Who's Proud to be from CondorsTown?

2006-2007 Back to Work.

2006-10-31T11:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome back. Boy has it been a long time since I posted here.

Again, this season I will try to bring tidbits of the game from the PA booth. This year, again, I didn’t land the full-time gig but I have been called to work this Saturday. As always I am excited about a chance to call a game.

We play the ACES this weekend. The Aces won the cup last year and we took 3 of 4 points from our meeting last weekend in Alaska. If we continue to play like we did last week, this could be a good weekend in the points standings for us.

Last season I did get to work late into the season and enjoyed the playoffs, as did every fan in Bakersfield. I was as disappointed as everyone that we didn’t move past the second round. Honestly, I don’t think we had the goaltending to go much further. I am happy to see the boys back on the ice, though I haven’t been to a home game yet.

I worry this season that we are the only team in our division without a tie to a higher league. We have seen Stockton come in and make a stance in the first few games saying that they are not the want-to-be team they were last year. Vegas is bringing their normal power and Fresno too will look to compete. I am worried about the Long Beach Ice Dogs as they struggle to get their wins this season.

Saturday night will actually be my second game at the mike that day. Before the Condors take to the ice, the Guns & Hoses game will be played at 3:30. This should be fun. When you call games from normal people, they are always so appreciative that you are mentioning them. It makes their fundraiser just that much better. I am glad I get a chance to work this Saturday event too.

So it’s time to study the rosters and make sure I can pronounce the names and hometowns. Here’s a tidbit for you. A few years ago I pronounced Guy Dupuis hometown wrong about 6 times. He chewed out Kevin Bartel and KB laid into me. Never messed it up again.

I will go to the game on Friday to get a feel of the ever changing “atmosphere” that we experience from year to year in Bakersfield. I truly hope that everyone has a good time at the games this weekend. For those of you that hate my sound, I apologize in advance for my appearance on Saturday. For those of you that do…….. Lets have a great game.

Who’s Proud to be from Condorstown?

Back behind the Mic

2006-03-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone. I just wanted you to know that I have been asked to PA this weekend on Friday the 10th. I have no access to extre tickets, but it still would be nice to see you all there. This is the most fun that life allows me. I have a great time and hope you do too.
Radioman

One Month Late: My trip to the "No"

2006-02-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

We are so far from the ECHL All Star game and I haven’t posted on the event. Sorry to all of you that care.

The trip to the “NO” went well, didn’t have any issues with traffic or fog. It didn’t take long to find the room at the Motel 6 that had been booked for the next two nights. Although the room was smaller than I had hoped, it got the job done.

We sat a bit before heading to the Save Mart Center for the Tuesday evening Skills Competition. When we got to the arena, I was amazed that they were charging 8 bucks to park. I had not been told in enough time that $2 parking was just a few feet away.

I was amazed at how small the crowd was at the Skills competition. We had seats behind the goal but quickly decided to move to the center of the arena. The glass was down in the center and made for a great viewing experience. A trip to the Cheesecake Factory wrapped up the evening.

Wednesday morning found us taking a trip to the Fresno Zoo. I have to say I was surprised. I was expecting roaches and kangaroo rats, but they had bears, Zebras, and Giraffes. I was excited. I hadn’t been to a zoo in years.

Heading back to the room, we stopped to pick up a copy of the Fresno Bee. On the front of the sports section was a picture of a few of our Bakersfield fans that had been at the Skills Competition the night before. That was cool. Bako representing in the NO.

After a trip to the Hooters, we made way to the All Star Game. This time I found the $2 parking. We did sit in our seats behind the goal for the whole game this time.

I was happy to see our Bakersfield Mascot at the All Star Game. Cl’wd had not made the trip the night before like mascots from San Diego and Idaho had, but he did stand out. I am sure he had a great time. I seemed to find that Bakersfield fans in a hurry.

The game again didn’t draw the kind of crowd that I had expected. Nobody was in the upper bowl and many seats were empty in the lower bowl. I had hoped that the NO could pull in a few more fans.

The National team won the game. At one point it looked like it was going to be a landslide. The American team came from behind to bring the score within 1 in the final minutes.

The announcer was great. I studied him and wished that we could have brought him home. He was very professional and I tried to pick up a few tricks. Props to Fresno for having that much talent behind the mic. Wanna Trade Fresno?

I did buy a National team jersey, which I have yet to wear. I will someday… I hope.

Sorry this lame recap took so long. More to come soon.

Have a great weekend.

It's all about the MUSIC!!

2006-01-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

I know it’s been awhile since my last post, and for that I apologize. Lets just say it has been a strange couple of weeks.

I guess I have some of the stuff to post this time that’s in line with why I started this Blog. I wanted to bring a since of what happens behind the scenes to my friends. None of this has anything to do with the players or the team, so I feel no problem shareing it.

So the last two home games against the Victoria Salmon Kings, I was the one playing the music at the arena. I got called that the regular guy had been called out of town for the weekend and couldn’t make it. I have experience with this computer program from the last two seasons of Hockey, one with the Blitz and one with the Blaze.

Now I know that the big vibe this week is the style of music at the games. Some like it some don’t. I hope to answer some of your questions here.

I got the call early in the week to play for the games and stopped by the office to pick up the music computer a few days in advance. I wanted to play around with the system before I actually got to the game. I had noticed the regular guy had done some major rearranging from the way the system was set up last season. I have no problem with that; he is the one using the computer every game.

Imaging a grid of 50 boxes. Each of these boxes contains a song. Now imagines about 30 of these grids. That’s what we’re working with. It’s a good program, but outdated. The newer version adds many features to the program that would be beneficial to the team. Of course that newer version isn’t free.

Anyways, I looked through the system for songs that I know and love and found some of them that I wrote down to play at the weekend games. I guess I wanted to try to bring back a sound that was somewhat familiar to the long time fans. I also found a few cool tracks that we have enjoyed from year to year are gone. Oh well. It’s a new year and things change.

I did notice that the prepared list of music I was to play at certain times of the game were not all to my liking. I had to change things up a bit from what we have heard at every other game this season. That is one of the benefits to this gig, outside introduction, birthdays and chuck-a-puck, you really have full control.

I wanted to bring Hells Bells back into the game. It had been played at the ceremonial first puck drop every other game this season. I though it better at the game opening puck drop. No matter what anyone says, Chris Peace calling the Rio Bravo Country Club Starting Lineup with Hells Bells in the background is the best intro I have heard at any game I have been to home and away. I miss that intro.

