Steelheads wrestle a win away from Condors on Jake Varner Night

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The line of F Austin Fyten-C Justin Dowling-F Tristen King combined for four goals and 10 points to lead the Idaho Steelheads (19-7-1-3, 42pts) to a 4-1 victory over the Bakersfield Condors (7-23-1-2, 17pts) Saturday night at Rabobank Arena.

Highlights from the game

Idaho opened the scoring with F Austin Fyten taking advantage of a turnover at the side of the Bakersfield net 7:44 into the game. At 16:26 they made it 2-0 when C Justin Dowling beat G Brian Stewart with a wrister from between the circles. The Condors bounced back with a late tally by D Francis Meilleur, with just 38 ticks left on the clock in the period.

The visiting team padded their lead just 68 seconds into the middle period with F Tristan King notching his 11th of the season. The Condors out-shot Idaho 10-8 in the second, aided by a trio of power plays, but Idaho G Tyler Beskorowany held them off the board and kept it 3-1.

The Steelheads added some insurance with Fyten’s second of the night 1:03 into the period. While the Condors controlled the tempo the remainder of the game, a comeback was not in the cards for Bakersfield. Fireworks came late in the game with D Olivier Dame-Malka and F Brett Lyon each fighing on behalf of the Condors in the final minute, setting the tone for the next five games, all of which are against Idaho.

Tonight’s box score: click here

Condors droppings:

LW Zach Cohen dressed as a defenseman tonight… This afternoon, with four defensemen out injured tonight, the Condors claimed D Sean Whitney off waivers from Evansville… Condors scratches: D Erik Burgdoerfer (inj.), D Tyson Gimblett (susp.), F Jacob Lagace (inj.), D Ryan Annesley (inj.), F Brett Perlini (inj.), F Liam Huculak (inj.), D Trevor Hendrikx (inj.)… Shots on goal: BAK – 31, IDH – 33… Power plays: BAK- 0/6, IDH- 0/4… Three Stars: #1 Fyten (IDH), #2 King (IDH), #3 Meilleur (BAK).

Jake Varner Jerseys up for bid/Krush Cancer
Most of the jerseys worn by the Condors tonight were bid upon after the game. Two of the jerseys – G Scott Greenham and F Liam Huculak – will be put up online next week. Stay tuned for bidding details. The proceeds will benefit League of Dreams. In addition, a Chris Kushneriuk jersey was auctioned off separately, with the proceeds going directly toward the Condors winger’s medical bills as he battles cancer. The jersey brought in a staggering $5,000, just $200 shy of the all-time Condors jersey auction record.

Kids in Free Night next Wednesday wraps up the home stand
The home stand concludes with Kids In Free Night on Wednesday, Jan. 2, sponsored by by My 45 and 101.5 KGFM. The purchase of even one adult lower level ticket will get all kids in your party into the game for FREE! The offer is valid only on the day of the game. Call 324-PUCK (7825) for more information.

Fun 4-Packs Make Great Gifts for the New Year!!
Fun 4-packs are on sale now and a perfect gift for the person in your life who likes to have a blast! Check out the plan to fit your needs by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).