New AHL Team May Have New Name

Bakersfield Condors management say they’re considering a new name for the city’s American Hockey League franchise, which will begin play next season.

Team president Matthew Riley said they’re going to accept fan submissions until Feb. 15.

“Any name is on the table,” he said. “There are some obvious ones that come to mind, ‘Condors’ being one of those.”

He said there is a chance the team will still be called the Condors – if it’s the will of the people.

“We love being here in Condorstown,” he said. “At the same time, we’re an oil-based community, and we’re owned by the Edmonton Oilers. So, obviously, those would be two names that would be in the discussion.”

The Bakersfield Fog of the old WSHL became the Condors in 1998. The name stuck through the organization’s transition to the ECHL.

Riley said the majority of the team’s front office will remain in place after the transition. He didn’t say if a new coach will be hired for next season.

More information on the name submission process can be found here.

– Anthony Pollreisz