Condors battle Thunder in 3-2 shootout loss

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors (8-24-3-1, 20pts) had a late lead but couldn’t hold on, losing 3-2 in a shootout to the Stockton Thunder (15-13-1-3, 32pts) in front of 4,830 at Rabobank Arena Saturday night.

Stockton took a 1-0 lead in the first period, connecting on a two-man advantage power play at 10:30 of the frame. D Nathan Deck got the tally for the visitors. G Matt Keetley saw nine

Stockton shots in the first, while Thunder G Olivier Roy turned aside all six Bakersfield shots.

The Condors lost a player early in the second when F Peter Boyd was hit face-first into the boards and carried off the ice. But the Condors responded with an emotional second period, hitting, shooting and tying the game up. F Tyler Helfrich jammed in his fifth of the season at 14:34, and the Condors led in shots 15-7 in the frame.

Bakersfield took the lead in the third when LW Hans Benson rifled home his first of the season with 6:33 remaining in regulation. Stockton tied it up once again though, with a power play goal just three minutes later.

The Condors out-shot the Thunder 16-11 through the third period and overtime, but in the shootout two Stockton players lit the lamp and Roy held the Condors out to take the win.

Matt O’Dette’s post-game comments

Click here for the box score

Condors Droppings:

D Josh Van Dyk made his Condors debut tonight after being acquired from Florida yesterday, and finished +1… Boyd left the game injured early in the second period and did not return… F Alex Hudson picked up his first pro point with an assist… D Erik Burgdoerfer was ejected when he fought well after the second period ended… Shots on goal: BAK- 37, STK – 28… PP: BAK 1/7, STK 2/6… Three Stars: 1. Roy (STK), 2. Helfrich (BAK), 3. Benson (BAK).

Jersey Cooler and Cap Giveaways next weekend

The Condors remain on home ice next weekend for two games against the Colorado Eagles Friday and Saturday night. Friday is Jersey Cooler Giveaway sponsored by KBAK Eyewitness News, 98.5 The Fox, and Cal Water. Saturday is Cap Giveaway, sponsored by KUZZ 107.9 and Three-Way Automotive Group. Both giveaways are for the first 2,000 fans five and older.

Get Tickets

Pick-4 Plans are on sale now, featuring the most sought-after games for the second half of the season, starting at just $32. For more information or to reserve your tickets call 324-PUCK (7825) today.

Individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Rabobank Arena box office by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours on gamedays. For more information on ticket packages, exciting promotions, and to sign up for the Kids Club for just $10, log on to www.bakersfieldcondors.com.

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