The games went fine. No big screw-ups. I have a headset on so I can hear the game director call off what announcement is next. This way I know when to play certain songs that correspond to the announcement.

After the first game, I got in the car and heard someone call the post game show and say that the music sucked. I laughed out loud. Classic. I would have to agree.

The second night went about like the first, though I tried to play a few more dancing songs. I like to see the crowd have a good time. I get annoyed as a fan with to much organ, trumpet, cheers and chants; I like to see the fans start their own chants and cheers.

So I left my game notes in the computer bag and sent it back to the office. It was fun but it’s work. You don’t get to enjoy the game because you’re always looking for your next song so you have something to play before the play on the ice stops. All in all it was fun.

In closing, the way the front office of minor league sports teams are set up breads turnover. The “regular music guy” for this season was not here last year and has no idea what we as fans have grown accustomed to. I’m not saying he is doing a bad job, quite the contrary; he sits in the skybox every game and works. He doesn’t get to enjoy the game like I’m sure he would like to. All in all, I think he is doing a fine job.

Not since Chris Peace has one person run the music and the PA from the same booth. As he went, so have some of the sights and sounds we have grown to love. Every season, a few of the left over pieces of his talents, is lost. That’s the way things go.

The music is such a major part of our game. It helps excite us. It helps console us. It keeps us dancing and singing. It can energize a crowd as much as the lack of music will quite the crowd.

I would venture to say that the music will continue to improve. The regular guy is a young kid whose enthusiasm in his game day chore shows. Lets hope he can hang with us for a few years so we can enjoy where he takes the Condors game day music.

Next Post:

The Trip To the “NO”

Happy New Year!

2005-12-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

That’s all I can say about this last weekend in CondorsTown.

We went in to the two-day event facing the 1st place Fresno Falcons and the last place Stockton Thunder. Surprisingly, the Bakersfield Condors came away with wins in both games.

The Fresno game, however was won in overtime, but is, in my book the second best game of the season, just behind the second game of the year when we saw a Hat trick.

I have to say that I was on the bandwagon of fans that thought the season was over going into this weekend. Although I still think we have a vast amount of work still to do, it is nice to see a spark on the team. The 4 points we gathered this weekend are sure to help at the end of the season.
I can say that I had left a few of the last games early. I was tired of the show, I didn’t want to see another loss at home, or another game go to overtime for that matter. But I can say that the overtime win against Fresno was one of the best I have seen this year. A come from behind victory is always nice.

So now the Bakersfield Condors enter the New Year and the second trimester of the season. As all Condors fans, I would like to see a strong effort in the win column. Not a good effort on the ice, its time to see wins. The more games we let slip away, the harder it will be to secure home ice advantage come playoffs.

I hope the best to you and yours in 2006 and hope you see all the joys that a New Year can bring.

The Last 8 Games

2005-12-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

As I had mentioned in a past topic, The Bakersfield Condors had a great opportunity to gather points over an 8 game span which they played teams that, at the time, were worse off or equal to them in the standings. Lets take a look back shall we?

Currently standings for each team.

Bakersfield 22 games 9 w 9 L 4 OTL 22 Points

Johnstown 27 games 8 w 12 L 7 OTL 23 Points
(Bakersfield Won 6-5 in OT)

Pensacola 24 games 10 w 11 L 3 OTL 23 Points
3 Games
(Bakersfield Lost 2-4)(Bakersfield Lost 1-2)(Bakersfield Won 5-1)

Stockton 19 games 5 w 11 L 3 OTL 13 Points
(Bakersfield won 3-2 in OT)

Phoenix 24 games 9 w 13 L 2 OTL 20 Points
2 Games
(Bakersfield won 6-4)(Bakersfield Lost 1-3)

San Diego 24 games 11 w 9 L 4 OTL 26 Points
(Bakersfield Lost 1-8)

After this string of games against sub-par teams, the Bakersfield Condors went 4-4-0. I guess I am bummed when the best you can do is go .500 against sub-par talent.

I also don't care that the team is undefeated in regulation at home. I am not a fan who only cares about how the team does when I'm at the arena. I care about the entire season.

OK, I'm don't letting out my steam. On the 26th, the Bakersfield Condors take on the Las Vegas Wranglers at the Garden. I'm not getting my hopes up. I really do hope I'm surprised.

BTW, the above pic is from CALM. A real Christmas treat for Bakersfield.

Welcome to all.

2005-12-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Nick Balardes for adding this blog to The Buzz Blogs. It’s an honor to be part of such a community that’s in touch with Bakersfield and the Central Valley. This weekend I’ll have a link posted here for the Buzz Blogs. For now, click on the Bobblehead link on the right and follow Nicks page to the Buzz Blogs. Happy Reading.

Oh, BTW, Go Condors in Phoenix tonight.

It's one big Bakersfield Party!!

2005-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to thank all of you that read this blog. I don’t know who you are, but by the looks of the counter on the bottom, someone is reading. That’s nice, thank you.

Ok, since we are in a downtime for Bakersfield Condors hockey, I thought I would take a minute and tell you about my holiday season so far.

I haven’t yet gone out to C.A.L.M., which has become a Christmas time tradition for me over the last few years. Nor have I taken the slow trip through all the Oaks communities to look at all the lights. I really haven’t done much that says Christmas.

The one thing I have done, however, is attended too many Christmas parties.

Now, I like the next guy love a good party. The atmosphere, the food, the friends, the music the booze and all the other things that make Christmas parties special. But this year seems to be different.

The party thrown from the HR department from my employer (See about me) was at best a disappointment. For as large as our firm is, I guess I expected more. Yes the atmosphere was good, the food was great, and the time with friends was welcomed. But the event was DRY. Yes my friends, NO ALCOHOL. This made for a bit of a disruption as employee after employee went to the bar down the hall to get a drink.

Now I can understand the importance of keeping an event dry. The company doesn’t want the liability of the aftermath of booze. This I can understand to an extent but with 200+ partygoers, a bit of the bubbly would be nice.

I also feel that the lack of sparkly suds keeps the party short. This one was just less than two hours. People seem to socialize more when the taps are flowing, they dance more, they laugh more and seem to have a good time. Without the sweet nectar, you can’t laugh at Larry from downstairs for his "Cussing out the boss" routine.

In no way will I say that I didn’t have a good time. I did, and I’m glad I went. But an event with drink tickets would have been nice.

