The Kelly Cup Playoffs are right around the corner and the Condors are in a proverbial dogfight to get in. Bakersfield has just five games left in the regular season - including three on home ice - and it just might come down to the final two-game road trip of the season, to Phoenix and Las Vegas next week. Three teams (Stockton, Phoenix and the Condors) are battling for just two remaining playoff spots, and all three have 53 points in the standings.

Keep in mind that a team receives two points in the standings for a win, one point for an overtime/shootout loss, and absolutely nothing for a loss. Here is the breakdown of the remaining games for the Condors, Stockton and Phoenix.

Bakersfield: 5 games remaining (VIC, UTA, UTA, @PHX, @LV)
Phoenix: 6 games (@AK, @AK, @AK, LV, BAK, @LV)
Stockton: 7 games (VIC, IDH, VIC, @FRE, @UTA, @UTA, @UTA)

Currently, Bakersfield has 22 wins, while Stockton has 25 and Phoenix has 22. If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, the following are the tie-breakers:
1) wins
2) points (head-to-head)
3) wins (head-to-head)
4) goal differential (head-to-head)
5) winning percentage within division (if teams aren't in the same division, skip to 6)
6) winning percentage within conference
7) goals for
8) goals against
9) coin toss

The Condors finished 5-4-1 against the Thunder, while Stockton was 4-4-2 against Bakersfield, both earning 10 points in the series, but it would go to the Condors by virtue of the third tie-break, head-to-head wins.

The Condors are 3-4-0 against Phoenix with one game remaining on April 3 in Phoenix, while the RoadRunners are 4-3-0 against the Condors. A regulation win by Bakersfield in the final meeting will knot up the series in both points and wins head-to- head. It would then go to goal differential, in which Phoenix has the edge, 28-24 through the first seven games of the series.

The winners of the Pacific and West Divisions will hold the top two spots in the conference. Las Vegas needs just one point to secure the top spot in the conference, meaning they will take on the 8th seed in the opening round, while three teams are fighting for the West Division lead - Alaska, Idaho and Victoria - which would take on the 7th seed.

For dates of potential 1st round playoff match-ups, click here.

The Condors will sport their third and final specialty jerseys of the year on Saturday, March 29. That night they will look like history lessons in hockey gear, wearing Country Music jerseys. The Country Music jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game to benefit the Valley Achievement Center, highlight and pay homage to the rich country music history Bakersfield has to offer. Five of the authentic player jerseys will also be given away at Saturday's game.

The main crest on the front of the jersey features the familiar condor in a unique pose - strumming a Buck Owens-style red, white and blue guitar while wearing a good 'ol cowboy hat.

An intricately detailed Crystal Palace skyline is pictured on the front with the Bakersfield Sign arching above it, accurately portrayed in its current location, welcoming visitors to the Crystal Palace. However, fans will notice one slight modification regarding the sign: instead of reading "Bakersfield," the sign is etched with the city's alternate and unofficial title of "Condorstown."

This landscape would be incomplete if it weren't for the silhouette of Buck Owens himself in the twilight sky looking down upon his palace and sign. Additionally, lining the bottom of the jersey, front and back, are lyrics and musical notes from the classic, "Streets of Bakersfield," as written by Homer Joy and performed by Buck Owens.

On the back of the jersey is the subtle, faded "ghost" image of The Blackboard; the honky- tonk bar in which the Bakersfield Sound reportedly was born. The Bakersfield Sound was the West's country music response to the slickly produced Nashville Sound and became very popular in the 1950's primarily due to Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Since The Blackboard, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard were so instrumental in birthing and popularizing Bakersfield Sound, it seemed only fitting to have the street signs of Buck Owens Blvd. and Merle Haggard Dr. placed right outside The Blackboard on the back of the Country Music Jersey, memorializing these three foundations of Bakersfield's country music history.

