Aces hold on against Condors, 3-2
CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Alaska Aces (43-17-2-8, 94pts) fell behind 1-0 to the Bakersfield Condors (23-40-4-3, 53pts) in the second period, but scored three straight to take a 3-2 victory Wednesday night at Rabobank Arena.
Matt O’Dette post-game comments
The two clubs skated to a scoreless tie in the opening stanza, with the Aces holding a 10-8 shot lead. Alaska put up seven of the last nine shots in the period, but G Matt Keetley was equal to the task for the Condors. Aces G James Reid was, as well, denying Bakersfield on several early chances.
Bakersfield took the lead early in the second. F Robby Dee deposited his team-leading 24th of the season off Reid’s back and into the net at 1:28. But Alaska responded just 39 seconds later, with F Matt Ambroz punching in a rebound chance. At 13:09 the Aces added a shorthanded tally to make it 2-1 through 40 minutes of play.
The Aces pushed in front by two at the nine-minute mark, with C Blair Yaworski firing a wrister past Keetley to make it 3-1. Bakersfield pulled back within a goal in the final minute with their goaltender pulled for an extra attacker. F Tyler Helfrich netted his 18th of the season at 19:34 to account for the final score.
D Francis Meilleur made his Condors debut tonight since being picked up from Greenville on Monday… The Condors have six extra-attacker goals this season, four of which have come against Alaska… LW Jesse Gimblett dropped the gloves with F Matt Ambroz in the second period. It was Gimblett’s 10th fighting major of the season and first since Feb. 3… Shots on goal: BAK- 28, AK- 34… PP: BAK 0/3, AK 0/1… Three Stars: 1. Mazzolini (AK), 2. Dee (BAK), 3. Helfrich (BAK).
Street Hockey Stick & Puck Set Friday
On Friday night the Condors host the Utah Grizzlies at 7 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans, 12 and under, will receive a street hockey stick and puck set courtesy of ABC 23, HOT 94.1 FM and the Three Way Automotive Group.
The Condors conclude the regular season on Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Grizzlies as Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 will make an appearance in the Condors photo booth. Also, Bakersfield native and NASCAR driver Ryan Reed will bring his race car before the game and will take pictures with fans during the game. Don’t miss out on your last chance to catch the Condors this season presented by Bright House Networks, 101.5 KGFM, and Farmers Insurance.
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!