Of course this wasn’t the only party I had to go to. Try to relate to this. You have your party from work and so does your "significant other." I have a party from my part time job (no, not with the team,) and the close teammates I work with also want to have a get-together. The entire sales staff has their own party and then the neighbors at the apartment complex want to have a celebration of sorts. That’s six parties.

Now imagine if you have to take a gift to any or all of these parties. Six gifts. You have to dress up. Six changes of clothes. You have to purchase tickets to any of the events. Six tickets.

See where I’m going? Don’t get me wrong, I love parties, but now imagine that they don’t have any booze! That’s it. I’m partied out.
So I offer a solution to all.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (hockey permitted,) we open up Centennial Garden. Pick the night you want to go party. Show up dressed up, bring a gift to put on the table, pay $6 for a drink, and see all the people that are there. No more company parties, just a month long community party. Come every open night if you want. Don’t come at all if you don’t want. When you’re done, grab a gift from the table and leave. Dance, drink, and see people that you don’t know, see other people look like idiots, or act like one yourself. Who cares?

Ok, so it may never replace the company Christmas party, but it could easy a bit of the "Partied out Syndrome." Or maybe it’s just me and I need mental help.

I wish all of you and yours a happy and safe holiday season. Whatever you celebrate, be safe and have a good time. Take a minute in the busy season to remember why we go through the celebration year after year. Take in a holiday party or two. It is these times that draw us together for a minute or two. It is, after all, the Christmas season.

The Bakersfield Condors strike over Thunder

2005-12-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

In a way, I feel like I owe an apology to those who read this blog. My reasoning for writing was to give some insight from behind the scenes. Not so much to pump team gossip (you can find that on the Condors message boards), but to tell you the little things I saw and heard from the PA booth. Honestly, I thought I would have worked more games than I have to date this season. For the lack on interesting commentary, I apologize. Hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to do so in the future.

Until that point, the overview of happenings continues.
On Friday night, the Bakersfield Condors took to the ice against the Stockton Thunder.

The Thunder, an expansion team of sorts is a team new to our league. The ownership group bought the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies at the tail end of last season and immediately stated that they were going to move the storied franchise to Stockton, California.

The Thunder is on the tail end of a 15 game road trip that has started their season. They have yet to play a home game and when they do, I would assume that the home game will feel as odd as a road game. This will be a new arena for them as all the others they have played in this season. Nonetheless, the Bakersfield Condors struggled against a team that has spent the entirety of the season moving from town to town.

The Stockton Thunder won a pre-season closed to the public scrimmage over the Condors earlier this year. That had to feel good to the team from the north. The Condors, however, gave the same performance they have 7 out of the last 8 games. Contrary to the "Condors PA announcers memory, " the Condors did win one of their home games in regulation, the very first one on opening night. The game against the Thunder again went to overtime.

The Condors did squeak out a win, which didn’t move them up in the standings (due to wins by San Diego and Long Beach), but it did keep them from falling further into the standings pit. All in all, a win is a win, and points add up. All the points have meaning.

The next three games find the Bakersfield Condors on the road for their first match ups against the Phoenix Roadrunners, and a game in San Diego.

The Roadrunners are an expansion franchise that I think was moved to Phoenix from a dormant team in one of the Eastern divisions. They are currently last in their division, a few points behind last year’s basement dwellers, the Victoria Salmon Kings, and miles behind the division leaders, the Alaska Aces. Looking at the Roadrunners and the Condors on paper, these should be some evenly matched games.

I, along with other fans, long for the days of last year. Since last year was the only "standout" year in team history, we are more comfortable at the place we currently sit than we should be. As I’ve said, win, or lose, we are a dedicated bunch of fans.

Oh, one more thing. I’m sure these props need to be directed at the City of Bakersfield so here it goes. Thank you for the big screens at the Garden. The improvement to the scoreboard Jumbotron is like night and day. Good job.

Have a great weekend.

The Bakersfield Condors go 2-2-0 in the last 4

2005-12-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday night started an 8 game stretch that I thought we could use to gain some points in the standings. After the first 4 of those games, I may have been wrong.

The Bakersfield Condors remain in 4th place in a 5-team division. Although all the teams in this division are playing sub par the rest of the league, the Condors are struggling to keep themselves from the Pacific Division basement. Only 1 team is below us in the standings, Stockton, and we play them for the first time in the regular season in about a week.

The Stanley Cup made its way to Bakersfield last week when the Bakersfield Condors played the Johnstown Chiefs. Getting a picture with the cup was the highlight of the game.

The visiting team was a poor representation of an East Coast team. They couldn’t pass, shoot, capitalize, or score with any regularity. With all of this against them, the Condors still took the game to overtime. Yes, we did win, but in a shootout. I couldn’t imagine that the constant trips to overtime are helping with the confidence of the Bakersfield Condors.

We took our East Coast trip this last weekend. Originally we were to play the Texas Wildcatters, but due to Hurricane Rita, the Wildcats are sitting dormant for the season. Instead, we played the Pensacola Ice Pilots for 3 games in 3 nights.

We lost the first 2 games in regulation, failing to capitalize on the fact that the Pilots are the worst team in their division. Our back up goalie played both of those games. For the 3rd game, our first string goalie had recovered from an ear infection and brought us a win.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the goalie situation was a huge factor in this 3 game set. The 1st stringer is a rookie and is still learning. He’s just getting a bit more ice time than the other guy right now. Both of them still worry me.

The road ahead finds us playing the Stockton Thunder, a new team in our division, the San Diego Gulls, and the new Phoenix Roadrunners. On a good day we should be able to pull out wins from all of these games. So far this season, we haven’t seen very many good days. After 17 games the Bakersfield Condors are 6-7-4. Haven’t been able to keep above the .500 mark for long period of time.

That is starting to ware on me as a fan. No. I’m not leaving, I just get tired of the disappointment a bit quicker than most. Last Wednesday I actually left the game early.
What we wouldn’t give to see our team make a good run for the division championship. As much as I want to see the Kelly Cup in Bakersfield, I would settle for a Pacific Division champion’s banner hanging in the Garden. I guess I have to remind myself that unlike Tacoma and Colorado Springs, we still have a hockey team. Mediocre hockey is much better than no hockey.

Radioman

Flying fur and a look ahead.

2005-11-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

The crowd didn’t have to wait long to toss their teddys on Saturday night. Somewhere in the first period the Bakersfield Condors scored and more than 5000 stuffed animals come flying from the stands. It took awhile to clean them all up.