The jersey's primary color is black around the chest and shoulders and fades into sky blue below the crest on the front and the number on the back and down the sleeves. Two Buck Owens-style guitars can be found running lengthwise down the sleeves, putting the finishing touches on a jersey that serves as a history lesson, highlighting the rich tradition of the Country Music Capital of the West.

While the game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off after the game, replica country music jerseys will be on sale at the final two Condors home games on March 29 and 31. They will also be available online and at the Condors Team Store, located across the street from Rabobank Arena, beginning Monday, March 31.

For more information regarding Condors merchandise, contact the Condors Team Store at (661) 324-NETT (6388) or log on to www.condorsteamstore.com, where online shopping is also available.

The deadlines are approaching fast, but there is still time to renew your full season tickets and qualify for the great gifts the Condors are offering for early and on-time renewal! New this year, the Condors are offering the Season Ticket Early Bird Renewal Giveaway and Raffle for every season ticket holder that renews with at least a 20% deposit, signs up for AutoPay or pays in full prior to March 31. Fans taking advantage of the Season Ticket Early Bird offer will receive their choice of a Yutaka Fukufuji Bobblehead, Season Ticket Holder Duffle Bag, Season Ticket Holder Sweatshirt or Season Ticket Holder Jacket (all subject to availability). Those fans will also be entered into a raffle for the grand prize: a $500 shopping spree to the Condors Team Store! With an opportunity like this, there's no doubt that it pays to be the early bird!

In addition to the Early Bird benefits, those simply placing a 20% deposit on their 2008-09 seats by April 30 will receive a Condors 10th Anniversary DVD, a historic look back at the past 10 years in Condorstown!

Additionally, those paying in full by April 30 or signing up for AutoPay, which is a program that is set up for automatic payments to a credit or debit card, will receive a Condors Polar Fleece Blanket (50" X 60") as an extra gift! AutoPay is not a new program, but by popular request this season, several different payment options are now available for AutoPay and each qualify for the blanket.

Head spinning yet? To simplify, all you have to do to walk away with the Early Bird gift, the 10th Anniversary DVD and the Condors Polar Fleece Blanket is to sign up for AutoPay with a 20% deposit by March 31. So, pick up that phone and contact your account representative today for great Condors prizes and the chance to win the $500 Team Store shopping spree!

Once you renew your season tickets, be sure to also take advantage of the Condors Season Tickets Referral Credit Program to save big bucks on your tickets. If your referral signs up for full season tickets and pays the 20% deposit on their season tickets by April 30, you will receive $100 credit for each season ticket your referral signs up for. For example, if your referral signs up for four season tickets, and puts the 20% deposit down by April 30, then you will receive $400 credit towards your 2008-09 season tickets or $400 in Condors merchandise gift certificates!

Friday night is the KGET-TV 17 and US Army Hockey Stick and Puck Giveaway at The Nest. The first 2,000 kids, 12-and-under, will receive a Condors hockey stick and puck set, complete with two 38" sticks and a puck, gearing them up for a summer full of street hockey!

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, including March Monday Madness. March Monday Madness will conclude this Monday, March 31 when the Condors host the Utah Grizzlies in the home finale on KUZZ 107.9 Blood Drive Night. Fans that have donated blood at Houchin Blood Bank at any point in March received a voucher good for $1 admission to the March 31 game by presenting their voucher at the Rabobank Arena Box Office.

In addition to Blood Drive Night, all the craziness of March Monday Madness will be in effect one last time at The Nest during the game, including the Mucho Season Ticket Giveaway (which has already given away 19 season tickets for 2008-09), Mad Dashes for Merch and more! All jerseys will also be 50% off at the game! For all the details on just how mad we've gone, click here.

The first 2,000 fans will also receive the final magnet of the five-piece March Monday Madness Magnet Collectors Series, featuring Colonel Claw'd.

Monday will also be a Holiday Inn Select DARE Night, where students graduating from the DARE and GREAT programs receive complimentary terrace admission to the game.

