Condors rally falls short in Home Opener, 3-2

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – F Parker Stanfield scored twice for the Bakersfield Condors (1-2-0-0, 2pts) but they fell 3-2 to the Las Vegas Wranglers (1-0-0-0, 2pts) at Rabobank Arena Sunday night in the Condors home opener.

Post-game highlights and Matt O’Dette interview

Despite a slow start it was Bakersfield that drew first blood. F Parker Stanfield jammed in a rebound of a shot by F Evan Trupp at 8:13 on the power play. Vegas, who out-shot the Condors 12-8 in the frame, pulled even with a late tally. With 2:29 left, C Judd Blackwater scored the Wranglers first goal of the season, tying it up at 1-1.

Condors G Brian Stewart put on a show in the middle frame, stopping 14 shots in the period, including several acrobatic stops to keep it tied 1-1 most of the way. But a late goal by LW Adam Hughesman pushed Las Vegas out to their first lead of the night. Shots were 27-17 through two in favor of the visitors.

Bakersfield erased the deficit 3:20 into the third, with Stanfield’s second of the night. He chipped it in from behind the goal line off Vegas G Joe Fallon to make it 2-2. But it was short-lived, however, as Wranglers D Charlie Cook snapped home the go ahead tally at 4:05, as he joined a 4-on-2 rush. Bakersfield rallied, pounding Fallon with 12 third period shots and spending much of the final 15 minutes in the offensive zone, but couldn’t tie it up.

Tonight’s box score: click here.

Condors droppings: The Condors fall to 9-6-0 all-time in home openers… Stanfield (2g-0a) and LW Evan Trupp (0g-2a) both recorded multiple-point games, the 7th and 8th of this young season for the Condors… F Levi Nelson is the leading scorer in the ECHL after Opening Weekend, with six points (2g-4a) in three games… Shots on goal: BAK – 33, LV – 29… Power plays: BAK – 1/6, LV – 0/6… Three Stars: #1 Blackwater (LV), #2 Stanfield (BAK), #3 Stewart (BAK).

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Get your Condors ticket plan, become a season ticket holder, and enjoy all the great benefits of being in Condorstown for as little as $8/month until the end of October. Check out the plan to fit your needs by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).

Fathead Giveaway & Star Wars Night next weekend
The Condors return to home ice next weekend with Friday and Saturday night matchups against the San Francisco Bulls. Friday night the first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a set of Condors Fathead stickers, sponsored by My 45, Hot Hits 93.1 and Reliable Moving & Storage.

On Saturday characters from the Star Wars films will be in the house to meet fans and pose for pictures in the Condors Photo Booth. In addition, everyone will receive a Condors Magnet Schedule, sponsored by Fastrip. Before Saturday’s game, the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association will host a Party on the Plaza, starting at 4 p.m., featuring food and drinks, games, sponsor booths and more. After the game Saturday, all Season Ticket Holders are welcome to stick around for a Meet the Team Party.

Doors open at 6 p.m., the puck drops at 7 p.m., both nights. For more information or to reserve your group for opening night, please call 324-PUCK (7825).