The Bakersfield Condors will remain in southern California for the next five years.
The club, owned by the Oilers Entertainment Group, has renewed their lease at Mechanics Bank Arena and will remain in Bakersfield. The lease was ratified by Bakersfield City Council on Wednesday and comes with an option to extend for three more years beyond 2028 before renewal.
“When Daryl Katz purchased the Bakersfield Condors in 2014, he stressed that you can’t build a successful NHL team without an effective scouting and development system,” Oilers GM Ken Holland said in a statement. “Bakersfield is not only a perfect fit for us and a true second home for the Oilers organization, but the Condors continue to be a critical piece in building an NHL team that can compete year in, year out. We are thrilled to renew our lease in Bakersfield as part of the larger Oilers family.”
Keith Gretzky with some great points on staying:
– Gives prospects their own identity
– Gives them a great environment to play and call home
– Lets them “earn” the jersey
– Have their own facility and areas
— Ryan Holt (@CondorsHolty) February 9, 2023
The @Condors lease extension (this is their 25th season) apparenlty was not a given. "We didn't know where this was going a couple of months ago," said @EdmontonOilers Ast. GM and Condors GM Keith Gretzky. Who went on to say it was a win win for all involved. pic.twitter.com/CEgmYZt2CS
— Mike Griffith (@MikeGriffith54) February 9, 2023
Bakersfield city manager Christian Clegg said in a statement that the Condors have helped reinvigorate the city.
“The partnership between the City of Bakersfield and the Condors has helped reinvigorate life in downtown Bakersfield, bringing in fans young and old, and generating an economic boost to local businesses,” he said. “We look forward to many more years of Condors hockey.”
Since 2015, 55 players have played for both the Oilers and Condors including 19 players that have made their NHL debut with the Oilers.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
