Six things you NEED to know

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CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors, owned by the Edmonton Oilers, are set for the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2015-16. Every week in the offseason, the team will give you a “What you need to know” synopsis around the world of hockey.
1. BARONS ADVANCE; AHL UPDATE

  • The Oklahoma City Barons pulled the only “upset” of the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs asthey swept the 3rd seeded San Antonio Rampage. Oklahoma City will take on the top seeded Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks) in the Best-of-7 Western Conference Semifinals beginning on Thursday.
  • Former Condors, C Connor Jones (2g-0a), LW Kellen Jones (1g-0a), and RW Joshua Winquist (1g-1a) each had points over the three-game series.
  • D Darnell Nurse, who was drafted 7th overall in last year’s draft by Edmonton, will join the Barons after his Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds were eliminated in the OHL playoffs on Sunday.
  • On the other side of the bracket, the Hershey Bears, led by former Condors Head Coach Troy Mann, took care of the Worcester Sharks in four games. The 2nd seeded Bears next meet the 3rd seeded Hartford Wolf Pack.
  • Former Condors captain D Erik Burgdoerfer had an impressive first round with a +5 rating over the four games, tied for second in the AHL.
2. THE MOOSE ARE BACK

  • Announced yesterday, the Manitoba Moose have returned to the AHL, this time as the topdevelopment team of the Winnipeg Jets. The Moose will play in the same building as their parent club. Previously, Manitoba played in the AHL from 2001-2011 and were affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks.
  • The Moose join a large list of new and/or relocated franchises in the AHL for 2015-16. If you are confused about who is leaving, who is coming, and what you missed, click here.
3. SEXTON LEADS FORMER CONDORS AT IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
  • Former Condor Dan Sexton had a goal and an assist to help Team USA to a victory over Finland in their first game of the IIHF World Championships being held in the Czech Republic. The Americans are now 3-0 in pool play and next take on Belarus on Thursday.
  • Sexton is one of three former Condors competing in the tournament along with German G Timo Pielmier and French D Antonin Manavian.
4. UTAH AND ONTARIO TO DECIDE PACIFIC DIVISION CHAMPION

  • After series victories over Idaho and Colorado respectively, the Utah Grizzlies and Ontario Reign are through two games in the ECHL’s Western Conference Semifinals with Ontario up 2-0. The teams head to Utah for games 3,4, and 5 beginning tomorrow.
5. ANAHEIM TAKES CONTROL OF SERIES WITH CALGARY

  • The Anaheim Ducks took a 2-0 series lead over the Calgary Flames on Sunday night with Game 3 set for tonight in Calgary.
  • In the three other series, Tampa Bay leads Montreal 2-0, Chicago is up on Minnesota 2-0, and the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 lead last night.
  • Games tonight: Minnesota hosts Chicago (5 p.m. / NBCSN) and Calgary hosts Anaheim (6:30 p.m. / USA)
6. BARRIE IS IN TOWN – RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY

  • Barrie Stafford, Director of Special Projects with the Edmonton Oilers, is in town later this week to finalize renovation plans for the Condors hockey operations, training, and locker/dressing room areas inside Rabobank Arena. Barrie was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Wall of Honor in 2012 and was part of all five Edmonton Stanley Cup winning teams.
  • While actual demolition and construction does not begin until next week, Condors staff were hard at work organizing, storing, and moving furniture, weights, and other items last week so that work may begin.
  • Look for videos on Condors.TV during the summer on the progress and new look.
AHL CONDORS MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE! 
Be part of history as the Condors move to the American Hockey League in 2015-16. Memberships begin for less than $17/month. contact the Condors at 324-PUCK (7825) for more information.