Weller makes impression with hat trick
| Saturday, Oct 10 2009 11:12 PM
Last Updated Saturday, Oct 10 2009 11:12 PM
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Felix Adamo / The Californian Condor's Eric Regan and Stockton's Chris Davis collide at center ice while going after a loose puck in a preseason game forthe the two teams
Felix Adamo / The Californian Bakersfield's Mathieu Aubin(10) and Maxime Macenauer break away from tow Stockton defenders during first period action at Rabobank Areana
He's had eight days of training camp and two preseason games to ponder the situation.
Now comes decision time for Condors coach Marty Raymond.
Raymond got his final look at some bubble players Saturday night at Rabobank Arena as the Condors finished preseason play with a 5-3 victory over Stockton in a game that featured a hat trick by Shaun Weller, and four fights.
With 11 players assigned to the team by the Anaheim Ducks (including three goaltenders who are likely to be around when the ECHL season opens next Friday night) there are only a handful of roster spots available.
Among those considered to be battling for a position is veteran forward Andrew Ianiero, who played in both preseason games.
"I didn't feel that great Thursday night," said Ianiero, who was injured late last year and had off-season surgery. "Tonight was a lot better. I gave everything I had to give and we'll see what happens."
Ianiero has played 325 games for the Condors and was the only player Raymond invited back from last season.
"He played a pretty good game," Raymond said of Ianiero. "He was solid, had some speed and was noticeable."
So was newcomer Eric Lizon, who fought for the second straight game and dominated both bouts.
"I wanted to show Marty what I can do," said the 6-foot-4, 234-pounder who has amassed 319 penalty minutes in three pro seasons. "I've never felt my job was secure. I'm pretty sure they need a tough guy and I wanted to show the boys I'm there for them."
Which is exactly the type of stuff Raymond wanted to see.
"Some guys know what they have to so," Raymond said of Lizon. "You don't have to tell them. Show me. Do something in your role you want me to see."
As for the game, the Condors out shot Stockton 50-24 and had a 4-1 lead at one point.
"I liked what I saw," Raymond said. "They got a couple of lucky goals, pucks bouncing around, and their goaltender (Andrew Perugini) was great. We were dominating and there was no panic when they made it 4-3."
Justin Pogge (two goals allowed and nine shots) and J.P. Levasseur (one goal on 14 shots) split time in net for the Condors.
And about that pressing problem and a 22-man roster (including injured reserve) due to the league on Wednesday?
"I wish I could keep 24 or 25 guys," Raymond said. "A lot of guys gave me all they've got and I appreciate it. We've got a lot of great hockey players and some will have to be cut."
The Condors open ECHL play Friday at home against Ontario.
