Condors start strong, can’t hold back Idaho

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. –The Bakersfield Condors (7-15-1-2, 17pts) jumped out to an early lead, but the Idaho Steelheads (18-5-1-2, 39pts) stormed back for a 5-2 win Friday night at Rabobank Arena.

Post-game interview with Matt O’Dette

Post-game highlights

The Condors could not have asked for a better start as they rattled off two goals on their first two shots of the game. First, D Scott Enders flick shot from the right point deflected off an Idaho stick and through the legs of G Josh Robinson for a 1-0 lead just :51 seconds into the first period. C Levi Nelson followed that up 37 seconds later off a feed in tight from F Jacob Lagace to make it 2-0 Bakersfield.

Idaho not only erased the Condors lead in the second, but gained a two-goal advantage themselves. D Hugh Labrie, D Jeremie Blain, F Tristin King and F David de Kastrozza each tallied in the middle stanza, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead. They out-shot the Condors 19-10 in the second period to seize control of the game.

The Steelheads added some insurance in the third period, while holding the Condors to just six shots en route to sealing the win. F Austin Fytin scored shorthanded at 7:32 to account for the final score.

Tonight’s box score: click here

Condors droppings:

This was the fourth meeting of the season between the two sides. Bakersfield plays Idaho six times in their next 13 games… C Levi Nelson now has a goal in three straight games… The Condors started the game with five defensemen for the second game in a row, but the loss of D Ryan Annesley in the first period put them down to just four natural blueliners for the rest of the night… D Scott Enders first-period goal was the first of his career… D Erik Burgdoerfer, F Brett Lyon (two), and F Zach Cohen each recorded fighting majors… The Condors scratched F Nick Prockow (healthy), F Brett Perlini (inj.), D Trevor Hendrikx (inj.), F David Toews (inj.), and D Olivier Dame-Malka (inj.)… Shots on goal: BAK – 24, IDH – 39… Power plays: BAK- 0/5, IDH – 1/2… Three Stars: #1 Dowling (IDH), #2 Enders (BAK), #3 King (IDH).

Olympic Beach Volleyball Silver Medalists Saturday
Tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 15, the Condors host San Francisco and welcome U.S.A. Beach Volleyball Olympic Silver Medalists April Ross and Jen Kessy. They will hang out in the photo booth and also speak to fans prior to the game. All you need to receive an invite to the pre-game Q & A is book a group of 10 or more people. Call the Condors for more information. The night is sponsored by KLLY 95.3 and Coldstone Creamery.

Holiday 4-Packs Make Great Stocking Stuffers!!
Holiday 4-packs are on sale now and a perfect gift 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).