Same Team, Same City
By Alberto Muro
Jumbo-tron
Hockey season is here.
One week prior to their season opener at the Rabobank Arena, The Bakersfield Condors have concluded their pre-season series at home against the San Jose Barracudas on October 3, 2015. To the condors, it was an eye opening experience as athletes on a semi-professional level showed their skills to the fans that have been anticipating the return of hockey.
Staying focused
The stars came out on Friday night as the players consisting of a predominantly American Hockey League roster took to the ice and gave the spectators a sneak peak of what to expect from a rebuilt team. Although the Condors offense was dominant over the Barracudas, the star of the game was goaltender Laurent Brossoit. Two seasons ago Brossoit was the goal tender for the Bakersfield Condors, so his return to the net showed the fans that his quick reflexes allowed him to deflect and recover the puck.
Shaved ice
Superior athleticism defines what the Condors displayed Friday night as they maintained a well-coordinated offense behind the San Jose defensive line. Pucks flew and tempers arose, but there is no denying that the Condors and Barracudas fought vigorously for possession of the puck. The impact from the players’ body checking each other caused the protective glass to shake and sent a thunderous echo around the arena.
Body check
Overall, the pre-season was only an appetizer of what Bakersfield hockey fans can expect as the Condors are now affiliated with the American Hockey League. The official first game of the AHL will take place on October 9, 2015 and fans will get to witness a new team in action.
Fan appreciation