The Bakersfield Condors will host the San Diego Gulls on November 17, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Bakersfield, California, as part of a four-game homestand and the first matchup in a four-game series between the two American Hockey League rivals.
The Condors enter the game with a 4-7-1 record and are in the midst of a stretch where they will play six of their next eight games at home. In their previous game, the team fell 4-2 to Calgary despite two goals from Eduards Tralmaks and a season-high 41 saves by goaltender Samuel Jonsson.
Matt Tomkins is expected to start in goal for the Condors. He is slated to make his fourth appearance of the season with a 1-2-0 record, a 2.40 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. Defenseman Brady Stonehouse is anticipated to make his season debut after being reassigned to Bakersfield, having recorded three assists and 21 penalty minutes in nine games last season. Forward Atro Leppanen recently returned from an injury absence and notched an assist in his first game back.
The San Diego Gulls come in with a 6-5-3 record, riding a recent 4-1 win over the San Jose Barracuda. Anton Wahlberg, their top scorer with 13 points in 14 games, scored twice in that game. With Laurent Brossoit called up to the NHL, Damian Clara has taken the primary goaltending role, posting a 3-1-2 record with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.
Fans attending the Bakersfield game can enjoy $3 Michelob Ultra and Mango Cart beverages until the start of the second period, along with 2010s-themed music and events, and the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of Condors-branded Staycation quillows. The pregame Party on the Plaza begins at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.
The Condors will continue their homestand with a Patriotic Night event on Saturday featuring specialty jerseys, a U.S. Army swearing-in ceremony, and giveaways for attendees.
CSB Take
This matchup against the San Diego Gulls offers the Bakersfield Condors a valuable opportunity to gain momentum during a pivotal homestand. The return of players like Brady Stonehouse and Atro Leppanen could bolster the lineup, while goaltender Matt Tomkins will be tasked with providing stability in net. Given the Gulls’ recent strong performance, the game will be a key test of the Condors’ ability to compete within the Pacific Division as the schedule intensifies in November.
Source: Original report
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