Raymond accepts head position in Europe

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors, ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, have announced today that head coach Marty Raymond has accepted a position as head coach of a team in the Austrian Elite League. His record-setting tenure with the Condors comes to end immediately.

Raymond, 46, accepted a contract extension with the Condors on May 10, prior to this offer, making him the second-longest tenured coach in the ECHL. He now leaves as the all-time Condors leader in games coached, wins, points, playoff games and playoff wins. Raymond, who took over head coaching duties on Feb. 26, 2003, has led the team to 23 of the Condors 26 all-time playoff victories, and only seven coaches in league history have been to the post-season more than Raymond’s seven times.

He led the Condors to their second straight Pacific Division title in 2010-11, and guided the club to 40 wins for the fourth time in his seven full seasons as head coach. He passed the 500-games milestone last season, while he also ranks 10th in ECHL history in games coached and 12th all-time in wins.

What Matthew Riley says:
“We’re happy for Marty and wish him the best of luck. We were looking forward to him having the opportunity to take our club to the next level this season, but ultimately we understand this is an offer that he cannot refuse.”

Watch Matthew Riley’s reaction here.

What Marty says:
“My time in Bakersfield has been unbelievable. I’m not leaving permanently; I’m just leaving for a job overseas. This is my family’s home and my heart will always be here in Bakersfield with the Condors. I’m very grateful to Jonathan Fleisig and Matthew Riley for the opportunity they have given me here, and thankful for all the fans support over the last eight years.”

Raymond leaves the Condors with a career record of 265-200-56 in 521 games, with a .562 win percentage. He holds a 23-33 career record in 56 Kelly Cup Playoff games. The search for the Condors fourth head coach in team history begins immediately.

Get Tickets:
The Countdown has officially begun! The Condors home opener is just 136 days away, when the ECHL’s newest team, the Colorado Eagles, come to town. Game time is 7 p.m. Ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale, starting at just $48. The Condors will battle the rival Stockton Thunder in Bakersfield in preseason action on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Visit www.BakersfieldCondors.com or call 324-PUCK(7825) for more information.

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