With only a handful of games remaining the Condors refuse to sit idly by without attempting to make last-minute improvements to the roster. The makeover started with the additions at the trade deadline of D Martin Frechette and F Alexander Naurov, both of whom recorded three multi-point performances in their first seven games with Bakersfield, and D Derrick Byfuglien, who has added another experienced body to the blueline.

F Dale Reinhardt was signed fresh out of the college ranks from Holy Cross University, and made an impressive Condors debut on March 17, as he recorded his first pro goal that night. D Chris Kaufman, a three-year captain at Robert Morris University, also put his college studies on hold and signed with the Condors, making his pro debut on March 21 in Fresno.

Our thanks go out to everyone who has already participated - but for those who haven't, let this serve as a reminder that March is Blood Drive Month with the Condors and Houchin Blood Bank! Everyone that donates blood this month will get a voucher for $1 admission to the Condors regular season home finale on Monday, March 31 against the Utah Grizzlies.

This annual event goes a long way in promoting the generous act of blood donation, and the final week of the month traditionally brings in the greatest contribution. Last season, 835 donors showed up in the final week, nearly doubling their usual weekly amount. On Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. the Condors will be out at Houchin Blood Bank (5901 Truxtun Avenue) along with KUZZ 107.9 to promote the blood drive. Everyone who donates during the month will also be entered to win great Condors prizes such as signed memorabilia, the chance to win the "Best Seat in the House" promotion for a night and a special appearance as a puck dropper at an upcoming game.

The End-of-Season Kids Club Party will take place at Rollerama West (7850 Brimhall Rd) tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is open to all Condors Kids Club Members and their families. Kids Club members will be able to roller skate with the Bakersfield Condors and enjoy complementary hot dogs and sodas. Admittance and roller skate rental fees are $5.00 for family members.

The Kern County Chapter of the American Red Cross will award more than a dozen locals with the Real Hero Award. The Red Cross refers to these recipients as "ordinary people who have done extraordinary things to help others without asking for anything in return." The recipient of the "Adult Role Model" award is the Condors own Mike Hofstrand.

As a highly recognized community member, Hofstrand felt it was his responsibility to do everything he can for the community. Proud to help make our community a better place to live Hofstrand has visited children pediatrics units, the Jamison Center and many local elementary schools. It was, however, his work with a young child diagnosed with cancer which caught the attention of the Real Heroes committee.

Diagnosed with cancer, Ian Rodgers, a huge Condors fan, received an unexpected visit from Mike Hofstrand. Hofstrand brought the youngster some Condors gear and an autographed jersey. At the time of the visit, Ian was feeling down from chemo treatments and the prospect of losing his hair. However, after Ian met Hofstrand, and saw that Hofstrand shaves his head, the young fan was ready to part with his hair.

"That is just one example of the kind of person Mike is," said Condors President Matthew Riley. "We strive to give back to the community that has given so much to us and Mike exemplifies our organization."

Hofstrand will be presented with the award at the Red Cross Real Heroes luncheon on Friday, March 28 at the Holiday Inn Select.

Normally when performers at venues such as the Crystal Palace are terrible, off-key and forget half the words to the songs they sing, crowds boo. However, at the 9th Annual Tip-A-Condor on March 18, when Reagan Leslie attempted to sing "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" and Steve Slonina struggled through Madonna's "Like a Virgin," the crowd of nearly 500 went wild. The large crowd came out, not necessarily to see stellar performances of their favorite tunes, but to see the Bakersfield Condors sing karaoke, dance and wait their tables, all for charity. For video highlights from Tip-A-Condor, check out CondorsTV here.

The Condors players worked as waiters and performed on stage for "tips" to benefit the Kern County Shrine Club. The Shrine Club raises money through charitable events to support Shriners children's hospitals and other local organizations. Following the dinner and entertainment, Tip-A-Condor included a live and silent, all to raise money for the Shrine Club.

