Condors edge Grizzlies 2-1 – BakersfieldCondors.com

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – F Scott Freeman scored in regulation and added the only shootout tally as the Bakersfield Condors (20-40-2-3, 45pts) beat the Utah Grizzlies (25-29-4-6, 60pts) 2-1 Wednesday night at Rabobank Arena.

Highlights from the night

Post-game comments from Freeman, Stewart, O’Dette

Bakersfield posted 14 shots in the opening frame, and opened the scoring with a power play marker by Freeman at 11:09. The 2nd year winger bested Utah G Ben Meisner, who was under siege for much of the first period of his pro career (the rookie made his pro debut tonight). G Brian Stewart was strong at the other end, stopping eight Utah shots in the period, including a breakaway with just five seconds left in the frame.

Utah came at the Condors in the second frame, out-shooting the home team 17-10, but the score remained the same. Stewart was equal to the task in the period, holding the 1-0 lead behind 25 saves through 40 minutes.

Utah scored the only goal of the third stanza. F Colin Vock notched his team-leading 23rd goal of the season, putting a backhander under the crossbar at 6:38 for the equalizer. The Grizzlies out-shot Bakersfield 17-7 in the third as they headed to overtime.

After a scoreless overtime the team headed to the shootout. Stewart was a perfect 5-for-5, while Freeman provided the only offense the team needed as Bakersfield took the win.

Tonight’s box score: click here.

Condors droppings:

D Dale Warkentin and D Deron Cousens both skated as forwards tonight due to injuries… This was the 10th shootout of the season for Bakersfield, second in the Western Conference only to Utah’s 11… Freeman now has four game winning goals and a shootout game winner this season… G Brian Stewart made 40 or more saves for the 11th time this season… Condors scratches: F Nicholas Tremblay, F Shawn Skelly, F Francis Verreault, D Ryan Annesley… Shots on goal: BAK – 35, UTA – 43… Power plays: BAK – 1/4; UTA – 0/3… Three Stars: 1. Freeman (BAK), 2. Stewart (BAK), 3. Burgdoerfer (BAK).

Turn Back the Clocks Friday night

The Condors host Utah Friday night to wrap up the season series. The team will honor 15 years of Condors hockey by turning back the clocks 15 years on ticket prices (with $15 lower level seats), sodas and popcorn. And the team will wear special 15th anniversary jerseys for a Jersey Off Our Backs Raffle and Auction, sponsored by My 45, KUZZ 107.9 and Bud Light. Everyone in attendance will have the chance to win one of five of the game jerseys for free.

Tune in to all the action on Fox Sports Radio 970 AM, www.foxsports970am.com or on America One. “Condors Countdown” starts 15 minutes before the drop of the puck.
RENEWALS ARE UNDERWAY!

Renew your season tickets today and take advantage of great benefits, such as the Meet The Team Renewal Party and the dollar-a-day merch credit! Call the Condors at 324-PUCK (7825) and speak with your ticket representative, or visit the ST renewal page on the website.