Although it really wasn’t mentioned at the game, I think this says a lot about our town. We are a giving town. So a stuffed bear is $5 and a ticket to the game is $8, but the town came out. It was stated that it was a sell out and that they turned people away.

The Bakersfield Condors won the game against the Fresno falcons that night. Yup, you guessed it, in overtime. It was sure nice to get a win with all those once a year fans in the house. I hope they had a good enough time to come back to a few more games this season.

The house was very crowded, shoulder to shoulder. Funny, I saw people that I hadn’t seen in years. People that I didn’t even think I would se at the Teddy Bear Toss. Like I’ve stated before in this forum, it’s not all hockey game for me, it’s atmosphere.

All in all, I hope many kids smile with a new friend this year. It’s truly a heartwarming experence.

So now a look ahead. The condors have a great shot on looking good in the near future.

We know that what we see on paper isn't what we see on the ice, BUT..... I thought I would add a positive note to these boards. At this point The Condors next 8 games are against teams that are at .500 or lower. 7 of those games are against teams that have a worse record than we do.

Bakersfield is currently 5-5-4 with 14 points .500

Johnstown is currently 4-7-4 with 12 points .400 x1
Pensacola is currently 5-8-1 with 11 points .393 X3
Stockton is currently 4-7-2 with 10 points .385 X1
Phoenix is currently 4-9-2 with 10 points .333 X2
San Diego is currently 7-7-3 with 17 points .500 X1

NOW IS THE TIME TO BRING HOME SOME POINTS. This is a 8 game stretch that can really mean a lot at the end of the season.

I’m excited about seeing the Stanley Cup on Wed. night. Should be cool. Hope to see you there.
Radioman

A break for hockey for local..... Football?

2005-11-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

So Bakersfield is a Hockey town you say? Ok, I would agree with you. This is certainly an untraditional market for hockey, but yet the sport thrives. Thousands of people come out to the games and have a good time. The Bakersfield Condors seem to outsell all other professional local sports combine. Ok, maybe the late Mesa Marin could draw to the size of hockey crowds, but that's about it.

Enter Arena Football. Ok, lets call it what it is, Arena Football 2. This is the lower league to Arena Football, which has been playing somewhat unnoticed to the general public for almost 20 years. The AF2 is like a farm league to Arena Football, and they have a team in Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Blitz have been playing in Bakersfield for 5-6 years now. Now going on their third ownership group, they are now looking to solidify an existence in Bakersfield. Bakersfield Sports Partners is gearing up for their first season with the team and are excited about the new season.

Aside from the past worries of the franchises' abilities to remain in Bakersfield, I think this is a fun game to watch. Is it a football game? No. This is Arena Football. The game is played on a 50-yard field and with the right group of players, the score can get very high. It isn't uncommon to see a score of 55-49 at a AF2 game.

I have been to a few Bakersfield Blitz games and have enjoyed my time at all of them. I like to see the scoring. Understanding that this isn't the same NFL game I watch on Sundays, I realize that the high scoring and long pass keep me into the game. The contact and closeness with the players creates an atmosphere that you can't get with any other sport in Bakersfield.

I am planning on making it to the new season of Bakersfield Blitz action. If you go into the game understanding that this is not the NFL, you can have a great time. Know going in that only 8 men take the field for each team at a time. The passes can be long and fast. Balls bouncing off the next are cool. The kickers have pinpoint accuracy and can really boot the ball.

This is a fast fun game. When the Bakersfield Blitz have a good team on the field, they can rack up some points, and bring the crowd to their feet time after time.

The Bakersfield Blitz season starts in April and runs through the summer. Don't miss the Blitz Bowl, where local High School Football players take to the Arena game for one night. It's a great event.

I will never give up hockey for my first love in Bakersfield, but I have found a sport that keeps my gears up during the Condors off-season.

One for the Kids and one for the Bears.

2005-11-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

My boss at my real job knows that I occasionally PA for the Bakersfield Condors and has agreed to let me out of work if my hobby ever needs me during work hours. The only game of the season that would have been an issue was the 10:30 am game on Tuesday against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. As I was not asked to work by the Condors organization so I had no intention of going to the game. I had plenty of work to do at the office.

About 9:30am that day, my boss came to Eddie and I and asked if we wanted to go. Being that she was giving us the business season tickets, I agreed. The seats are 4 rows behind the players’ bench. The tickets from work are much better than my tickets.

Eddie and I made it to the Garden in time to miss starting lineups and the National Anthem. We sat down just as the puck dropped. He had never been to a live game, and seemed to enjoy his time.

Thousands of kids from local schools were at the arena enjoying a field trip. Many of them couldn't’t even spell H-O-C-K-E-Y, much less know what was going on. They did seem to have a good time though. It was a strange sound throughout the game. They really didn’t know when to cheer, and didn’t really care what was going on. You could tell that they were excited to be out of school.

Now I have heard games the Garden get very loud. None louder than last years playoff clincher, or opening night this year but they can’t compare with the kind of sounds the kids made. The noise was so high pitched that it was deafening. They made so much noise when the video noise meter was put on the big screen that it made your ears hurt. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. These are future season ticket holders, and I am glad that they all made it out.

They did play the Sponge Bob Square Pants theme song at the game, which has become a regular chorus at Condors games. All the kids went wild. They all knew the words by heart. Other than that though, most of the upbeat music was older than they were, some older than I am. I think they could have catered to the kids a bit more.

I will say that the inability of the other PA to consistently get fans into the game worked to our favor. He could have had those kids screaming all game long. He worked his normal game. All in all, everyone had a good time.

The Bakersfield Condors lost what was one of their best games of the season. Yes, in overtime. We did get one point in the standings out of the game, and currently sit in a two-way tie for third place.

This Saturday is another big game. I have worked Teddy Bear toss from the PA booth for the last two years. Last year one of the linesman told me that this is the largest amount of bears he has seen. He goes to many arenas and sees teddy bear toss nationwide.

This year I get to be a fan. This is usually the highest attended game of the year. Thousands of teddy bears will be thrown onto the ice during the game, then given to children in need. This event really brings Bakersfield out to the hockey game. For some fans, this is the only game of the year that they go to.

Bigger than the bears is the fact that the Condors are playing the Fresno Falcons. They currently sit in first place in our division. We sure could use a win. With a trade of one of our goalies this week for a power forward, this looks to be a good match up. Our rookie goalie could bite us if the defense falls apart. Lets hope they keep it together.