The auction featured Condors gear, memorabilia from other professional teams, a trip for two to Las Vegas, and unique opportunities such as golf and dine with the Condors and getting behind the mic to help announce a Condors game. It was a signed Kevin Truelson All-Star jersey and autographed game- worn gloves that fetched the top price of the night at $2,000!

Overall, this year's Tip-A-Condor, sponsored by KUZZ 107.9, successfully raised $16,044 for the Kern County Shrine Club. Tip-A-Condor has raised over $94,000 for charitable organizations during its nine- year history.

If you are a current season ticket holder, looking to purchase season tickets or just interested in all that being a Condors season ticket holder entails, then the season ticket holders page on the Condors official website is the place for you! The season ticket holders page is accessible by clicking the Season Ticket Holders link on the right side of the home page, or by going to www.bakersfieldcondors.com/tickets/sth.php.

The page is packed with all the important info to keep current and future season ticket holders in the loop, including the Early Bird Renewal program, general renewal information, the Never-A-Wasted Ticket program, Mucho Season Ticket Giveaway updates with a list of the most recent winning seat locations, playoff scenarios and more! Listed on the right side of the page are all of the new and recently renewed season ticket holders, so after you sign up for another season of exciting Condors hockey, you can log on and see your name displayed with all the other proudest members of Condorstown.

Also updated regularly on the page are the players that will be at the post-game autograph table and menus for the Flashco Boardroom (open to club and glass holders only), making the Season Ticket Holders page the one-stop web page for all your Condors season ticket holder information.

For six years, the Condors have partnered with local organizations to provide tickets for underprivileged children and worthy non-profit organizations through the "Big Buddies" program. In 2007-08, almost 3,000 tickets were made available to children who would not otherwise have been able to attend a Condors game. Over $71,000 in tickets have been purchased by local businesses and donated during the Big Buddies six- year lifespan.

"The program has been a success thanks to our leaders in the business community, who share the sentiment that it is worthwhile to extend this opportunity to children in adverse situations," said Community Relations Manager Brian Marsh. "We feel it is important for kids to be able to experience the thrill of a hockey game, spend time with family members and friends and to witness the cooperation needed to make a team successful."

If you would like to donate to the Big Buddies program contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

March Madness is in full effect, and is not entirely contained to The Nest. In fact, the Madness has spread across the street to the Condors Team Store in the form of March Merch Madness! As a result of this March Merch Madness, EVERYTHING at the Team Store is 20% off for the entire month! ALL jerseys, team trading card sets, t-shirts, baseball caps, bobbleheads, clocks. EVERYTHING is 20% off!

However, March Merch Madness does not stop there. A component of March Merch Madness is that at every Monday home game, all jerseys will be 50% off! That's right - all jerseys will be sold for half-off at each Condors Monday home game.

Sound crazy? It is! So come join the bedlam! Make your way to the Team Store, located across the street from Rabobank Arena on Truxtun Ave. to take advantage of this off-the-wall sale, and hurry, because with a sale this insane, items will be flying off the shelves!

For more information, contact the Team Store at (661) 324-NETT (6388) or check out www.condorsteamstore.com, where online shopping is also available. The 20% March Merch Madness sale cannot be used with other sales or offers.

There is little argument over who the best goaltender in Condors history was. Kevin St. Pierre put up a season in 2002-03 that set the tone for the rest of his career, despite arriving in Bakersfield to little fanfare. At 6-foot-3-inch, 220-pounds, he was a big goaltender, but never put up dominating numbers. He played for three different Central Hockey League teams in his rookie season, and five years later had never been below 3.00 in goals against average (GAA) in any season. However, the Condors coaches liked his size, his career save percentage and his competitiveness.

"We certainly thought he was going to be a big part of our season," said then-Associate Coach Marty Raymond. "But nobody expected him to have the kind of season he did. It was a career year for him and ultimately paved the way for the career he had."

