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Last season, the 6’4″, 195 lbs. goalie played 40 games for the Elmira Jackals (ECHL) and went 26-11-2 with a 2.56 GAA and a .917 save percentage leading the team to a regular season Eastern Conference title and the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the eventual Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades.

In his ECHL career, Stewart has a record of 46-17-2 with a 2.43 GAA and a .921 save percentage.

“It was an awesome feeling two years ago when I was here,” Stewart said. “I’m excited to get back in Condorstown, because we as a team did pretty well and had a good season. I feel a little more comfortable knowing the situation now and am just looking to play well, win, and get a chance to play at the next level.”

“He (Stewart) is very athletic for a big guy,” O’Dette continued. “One thing that I like and that stands out is his competitiveness. He gets fired up in the net and doesn’t like to lose. Players feed off that and they play hard in front of him.

Stewart Stats: Click here

BACK TO SCHOOL – FREE JERSEY TICKET SPECIAL
Good until September 15th, the Condors have a tremendous Back To School Ticket Special where fans will receive a youth jersey with the purchse of a 2012-13 Condors ticket plan. All ticket plans are included from the Pick 6 plan to a full season package. Ticket plans start for as low as $8 a month. Another way to capitalize on the deal is to book your group night with the Condors for the upcoming season. For every 10 tickets purchased towards the group, fans will receive one (1) youth jersey. 20 tickets, 2 jerseys. 100 tickets, 10 jerseys. Comprende? Get in on the 15th Anniversary season today and don’t be left out on some of the biggest nights in Condorstown including Teddy Bear Toss by calling 324-PUCK (7825) or crashing the net by clicking here.

SAVE THE DATE: OPEN HOUSE IS OCT 2ND

The first opportunity to meet the 2012-13 Condors comes at the annual Open House on the evening of Tuesday, October 2nd at Rabobank Arena. The event will feature an intrasquad scrimmage, player meet and greet, and other fun activities. It is open to the public with season ticket holders having the chance to pick up their season ticket holder ticket books. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

The Condors have laid the gauntlet down and challenged the rival Stockton Thunder on social media. When the team reaches 15,000 Facebook page likes in honor of the 15th Anniversary Season and receives more followers on Twitter than the Thunder, a brand new unique jersey design for the 2012-13 season will be unveiled. In addition, one lucky fan will win one of the jerseys and another fan will get the unforgettable opportunity to have lunch with the entire team.

To LIKE the team on Facebook, click here, and then hit LIKE at the top right of the page.

To FOLLOW the team on Twitter, click here, and then hit FOLLOW at the top right of the page. Fans are also encouraged to spread the word on Twitter by using the hashtag #ToppleTheThunder.

FOLLOW THE CONDORS ALL OFF-SEASON LONG