Come to the game, and bring a bear for the kids. It is truly something special to be part of.

On one final note, I have heard through e-mail from N.L. Belardes. He also keeps a Condors blog and provides more pictures than I do. He is one of the forces behind the bands that you hear at Saturday night games. If you aren’t getting enough Condors, feel free to click over to his blog. He is well versed in the local music, arts, and literary scene. If you like the music you hear at the games, he can direct you as to where to buy the CD when it comes out. You will find a link to his blog by scrolling up to the links menu.

Happy Thanksgiving. Until next week.
Radioman

Overtime!

2005-11-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

For some reasons this year, the Bakersfield Condors seem to enjoy overtime. The team lost to the San Diego Gulls on Thursday in the overtime and won on Saturday in the extra stanza. As much as I like to see a nail biter, I’m not sure I can handle much more.

For years the Bakersfield Condors went straight to a shoot out if the game was ties in regulation. Now days, they play a 5 minute period of 4 on 4 hockey before the skills competition. It’s that shoot out that I have issues with. I don’t know our win loss record in the shoot out, but I doubt it is very good.

We have never had the goalies that really excelled in the shoot out. One of our best goalies in recent years was Kevin St. Pierre. He could stand on his head night after night, but when it came to a shoot out, he would let the puck in the net with a welcoming smile like a greeter at Wal-Mart.

At Thursday’s game against the Gulls, all of us fans walked away with our heads down. We lost in overtime. This is the same result from the team that we have seen for years. Coming off one of the best seasons in Bakersfield Condors history, it hurts to see our team performing at this low level.

And then came Friday. As you did, I listened to the game on the radio. Friday road games won’t glue me to the radio, as I attempt to have a life. I turned the game on every 20 minutes or so to find that the score was creeping up in favor of San Diego. Or thought from the night before had been confirmed. This team is just not ready yet. A 7-0 score just barley kept the Condors from going to overtime.

Then came Saturday. The team was working their 3rd game in three nights. I am sure they were tired. Of course here we go back to overtime against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. A nail biter of a game saw Ryan Munce come up with a great win in the shootout. I haven’t heard that kind of energy in the arena since opening night.

Again this Saturday, another local band played at the game. I didn’t stay to listen, as the two groups before this one I couldn’t understand. I did stand and listen to the group outside the Garden before the game. It was the group Rocky Nash. I really was there to see old friends. When I worked at KERN NewsTalk 1410, I hung out with Puck and Preston down the hall at KGEO. Preston is Rocky’s husband and plays bass in the band. It was cool to see him in action.

It was great to get a win. Nice to see the team actually work for a living. The shots on goal were down, the penalty minutes were about where they should be and the popcorn was actually warm. The mood had changes from "we suck and the seasons over" to "OK, we may have something here, lets see what happens."

As good as this win was, it is shadowed by the Ken Baker overtime win of 2002. For or you new fans, maybe I’ll tell that story sometime.
Here’s to the guys, the boys, the Bakersfield Condors. Another 3 point weekend. We are still clear of the cellar in our division, though not by far, but the mood is a bit different. We beat a good team Saturday. It always feels good to get a win, even in overtime.

By the way, yes that is a picture of the Freeze Team on top……. We’re getting along just fine thank you.

What a Weekend!!!!

2005-11-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

First, let me apologize that it has taken me so long to post a Vegas update.

I had a great time. All in all, the trip was well worth it. Seeing some sights, hanging with friends, making new ones, and annoying Vegas fans. Well worth the trip.

Friday night the Bakersfield Condors lost 6-2 to the Las Vegas Wranglers. It was not a pretty game at any time. The offence sucked, the defense sucked and the popcorn was cold. I did get to meet Wranglers 16. That was cool. He seems like a nice guy.

The stadium is awesome. The giant TV screen on the far end is large enough to see from the other side of the arena. The tickets that the Woods took care of (thanks), for both nights were great. I have to say that I don’t think there is a bad seat in that barn. It is very clean, and roomy. The seats are larger and softer than the ones at the Garden. The view from the outside balcony has to be the best in the league.

I did go up to say hi to D-Ross. I guess I was impressed that he remembered my name. He was amazed at how many Condors fans were at the game. He may not have known that it was a season ticket holder voucher night.

Saturday, it was time to see the city. The Mrs. and I, along with the Woods, Jeeps, and Section 103 went to see the town and we enjoyed everything we saw. From the 4 story M&M’s store to the $17.50 margarita, (The Jeeps paid more than $20 for theirs) we just looked and saw some of what the town had to offer. I am set in thought that you can’t give Vegas the time she deserves in 1 weekend.

The game on Saturday went a bit better. The Condors came out with a lead that silenced the home crowd. The vast amount of Condors fans let the grieving home fans know who was winning. We chanted, yelled, and made so much noise, I thought we were in the Garden. We were all having a great time until the last 2 minutes of regulation when the Wrangles scored. That sent the game to overtime and an eventual loss in a shootout. All in all, I think the Condors fans that did make the trip had a good time.

Yes, I did study the Vegas announcer. Honestly, I was disappointed that he didn’t give me much to study. Wranglers 16 says that this is his first year and that he is a radio DJ. What is it with getting people from media who can’t do the job?

Anyway, he stuck to his script and never did anything to get the crowd into the game. He didn’t have anything different that I could take home. He was mellow. The crowd seemed to get themselves into the game. It was strange. I’m not saying he didn’t do a good job, I think he did a good job with what he did. Maybe he just isn’t ready to put out the extra energy. I, at times, have trouble holding it back.

So, all in all it was good trip. I learned how to play roulette, and made a few bucks. Then I gave it all back to the city as a thank you.

To Truck’in Jim, Tuff, Section 103, the Jeeps, the Woods, CondorsRoc and family, Tink, Ready for Beddy, Wranglers 16, Z-man and family, Terri (who is a stealth fan), Mrs. Radioman, my dad and brother, The Wranglers PA announcer, D-Ross and the countless others who made the trip, Thank you. I had a great time. It’s the atmosphere that I have spoke about in this forum before that followed us to Vegas, and made sure that we all had a good time.

Viva Las Vegas!!

2005-11-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

I rarely follow the Bakersfield Condors to away games. Like most hard core fans, I sit and listen on the radio to the games. I guess it makes me feel like I’m in an era that I never knew, when the evening’s entertainment came on the radio. I try to place the game in my head as the plays are called. At times, I think the game I see in my mind is actually better than the one on the ice.

