Freeman’s hot hand guides Condors to 5-3 win

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – RW Scott Freeman scored twice, including a penalty shot, to lead the Bakersfield Condors (3-2-1-0, 7pts) to a 5-3 triumph over the Idaho Steelheads (1-5-0-0, 2pts) at Rabobank Arena Friday night.

The Condors jumped out to a quick start, with C Mathew Sisca scoring his first pro goal 32 seconds into the contest. D Alain Goulet Scott Freemanscored on the power play at 3:56 and LW Matt Marquardt tucked home a wraparound at 12:30 to make it 3-0. The third goal of the game chased Idaho G Jerry Kuhn from the pipes, and Bakersfield led in shots 16-7. Marquardt and Sisca’s goals were both unassisted, taking advantage of Idaho turnovers.

Idaho surged in the second period, racking up a 17-8 shot advantage and lighting the lamp twice. But Condors RW Scott Freeman added two goals of his own, one finishing off an odd-man rush at 7:46, and adding a penalty shot tally in the final minute of the period.

The Steelheads tallied early in the third to once again make it a two-goal game on F Ondrej Roman’s first goal of the season. It’s as close as they could get, as the Condors ended their three-game winless streak. G Matt Keetley picked up the win, stopping 26 shots for the Condors.

Click here for the box score.

Click here to see Coach O’Dette’s post-game comments

Condors Droppings:
Sisca became the fourth Condor this season to score his first professional goal tonight… Freeman’s was the first penalty shot goal for the Condors since Nov. 6, 2004 – trumping 17 consecutive failed attempts… Freeman now leads all ECHL rookies with six goals and 10 points, and is third among all players in scoring… The Condors improved to 2-0 on home ice… Power plays: BAK – 1/3; IDH – 0/6… Three Stars: 1. Freeman (BAK); 2. Marquardt (BAK); 3. Sisca (BAK).

Get Tickets:

Saturday night is Star Wars Night, sponsored by ABC23 and KERN 1180 AM, as the Condors take on the Las Vegas Wranglers. Meet characters from the movies such as stormtroopers, jedi, jawa, and even Darth Vader himself. Plus, everyone at the game will receive a Condors team poster.

Ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale, starting at just $48. Call the front office at 324-PUCK for more information!

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