One of Largest Crowds in Team History Watches Condors Force Overtime Late, Fall in Shootout, 4-3

Bakersfield and Vegas Back in The Nest Friday for Team Poster Giveaway

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Condors lost to the Las Vegas Wranglers Wednesday, 4-3, in front of 8,661 at Rabobank Arena in downtown Bakersfield.  Joe Dustin stepped up again for Bakersfield, and sent the game to overtime with his fourth goal of the year late in the third.

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The Wranglers (8-2-0, 16 points) responded at 17:55 in the first when Curtis Fraser beat Yutaka Fukufuji for his second tally of the season, tying the game at 1-1.

The Condors retook the lead on the power play early in the second period, as Derlago was able to backhand his third goal of the year past Daniel Manzato.  Sean Venedam sent a wrist shot on goal and the puck rebounded into a crowd of players right in front of the net.  Derlago battled for the puck and flipped it in, giving the Condors the 2-1 lead.

Las Vegas managed to tie the game again at the 7:57 mark of the second when Adam Cracknell snapped a shot past Fukufuji's blocker and just inside the post, making the score 2-2.

The Wranglers took their first lead of the game at 13:39 in the third, as Gerry Burke netted his second goal of the season, beating Jamie Hodson, who started the third period in net for the Condors.

Bakersfield tied the game just two minutes later when Dustin ripped a slap shot from the left wing circle into the back of the Wranglers' net.  Dustin, who was assisted by Kevin Truelson and Justin Chwedoruk, hesitated after winding up for the shot, deceiving Manzato in net, and then hammered the puck home, tying the game at 3-3 and setting up overtime.

Neither team scored in overtime, sending the game to a shootout.  Tim Konsorada scored first for the Condors, but the Wranglers wound up netting two shootout goals, topping Bakersfield in the first of three games between these teams at The Nest this week.

To access the game's full box score, click here.

Notes: Fukufuji was replaced in goal by Hodson to start the third after Fukufuji took a shot to the shoulder in the second period.  Chwedoruk was held without a goal, ending his five-game goal-scoring streak.

Today's Businesspersons Special / Field Trip Day game is the fifth-highest attended home game in Condors history, with 60 schools and almost 6,000 children in attendance.  The game, originally slated to start at 10:30 a.m., was delayed 90 minutes due to ice conditions.  Fans turning in a Condors game ticket from the game at the Rabobank Arena box office can receive a same level ticket good for any game from December 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008, subject to availability.

The Condors are back in The Nest Friday night for another game against the Las Vegas Wranglers.  Doors open at 6 p.m., puck drops at 7 p.m.  ABC 23 and Pirate 93.1 are teaming up to bring fans the Condors Team Poster giveaway at the game.  Everyone in attendance will receive a free team poster, featuring all your favorites, including Sean Venedam, Brett Lutes and goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji.

Friday night will also be Advertiser Appreciation Night at The Nest, so all advertisers receive complimentary tickets to the game.  Season ticket holders are also invited to come down to the lower level after the game to meet the team.  Fans can access the lower level through the tan doors on the concourse behind section 110.

If you can't catch the game on KGEO AM1230 or B2 Networks, you can still stay up to date with the team by signing up for Condors text message score alerts, brought to you by the Condors and Bakersfield.com.  Alerts will be sent to your phone with scoring updates at the end of each period and every game to keep you in the loop.

To sign up, just text the word "condors" to 47645, or click here.  You can also sign up at www.bakersfieldcondors.com.  The mobile alerts are free, though standard text messaging fees from your cell phone service provider may apply.

To view the full 2007-08 schedule, click here.  For more information or to reserve season tickets, mini-plans and book group outings contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825) or check out www.bakersfieldcondors.com!