This weekend will change that. For the first time this season, I will follow the Bakersfield Condors out of town, to Sin City. Oh yes, the lights of Las Vegas. So I’m going for the games, but a many of the three dozen of so fans making the trip, it’s nice to get away for a weekend, and where better than the Nevada desert.

I plan on enjoying the town. I will play the part of the common tourist, shorts sandals, a minor league hockey jersey, sunglasses, and a camera around my neck. I don’t plan on tossing a ton of cash at the metropolis, but rather see what the area has to offer in the short time I am there. I know already that I am being unfair to Vegas, not giving the town the time it takes to fully understand her wonders.

The games on Friday and Saturday nights are the true reason I am making the trip. I plan to enjoy the atmosphere; I remember the arena being one that is comforting. I plan on a study of the Las Vegas announcer, hoping to pick up some tips on his game. I study every announcer I hear.

So pack your bags, it’s time to go. If you want to follow the Bakersfield Condors, there’s no better place to follow them to than Las Vegas. If I show back up to work on Monday then something went wrong.

Have a great weekend.

Friday a fan, Saturday a fan with a Mic!

2005-11-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! Friday night a fan, Saturday, I was on the clock.
It was the first game that I was able to sit in the stands Friday and I have to say that I had a good time. The Bakersfield Condors lost in a shoot out to the Gulls of San Diego, but we had 8 total goals in regulation. Like the game or not, we say a lot of scoring. I liked that.

It was fun to meet people that I have only spoke to through aliases over the Internet at the weekend games. I met Rooster and Dogmom and others that I can’t remember. It was great to put faces to names.

So Friday I thought that the crowd had trouble getting into the game. It was a good game, but a slow crowd. Can’t say why. It was nice to spend time with hockey friends after the game. I am really enjoying this season, win or not.

My main observations from Friday’s game are that our defense just needs work. San Diego is one of the worst team in our division, and we let them get a few points. We should have never let them come back like they did. Saturday we also found our defense with the same sort of issues.

Ok on to Saturday night. The Bakersfield Condors played the Las Vegas Wranglers and I had the privilege of working the PA for the game.
I made it to the arena about 5 p.m. and started to look over my game script. I dropped into the media room to get a copy of the game roster and left to my booth to study before the doors opened. None of the names from either side looked like they would give me much trouble. Neither did the groups or birthdays. Everything was good to go. At 6 the doors opened and I started to wander the stands.

Right above my booth, in seats to my right, a small group of fans sits about 4 rows from the top. Season ticket holders I bet. I have seen them before and stopped to talk in the past as well. Again they wanted to clap at the fact that I was working. They truly have issues with the other guy who holds this post when I’m not there.

They went on the mention their disgust with him as I smiled and tried to be PC about the matter. I had to tell them again that I couldn’t do anything about the matter. As I tell everyone, I said, "if you like what you hear, let someone know."

It’s humbling to know people think about you this way.

Ok, to the game. Todd Alexander played for the Condors last year and now is in a Las Vegas uniform. He made his way to the penalty box 3 times on Saturday. The box manager talked to him every time he sat down about the differences in the teams. I wish I could have heard his conversation.

I tried to keep the energy up during the game as best I could. Not knowing when I would be back in the box, I thought I would take the opportunity to pull out all the stops, all the time knowing that the teams’ owner was in the house. I tried to mix up the starting lineup a bit, added a little Kevin Bartl with a "How do you like me now," and just enjoyed the game and tried to make is show. I felt good about my performance when the game was over.

After the Wranglers killed a penalty kill in the 3rd period, I go on the mike and say, "Las Vegas back at full strength." From somewhere in the arena I hear, "and they still suck!" CLASSIC!

Compared to opening night, the game went well. I had to laugh when one of the men playing Dodgeball on the ice during intermission fell hard. I’m sure he felt it the next morning.

Got to see the new Chuy’s Freeze Team in action for the first time. I know many people think that they will be bothersome, but I think they were just doing what the game day staff does. They all had on maroon t-shirts and didn’t get in anyone’s way that I say. They did dance at the top of section 106 for awhile. That will change due to the fact that they can’t get a spotlight into that section. We can’t highlight them from there. Yea, that’s one of the quirks in the garden.

So late in the 3rd period, I got the list of the 3 stars. 3rd was Mike Hoffstrand, 2nd was Ryan Munce, and 1st was Sean Venedam with 2 goals. At the time this list was sent to me, Sean was in the penalty box next to me. I was tempted to tell him that he was first star. I decided not to. Good choice as a few seconds later Vegas scored and tied the game, sending the game to overtime.

The 3 stars would be changed. If Bakersfield wins the game, whoever gets the goal will be our #1 star and everyone will move down one spot, Hoffy would then have to wait till another day. As it turns our, Sean kept getting feeds from the boys during a 4-3 Condors powerplay. The last one he slapped tickled the twine, giving the fans an opportunity to toss their hats. What a finish. The 3 stars never changed.

So I was told before the game, that the "other guy" isn’t planning on missing any more games this season, meaning I may not be working at all for the rest of the season. On one side, I am saddened; I love what I do. On the other side, I still get to be a fan. That’s want its all about.
Have a great week.

See ya in Vegas.

Two points, two on the IR and a lesson from Bob.

2005-10-31T19:18:00.000-08:00

So the three game weekend in Alaska didn’t go as planned. The Bakersfield Condors got 2 points out of the deal, but lost two players to the IR in the meantime. Hardly an even exchange in my book. But, that’s what happens in this sport. Very few guys will play the entire season without seeing the IR at some point.

I have learned something about announcing from this trip that I didn’t even go on. For those of you that don’t know the story, I will tell it in a nutshell.

The PA announcer made a comment, as one of our players was hurt on the ice. Over the PA he said that the injury was justified due to an injury that a member of their team suffered last season in our barn. He said, " That was for Scottie." The crowd went nuts.

The aftermath of his comment will have him spoken to by his team in some form or another. In our house, the front office, nor the fans would tolerate that disrespect. He won’t be relieved of his duties, but the remark was uncalled for. When a player is down, you owe him your respect. He is a human who is hurt. You don’t laugh. You don’t make the crowd cheer. You don’t inflame the situation. He is hurt. He is one of the many that make this game such a fun game to watch.

I can hardly skate, let alone play hockey. It is not easy, and these men, even though they are in a minor league, have perfected their skills to be able to play this hard nose game. It is not easy for me to even keep up on skates, and I will never be one to say I could do better.

