The Bakersfield Condors advanced further than they ever have in franchise history by forcing the Fresno Falcons to a Game Seven in the Pacific Division Finals of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Condors moved on to the Fresno Falcons for Round Two after knocking the Long Beach Ice Dogs out of the playoffs. The Condors were able to advance after taking the Round One series four games to three.

The Condors trailed the Fresno Falcons three games to one before they made a comeback to force the Falcons to a game seven.

The 05-06 season set many new historical landmarks for the Condors franchise. A total of 14 new regular season and 20 new post-season records were set along with 6 Condors players leading 9 different ECHL regular season records. Among the more impressive records, forward Sean Venedam almost tripled the previous Condors post-season assist record of 5 when he tallied an impressive 13 assists in post-season play. Goalie Ryan Munce set a record of 1,705 saves on the season, surpassing the old record of 1,675 saves set by Lee Schill (96-97). To see a detailed listing of the franchise records set in 2005-2006 click here.

Because of you the Condors were able to reach another attendance milestone. The Condors finished the season with the highest attendance in team history with 240,248 fans, after leading the league in attendance throughout Pacific Division Finals.

The Condors would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who contributed time, money and passion to the team. Nowhere else can you find fans that cheer louder, give more or stay longer than Condors fans. How ‘bout them Condors fans!

Unfortunately on the medical front, the Condors ended the season the way it started, with injuries. During the game seven loss to Fresno in the Pacific Division Finals, Scott Borders suffered a broken femur (in two places). Scott is staying in Bakersfield to rehab his leg, which will be a 3-5 month process. In that same game Josh Liebenow sprained the ligaments in his knee during a center ice collision. Eric Neilson is scheduled to have back surgery this week in Los Angeles for a herniated disk. Kevin Kotyluk will have the pins removed from his leg, which was broken earlier in the season during the teams’ three-game series in Alaska and will remain in town through May.

Get well wishes for any of the grounded Condors can be sent to the players via the Condors Mailbag.

Alexandre Bolduc was recalled Wednesday, May 10th, by the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. After starting the season in Bakersfield, Alexandre has split the season playing in both Bakersfield and Manitoba. Alexandre has re- joined Manitoba as they make a run against the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Calder Cup Playoffs’ North Division Finals.

The Fresno Falcons are squared off against the Alaska Aces in the National Conference Finals. The series is tied 2-2. In the American Conference, the Gwinnett Gladiators have overpowered the Toledo Storm to lead the American Conference Finals 3-1. To see how these series unfold and who will play for the Kelly Cup, visit www.echl.com.

Season ticket holders that purchased extended playoff ticket packages had their credit cards charged for playoffs games D-F on April 28 and playoff game G on May 12th. If you have any questions in regards to your playoff charges please contact your account manager at 324-PUCK (7825).

The 2005-2006 season provided a stellar performance both on and off the ice. The Condors players, mascots and front office staff made hundreds of appearances at schools and charity functions all over Kern County. With the support of our generous sponsors and fans the Condors have been able to raise more than $400,000 this season bringing the historic franchise total to over $2 million. A more detailed season recap will be released soon.

Condors Forward Eric Neilson was named as runner up in the league’s CCM Man of the Year voting. Eric was nominated for his outstanding efforts in the community. Neilson taught a class through Junior Achievement, a hockey clinic at the Boys & Girls Club and read countless books to children. The CCM Man of the Year is presented annually to an ECHL player for his outstanding community service as well as sportsmanship both on and off the ice. This year the award went to Josh Zavitz of the Toledo Storm.

The Condors Mailbag has been integrated into the Condors website as a way to get your questions answered regarding the team, front office and organization. The coaches and front office will answer all relative questions as time allows. The Condors’ Mailbag is displayed on the Condors homepage. An archive of recently asked questions can be found at bakersfieldcondors.com. Here are a few recent inquiries:

Q: I noticed on the power play, you want your D to quarterback the power play. What confuses me is that when there's a shooting opportunity, the forwards all collapse in front of the net - Doesn't this take away the chances of the puck getting through? You now have 3-4 defenders and 3 Condor forwards in front of the net - Are the odds greater that the shot will be blocked or are you hoping more for a screen, rebound or deflection?

A: Penalty kills are so active these days that your defensemen must move their feet toward the middle of the ice and get the puck through to the net with traffic. If there is no traffic the goaltender will see the puck and make an easy save. Forwards must pay the price in front to screen and get rebounds. The pretty nice play will work against a passive penalty kill but not against a active one such as Alaska.

Marty Raymond, Condors Head Coach

The Bakersfield Condors would like to welcome Faast Pharmacy on board as the official pharmacy of the Condors. Faast Pharmacy, an up and coming company, joins the Condors corporate family for the first time.

”We are very excited to align ourselves with an organization such as the Condors,” said Michael Wittaker, marketing director. “The Condors have established a reputation of a company that takes pride in being involved in the community and that is the direction we want to take Faast Pharmacy.”

Some highlights of the partnership package include the Faast Pharmacy Student Athlete of the Month and being the Premier Sponsor of the Condors Charity Golf Tournament. Call Faast Pharmacy at 410-7979 or visit the newly opened store at 3400 Calloway Dr.

April 30th was the season ticket renewal deadline for the 06-07 season. Even though the deadline has passed it isn’t too late to secure great seats for next season. Call an account manager in the Condors office and they will be happy to assist you in locating seats to your liking.

Now is the perfect time to secure your season seats for the 06-07 season. Don’t miss the opportunity to lock in great seats for all the close-up action. Full-season seat packages range from $200- $870 per seat and incorporate many benefits including: the “Never-A-Wasted Ticket” program, exclusive contact with the team and Buddy Passes for your friends. Mini-plans that range from 6 to 24 games are also available for purchase.

For more information please contact a Condors account manager at 324-PUCK (7825) or visit the Condors office at 1001 Truxtun Ave.

Scotty Balan – 5/29
Oriel McHugh – 6/1
Justin Fahsbender – 6/2
Greg Lowe – 6/2
Angelese Reed – 6/2
Mikie Hayhurst – 6/6

Happy birthday to all of our Condors, fans and staff with summer birthdays!

email: condors@bakersfieldcondors.com

phone: 661.324.PUCK (7825)

web: http://www.bakersfieldcondors.com