BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Condor’s President Matthew Riley announced the new affiliation agreement with the Minnesota Wild (NHL) in a press conference today.  Also on hand for the announcement was Wild Assistant General Manager/General Manager of the Houston Aeros (AHL) Jim Mills. 

In the conference before media, season ticket holders and corporate sponsors, Mill said the affiliation seemed like a logical fit, since the Wild organization was looking to add depth to their development of players.  The agreement is for a term of one year.

The Wild is only the second NHL affiliate in Condors history.  Last season, five Condors players suited up for games with the Anaheim Ducks.

Mill couldn’t speculate this early about the number of prospects that fans could expect to see on the Condors roster, but hinted that 2-4 could be likely.

Riley was pleased with the affiliation, and looks forward to a great season for the team and fans. He also said he looked forward to the support from the Wild and their commitment to help the Condors in their hunt for the Kelly Cup.

The Condors have been a highly successful market in the central valley of California for their last 12 seasons, bringing in 200,000 fans per season in ten seasons, and raising over $3.6 million in cash and goods for the community, including over $358 thousand last season.

The Condors were selected to host the 2010-2011 ECHL All-Star Classic in January 2011 and will kick off their season on October 16 at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield against the Las Vegas Wranglers.

Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com