Condors comeback falls short in Stockton, 4-2
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors were downed by the Stockton Thunder, 4-2 at Stockton Arena Friday night in preseason action. The same two clubs will battle in the preseason finale tomorrow night in Bakersfield.
The first period included several penalties, including one against the Condors just 21 seconds in the game, and a five-minute major power play just over six minutes in. The Condors penalty kill was strong, however, and not long after killing that off, C Thomas Frazee tipped home a shot from D Joe Loprieno at 12:35 to make it 1-0. Stockton led in shots 8-5 in a period that included one fight, with Condors D Eric Tallent taking on Thunder C Jordan Foreman.
Stockton tied it up early in the second, just seconds after the expiration of a Thunder power play. D Mike Little finished off a scramble in the low slot for the tally. A second fight broke out late in the frame, with former Thunder LW Jesse Gimblett taking on C Jason Morgan. Stockton led in shots 13-4 in the period.
Stockton connected with a pair of power play tallies to push in front. F Tyler Shelast and D Colten Hayes scored on the man advantage to give the Thunder a 3-1 lead, besting G Matt Keetley on rebound chances. The Condors pulled back within one with a PPG of their own, as F Casey Pierro-Zabotel snuck a backhander past G Olivier Roy with just over four minutes remaining. Foreman ended the would-be comeback with an empty net tally in the final minute to make it 4-2.
Condors Droppings:
Both Stockton and Bakersfield dressed six defensemen and 13 forwards for the game… The Condors outshot Stockton 12-7 in the third, but were outshot 29-23 in the game… D Trevor Hunt was ejected in the first period after taking a cross-checking major… Power plays: BAK – 1/5; STK – 2/7… Three Stars: 1. Shelast (STK), 2. Little (STK), 3. Hayes (STK).
Get Tickets:
The Condors host the Thunder in preseason action Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 fans 12 and under will get a pack of Condors FunBandz, sponsored by KERN 1180 and the Bakersfield Marriott. All tickets in the lower level are just $10 for the preseason, and $5 in the upper level.
The Condors home opener is Saturday, Oct. 15, when the Colorado Eagles come to town. The first 3,000 fans 5 and older will get a Condors Division Championship Banner, sponsored by 29 Eyewitness News, Fox Sports Radio 970 and American Business machines. Game time is 7 p.m.
Ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale, starting at just $48. The Condors will battle the rival Stockton Thunder in Bakersfield in preseason action on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Visit www.BakersfieldCondors.com or call 324-PUCK(7825) for more information.
Follow the Condors all season long, for team news, player moves, promotions, and more on Twitter (@Condors) and Facebook (facebook.com/BakersfieldCondors). Be the first to know!