"Frenchie," as St. Pierre was known, finished the season on fire, claiming the Goaltender of the Week Award three times in a five-week span from the end of the February to the end of March, including back-to- back awards on March 23 and 30. He finished that season with a remarkable eight GOW honors, approximately one out of every three weeks, and established Condors team records for wins, goals against average (GAA) and save percentage. He went 36-12-7 with a 2.14 GAA and a .929 save percentage, with four shutouts, tying that record as well. To top it all, St. Pierre won the WCHL MVP and was selected First Team All-WCHL and Outstanding Goaltender.

That was his only season with the Condors, but from that point on he was considered one of the premiere goaltenders at this level. And while the Condors fell in the playoffs that season and St. Pierre wasn't able to match his performance from the regular season, his numbers from that campaign still stand as the benchmark for goaltenders in Condorstown.

The ninth round of Condors Medallions was released last Saturday and features current Condors Goalie #44 Yutaka Fukufuji. The medallions are available exclusively at the Action Sports Superstore located at 9500 Brimhall Road, and are complimentary with any $5 purchase. The #55 Kevin Truelson medallion, the final one of the series, is next to be released and will hit Action Sports this Saturday, March 29. Only 250 medallions of each player are released, with a new player featured each Saturday. Collect all 10!

The Bakersfield Ice Sports Center is Bakersfield's source for non-stop hockey and skating action. In the wake of its week-long Spring Break Hockey Camp, which included Condors players and coaches as instructors, the Ice Sports Center returns to its regularly scheduled public skate sessions during the day. Public skating hours run from 1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Monday - Friday, noon - 3 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. on Sunday. Public skating is also available every Friday night from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. for DJ Night.

The Ice Sports Center also hosts a bevy of hockey programs, ranging from youth to adult, from pick-up to organized. If you're not quite ready to lace them up for some hockey, the Ice Sports Center offers a wide range of hockey and skating schools that are sure to get you flying around the ice in no time. In fact, the next session of Skate School is set to start on Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3. If you sign up for the upcoming session by Friday, March 28, then you will receive a special Early Bird Discount, so be sure to check out www.bakersfieldicesports.com or call the Ice Sports Center at (661) 852-7400 for more information regarding all of their programs and activities today!

Cal Water is in its second year teamed up with the Condors. In addition to the commercials featuring water saving tips you can catch when listening to the game on KGEO AM1230, they also sponsor several Condors games each season. At the Cal Water- sponsored Condors games, fans have been provided with free water-saving shower heads and hose nozzles as well as water bottles and other items. Of course, we can't talk about Cal Water without mentioning toilet bowl racing! Last Friday, two contestants raced around the ice on motorized toilets, with the winner receiving a water-usage reducing toilet after flushing the competition.

"We've enjoyed working with the Condors the past couple of years," said Cal Water Customer Service Manager Mike McMasters. "We're able to focus on the importance of water conservation while enjoying a hockey game on frozen water. What better combination could we ask for?"

With the state of California facing a water shortage, Cal Water would like to share some simple tips on how to conserve water.
1. Water plants and lawns only when needed.
2. For best results, try morning watering.
3. When washing the car, use a bucket of water. Use the hose only to rinse.
4. Repair faucet leaks. As much as 15 gallons of water can be lost each day with a slow drip. Avoid toilet water waste.
5. Do not use toilet as a trash disposal.
6. Don't fall asleep in the shower. An extra five minutes in the shower could mean 25 gallons or more down the drain. Use a moderate stream.
7. The automatic dishwasher - use it wisely; half loads cheat you out of full water use.
8. Watch those laundry loads, too. Some 50 gallons of water are used to wash a load of clothes. Make every load count.
9. Avoid the running faucet.
10. Avoid washing down paved areas. Sweep driveway and sidewalks in garden cleanup.

Tim Konsorada (Center) - March 21
Andrew Buckbinder (Media Relations Mgr.) - March 24
Scott Hay (Goaltenders Coach) - April 3
Steve Slonina (Forward) - April 3
Jason Lindsey (Condors Athletic Trainer) - April 11