Back to my point. This announcer thought me that sometimes you have to use a bit of restraint. The crowd will follow you, that’s your job is to lead them. If you tell them to cheer, they will. If you tell them to boo, they will. The crowd is very influential. They, the fans, need to be treated with respect. For someone to instigate that kind of response from the crowd is not healthy for this sport.

Let the crowd control the flow of the game. I have learned that I have to feed off of them as much as they feed off of me. I am sure that some fans in Alaska felt uncomfortable cheering for a downed warrior. They knew better, but their fearless leader was walking them along a demon road.

I respect this foreign announcer for what he has brought to his team. He brings excitement and energy. He is the kind of announcer that people talk about after the game. For that I respect his talent. Do I want to be more like him? In a way, yes! I wish I had that kind of crowd control. I wish I had his recognition within the organization. But on the other side of the coin, I am glad that I know myself enough to know that I would have never wished my fans cheer during an injury. It is unprofessional. This is when the quiet of the crowd needed the reign through the pillars. A man is hurt, friend, or foe, he is a man, and deserves the respect of those who respect the game.

The Radioman.

Do you take this man?

2005-10-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

*********
This is a story I wrote after watching too many marriage proposals at football games. I had a thought. This is truly fa ictional story. It in no way represents my views, as it is ment to be a interesting thought piece. Just an attempt at creative writing to pass the time. I wrote this a year or so ago. Please excuse the grammer.
*********
"Does he have the wireless microphone?" The show director asks. "Yes, he’s ready, if he doesn’t get cold feet," comes a voice on the radio.

"And the land of the free," she sings in front of 9,562. Game day in Kalamazoo really draws them out to the ballpark and now another surprise is in store for more than just the crowd. The national anthem singer has no idea what is about to happen.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to home plate for a special presentation." He walks out to the dirt-covered landmark to find a stunned look on her face.

Justin called into the team office earlier this week to ask if he could propose to his girlfriend. As a team, we know the tear jerking factor in a public marriage proposal will be the talk of the town for a few days. Anything to get people to talk about us is just what we’re going to do. Of course, now we have to find a way to make it happen without his girlfriend finding out. It helps that she’s tonight’s anthem singer.

"Laura" he says while tearing up. "You are the love of my life, I want to be next to you forever, will you marry me?"

Justin can hardly hold his hand steady as he pulls a diamond ring from his coat pocket and holds it up from bended knee. Her hands cover her mouth as she begins to tear up. As instructed, he holds the microphone up in front of her for a response he hopes won’t leave him at the plate alone. As the two of them own the moment, in the silences of nearly 10,000, she quietly, through the tears, says, "YES!"

Everyone in the stadium is on their feet cheering for the couple. Even the players from the dugouts are cheering. The two nervous lovers embrace as "Congratulations" flashes on the scoreboard. Slowly they make their way to the gate near first base to enjoy an evening of baseball as an engaged couple. This truly is the biggest night of their lives, and they spent it with a local double A baseball team.

This isn’t an uncommon practice for our ball club. We haven’t turned down a proposal request as long as I have been with the team. We’ve had to tell some guys that they have to wait a game or two, so not to engage in engagements every night. If you allow this every game, it looses its effectiveness to the team. We use the love of these men to our advantage too.

Maybe I’ll never understand what it is about putting yourself in the position to be publicly embarrassed if your prospective mate says "No." That would scar a man for life, I don’t know if I’d ever go back to that ballpark if I were shot down at the plate. I guess the rewards are worth it though if she does say yes. You’d best be sure you know what she’ll say, it’s mighty uncomfortable if she says "no", not only for the guy on his knee, but also for all the fans. What do they do? What can the public address announcer do to change that mood? That hard place is somewhere we don’t want anyone to be.

It’s been three weeks since we watched Justin and Laura start their lives together with us. The two of them are moving fast, we already have an invitation to the wedding in the fall. Most of the couples that use our game as an avenue for love send us invitations. None of us go, but we normally send a few games worth of front row seats and notice them over the PA at an upcoming game once their married. Just a way to keep the lifelong relationship building.

Yesterday the phone rang and was sent to my office. "Another marriage proposal request" on line one, the front desk girl says. "This is Jason, how can I help you," I answer. The caller went on to ask if he could propose at a game next Thursday. I said, "no problem, what’s your girlfriends name?" the caller paused, a longer pause than I’m used to, one that started to make me uncomfortable. The thoughts of what he was going to say next started flowing, and my responses started forming. I know exactly what he was about to say.

"It’s not my girlfriend, it’s my boyfriend." Now I was the one with the long pause. I had no idea what to say. This was the first time I had ever had this question asked of me. A gay marriage proposal? What do I say to that? Can we do this? Do we want to do this? What will our fans think? This is a somewhat conservative area, and I have no idea if this will work for us or against us. "Let me recheck our calendar and get back to you," I said, buying time to make a decision. I took that young mans’ number and hung up. Now I was the one with my face in my hands.

I went straight to my bosses’ office. After telling him about the call I just got off, we called in the entire management staff and put the team lawyer on speakerphone. This needed major attention. Did this event that we’ve learned to enjoy just backfire? Do we have to go through with this? Can we be sued for discrimination if we don’t do this? How will it look if we turn down this request and it’s made public? How will it look if we do go through with this?

The feel in the office is that we don’t want to let this happen. We’re not the kind of team that wants to stir up controversy. We just want to play baseball and make a few bucks. This gay marriage proposal will be the first for any sport that I know of. This is sticky.

The team lawyer says that no case that he knows of has been brought to court from this situation, that he’s is sure that it could, and if it did, it would be the kind of publicity that the team doesn’t want. At this point, I think we have no choice. We have to let this happen and take whatever comes from it.

It again is my job to call the young man back and tell him that we would welcome the opportunity to allow his proposal at a game. My fingers twitched as I dialed the number. "James this is Jason with the Bobcats, how are you?" His response floored me. "Fine," he said, "I should have called you back yesterday, I’ve decided it wouldn’t be I good idea to go through with this." My ears perked up. " I think it would make my partner uncomfortable, I wouldn’t want to do that." The rest of the phone call was a blur as I recognized this issue of discomfort to my staff is now off the table.

