Matt Riley is responsible for the growth and development of the Bakersfield Condors, the organization he has guided since its inception in 1998. He was instrumental in negotiations in the January 2014 purchase of the Condors by the Edmonton Oilers and the team's elevation to the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2015-16. Another direct initiative during the AHL tenure was the adoption of the Junior Condors name for Bakersfield's existing youth hockey program. The Condors bought and donated all jerseys in the program's first year. The Condors have raised over $7.5 million for charitable organizations in Kern County during its history!
Luke Esposito enters his 5th season in Bakersfield, playing forward for the Condors. When not at the rink, Luke works with local youth hockey players, running clinics and skills sessions to help the next generation of Bakersfield hockey stars. He had a career season last year in Bakersfield and is one of the team's captains. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree from Harvard. A big fan of Star Wars, Luke enjoys hanging with his dog Obi and fiance Kelly.
Ryan is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and came to Bakersfield in 2011 to work for the Condors. With the team, he handles all marketing, digital media, public relations, and is the team's play-by-play broadcaster. An avid sports fan, Ryan got into sports because of his affinity for the game. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys being with family (wife Hayleigh, two-year-old son Brendan), watching sports, and eating at many of the great restaurants in Bakersfield.
Scott Hanson sits down with Matthew Riley the President of The Bakersfield Condors, Ryan Holt the Senior Director of Marketing and Broadcasting for the Bakersfield Condors, as well as Luke Esposito, current player for the Bakersfield Condors as they get ready to celebrate 25 years of being in Bakersfield! They all agree that the support and involvement from the community is what has kept the hockey spirit alive here in Kern County. Scott and Matt take a trip down memory lane as they recall what it was like when The Condors first came to town. However, Luke brings us to the present as he tells us about the Junior Condors Program and how beneficial it is to our local youth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BAKERSFIELD CONDORS:
Website: www.bakersfieldcondors.com
Email: condors@bakersfieldcondors.com
Phone: 661-324-7825
Instagram: @BakersfieldCondors
Facebook: @BakersfieldCondors
