Condors goalie Timo Pielmeier

 

BAKERSFIELD , Ca – The Bakersfield Condors have a long history of hockey in the valley of central California.   The Condors came to town in 1998 and have been fan favorites since, setting team records in attendance year after year. The Condors currently have a strong lead the Pacific Division after 36 games, with 23-1-2-1 and 49 points, having won six of their last 10 games. Each year, the ECHL team brings new faces to the team and this year is no different.     Goaltender Timo Pielmeier is one of this year’s newest attractions.   His net minding skills have been improving since his assignment by the Ducks at the beginning of the season. Pielmeier is 16-8-1, with a 2.86 goals against average and 0.891 save percentage. He’s currently ranked tenth among the ECHL goaltenders, playing in 28 games and third in number of wins to date.   Pielmeier began playing hockey as a young child of three in his hometown of Deggendorf, Germany, with many other youngsters at the time. He dreamed of opportunities in the NHL and at fourteen moved away from home to pursue his hockey dreams.     He played for the Cologne Sharks, of the DEL (German Ice Hockey League) from 2005 until 2007.   In the summer of 2007, his dreams were answered when he was drafted in the third round (83^rd overall), by the San Jose Sharks.   Pielmeier then came to North America to play in the QMJHL, St Johns Fog for the 07-08 season.   In 50 games, he posted 3.0 goals against average, with a .909 save percentage and 23-22-4.   Not bad numbers for a youngster.   In 08-09, Pielmeier was sent to Shawinigan as a result of a trade between San Jose to the Anaheim Ducks.   Again another good year, he posted 30-9-2 in 57 games and 2.67 goals against average with .913 save percentage.     Pielmeier has at last landed with the Condors, a Ducks affiliate. They are happy to have him. Pielmeier isn’t worried about his chances at getting to the NHL right now. He’s concentrating all of his efforts on the day-to-day play with the Condors and working to improve his skills. “Anything can happen, anytime. I am only 20 years old, so I still have lots of time to work and get better,” he said when asked of his future.     Pielmeier enjoys traveling to the other team venues and lists Stockton and Ontario among his favorites. “They have really good crowds. I was surprised to see that many people here.   Even we [ Bakersfield] get good crowds.” On December 10, in the final minutes of a game against the Utah Grizzlies, Pielmeier accomplished a rare feat for a goalie.  He became the tenth goaltender in ECHL history to score an unassisted goal, for the insurance goal to ensure the 6-4 win over the Grizzlies.     Pielmeier can add his recent selection to the ECHL All-Star game next week as well. “This is my first time. I think it’s a great honor and I am proud to get the chance to represent my team there,” he said, adding, “It will be good to get to see the other players and how they play. It will be fun.” In his spare time, he enjoys golfing.   That’s one of the perks about Bakersfield, is the seasons are better for golf, as opposed to the Canadian communities.   He also enjoys hanging out with the other players on the team.   The Condors houses most of the team in a common apartment complex, so they can grow as a team both off and on the ice.   Goalies are known for their helmet paintings and Pielmeier is no different. His helmet features two ducks in flight on both sides and the names of his family members on the back plate. Pielmeier knows it takes a lot of hard work and dedication and is prepared to go all the way to get to the NHL level.   But he’s got some time to hone in on his skills and has faith he’ll be there one day in the future.     Contact the writer at shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com   Contact the photographer at jack.lima@prohockeynews.com