The rest of the day I spent thinking about the awkward situation that just avoided me. Maybe I’m not sure if I’m ready to see that kind of public display of affection. I’m sure the two love each other deeply, but I guess I don’t want to see it at my ballgame. I certainly don’t want my kids to see it. I’d rather be the one to teach them about loving. You can love whom you want, and if your really lucky, that one special person will love you back. That’s the message I want to send to my children.

I think to myself, are we as Americans ready to see this kind of promotion at our local sporting events? Pop culture tends to say it’s ok to express our love to whomever we wish. Sitcoms and reality shows are built around the gay and lesbian lifestyles, but with rating systems that can warn parents of the nature of the show. Unless it was publicly announced, nobody would expect a gay marriage proposal at a ball game, and announcing it would defeat the purpose.

We have to, in this day in age, take into consideration the ideas and feelings of all thoughts and cultures. In doing so we find ourselves fighting exposure. One group of individuals wants the publics’ attention, while some in the public don’t want to give any. This instance I think is better suited for the next decade or so. Maybe then the public will be more understanding to new generation of ideas that have lived in the minds of a few for years.

RM-
Copywright 2004

They came from work, They'll be back!

2005-10-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind that many of the people that I work with are not as hard core hockey fans as I am. What was that line Al Michals used during the 1980 Olympics? "Many of these people don’t know the difference between a blue line and a clothes line." That was the scene at work.

See, many of these folks were really just at the game to see their friend. They had no idea they were going to have such a great time. "Why did the ref let the guys fight at the end of the game?" "Why did that guy get the clipping call?" "Are the concession stands always that bad?"

I felt like I had to be the know it all. Some of the questions I didn’t have an answer to. Many I did. The ramblings went on and on. It was nice though, it really helped create a great social atmosphere at work.

See, it’s events like this that make fans. They come for some stupid reason and come back cause they had a good time. They aren’t season ticket holders, but they will be back.

I am glad they had a good time. I hope they do come back. It’s the responsibility of all of us fans, to help bring new fans to the team. It goes along way to keeping the team in Bakersfield. I have seen many cities see their team leave. That can’t be fun.

Opening Night WOW! What a Game

2005-10-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

So I show up about 4:45, in time to go over the game script and meet with the mascot. I try to take every minute before doors open to make sure I am on my game. I want to be ready. I know things will go wrong, it's opening night. That's what happens. I was as ready as I could be at 6pm. If anything happens, I would just have to wing it.

I spent a few minutes walking through the stands talking to fans before the game. For some reason, I feel I need to welcome them in to the arena. I talked to kids, welcomed new fans, and just chatted with as many people as I could before the game. 5 minutes before the team came out for warm ups, I started heading to the box.

I announced the team as they came out for warm-ups and the crowd that was there gave them a warm welcome. It was a great sound.

A few minutes later, we had a mishap of two during opening lineups. The team was not on time to the Zambone entrance. The players were out of order. The "Lights Man" didn't know I was calling starting line-up last and he turned on the lights too early. No Canadian flag for their National anthem. Just a strange start. BUT, it is opening night. It did run smoother than last years opening night.

The jerseys that the goalies were wearing made it difficult for us in the box. They has on the same color jersey. They were Mississippi Sea Wolves Jerseys that were to be auctioned off after the game. I won't buy one. I hope someone will.

The first period ran well. The Condors tallied 3 goals in the 20minute set. It was a welcome period for many new fans that were in the house, as well as for the many new players on the ice.

Intermission went OK. Two kids ran to get into hockey gear to win some prize. I have no idea what they give the kids, if anything at all.

Then we had a SUMO Hockey game.
Now, I could tell we had many new fans in the stands by the reaction to Sumo hockey. The first time you see the game ... you laugh. There was plenty of laughing at that 4 minute game. One of our "players" slammed into our mascot. I could tell he was hurt, I was just hoping his head didn't come off infront of the crowd. Talking to him after the game he comfirmed that he'd had his bell rung.

Oh, and let me not forget the band. You could hear the music, but not the words. I don't know if thats the way it was suppose to be or not. I have a feeling that all the bands are going to sound the same way.

Second period went well. A few penalties, but everyone was polite in the box. No yelling or cussing. One of the Victoria players was very nice when I asked him how to say his name. Some players get offended.

Second intermission was a bit fo the same. Chuck-a-puck, shoot for a truck, Condors Cannon, and ... well the Pass the press pass was on the list. My fault that didn't happen. I took the wireless mic with me into the little boys room. By the time I got back, the promotion girls didn't have enough time to make it to their sections. Of well, we'll get it in next time.

the 3rd was topped by a great fight that created one of those "can't hear myself think" kind of sounds from the crowd. The crowd was on their feet when the game was over. It was a great feeling.

The crowd was loud. 8200+, a good size for opening night. It was nice to see them on their feet at the end of the game. Oh and if your wondering, I didn't have the wireless mic, so I couldn't do the three stars from the ice. That will change, I promise.

So I don't know If I will get to work any more games this year. At least I can say I had a blast tonight. Thank you for coming. I hope you had a great time.

Oh yeah, By the way. The Condors won. Not a bad way to start the season.

Day 1 10/22/05

2005-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

So the countdown shows less than 6 hours and I have the jitters. The puck drop's at 7pm and even though I am excited, I am a bit nervous. I have to work tonight. I think the excitement will soon become overbearing. I am ready to go.

Since the heartbreak loss to Alaska in the post-season of the 04-05 season, we have all been biting for the next chance to make it to the promise land of the playoffs. Of course, we have an entire season to go before we can bask in that glory, but the process of getting there looks promising.

Face it, we (the Bakersfield Condors,) have an 80% chance of making playoffs just by showing up every night. I like those odds.

Ya know what it is? Its he atmosphere of the game that I miss. Win or not, it's the rush of energy I get when I am in the Garden that brings me back. Tonight, I am a part of that energy. I need it, I need to bring it. I have missed the yelling, the laughing, the hi-5's with friends. I have missed the conversation behind the blue doors. I have missed hockey.

It is time. As the players prepare mentally, so do I. I study names, I say them out loud. I read the press releases to get the inside scoop.

It's time to man up and bring your A-Game. Player or Fan, It's time to bring all you got. It all begins here, tonight. It's game one. Win or not, it's hockey night in Bakersfield. That's what it's all about.

I am pumped up. I am ready.
Looks like the Condors are ready. But are the Condors FANS ready tonight?It's going to be a loud night in Bako.

Who's Proud to be from CondorsTown?

Throughout the season, I will post what I see, what I hear, what I like and what I don't. Feel free to pass your comments along through e-mail.

RM