The Bakersfield Condors began their 2023-24 campaign in fine fashion, with a hard-fought win on the road versus last season’s Calder Cup finalists.
Thanks to a stronger roster, the Bakersfield Condors entered the 2023-24 AHL season with high hopes. However, it didn’t change the fact they faced a tough first game on the road.
That’s because the Condors were going up against last season’s fairy tale team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In their first year in the AHL, the Firebirds went all the way to the Calder Cup final, before losing in seven games to the Hershey Bears.
Adding to the challenge for the Condors, the Firebirds were 26-7-3 at home last season. With a sold out crowd of 10,087 on hand at Acrisure Arena on Friday night, it figured to be an intense atmosphere.
However, the Condors were able to apply themselves quickly and just edged the first period. Their endeavors were rewarded by a great solo effort from Lane Pederson, who scored on the breakaway at the 16:21 mark of the first for a 1-0 lead.
The visitors continued to hold their own in a hostile environment, before doubling their advantage with less than three minutes to go in the second period. The impressive Raphael Lavoie had his attempt saved, but James Hamblin was on hand to score from the rebound and make it 2-0 with just 20 minutes remaining.
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However, any thoughts of coasting to the finishing line were soon dismissed, as the Firebirds showed the heart of a champion. They scored twice in a 1:06 period, to tie the game at 2-2 less than halfway through the final period.
The home side started to tighten the screw, as they dominated the third period. The Condors had Calvin Pickard to thank for keeping the visitors tied, as he finished the night saving 36 of 38 shots.
Admittedly against the run of play, the Condors then regained the lead in dramatic fashion, with just under two minutes remaining in the game. Ben Gleason set up Noel Hoefenmayer, who fired home the heat-seeking missile from the point to make the final score of 3-2.
The fact it was Hoefenmayer who scored the winner, made it even more frustrating for the Firebirds. The defenceman had caused all kinds of problems on the night for the hosts, as he was penalized a game-high 17 minutes for instigating and fighting.
While it’s going to be a long season, winning on the road against such a good opponent only offers more optimism for the Condors. They will next play on October 21, when they host the Ontario Reign for their home opener.