HOLTY’S BLOG: CHALLENGED

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Gerry Fleming said yesterday that this team relishes challenges. When they get popped in the mouth, they pop back.

But, with 22 games left, how much more can this team take?

– The news is not good for Condors captain Ryan Hamilton who broke his right leg last night on a clean hit where he fell awkwardly near the Condors bench. He had successful surgery last night and is expected to make a full recovery, but obviously, he will be out for some time.

– You never want to see anyone hurt, but Hamilton means so much to this team. He leads by example, on and off the ice, and has been a model captain.

– Here he is earlier this week in fact delivering teddy bears at the pediatric unit at Memorial Hospital.

– When I say “how much more can this team take,” I simply mean the numbers that are left. The Condors have 20 healthy and eligible players now after Jones (inj – not skating), Mantha (inj – not skating), Hamilton (inj), and Callahan (suspended) all aren’t with the team headed to Tucson. Joey LaLeggia is back playing D. Bakersfield is going to have to find some ECHL contracts for the final 22 games.

– Last week it was 25 games left and the Condors needing 34 points. Now it is 22 games left and the Condors need 30 points. They’re still right on schedule if they can win 2 of 3 every week down the stretch.

– Random observation: I receive ZERO e-mails when the Condors win. I receive 5-10 negative e-mails when the Condors lose.

– Across the pond and then some, Anton Lander scored for Sweden in a 4-0 win over Norway at the Olympics to kick off their tournament.

– Ben Scrivens picked up the win for Team Canada over Switzerland with Rob Klinkhammer on the Canadians as well.

– Timo Pielmeier didn’t play for Germany, but Eric Regan did play for South Korea in a loss to the Czech Republic

– If you’re a Condors365 Member and have not RSVP’d for next Thursday’s alumni event and 20th anniversary celebration from 6-8 p.m. at the Marriott, do so by calling 324-PUCK (7825). Non-members can buy tickets for $35. It all includes a taco bar and a mix and mingle with Condors alumni. Should be fun hearing stories from the past 20 years.

– We are down to the Elite Eight in the voting for Mr. Condor. It’s Andrew Ianiero v Sean Venedam, Paul Rosebush v Ryan Hamilton, Paul Willett v Laurent Brossoit, and Glen Mears v Erik Burgdoerfer. You can vote once a day, per device, by clicking here

– How much fun was having the live Condor back on Friday? Here’s the Sportscenter video:

– Road trip continues Saturday at 6 p.m. in Tucson. You can watch the game at The Padre Hotel.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt aka Holty is the voice of the Condors in his 7th season. He thinks there are a lot of made up “sports” in the Olympics. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@bakersfieldcondors.com with questions, comments, or blog ideas.