BAKERSFIELD, Ca – The Bakersfield Condors are currently in last place in the National ECHL conference, but don’t count them out yet. With the season only a third over, there’s still plenty of time to turn that around. One of the players that could have a major influence on the outcome is right-wing Chad Painchaud. 
Condor Chad Painchaud
In his third year as a professional, Chad was originally drafted in the 4th round (106th overall) in 2004, by the Atlanta Thrashers. He played three seasons with the OHL Mississauga Ice Dogs and the Sarnia Sting. In 2006-07, he played every game with the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL), including 4 post-season games. He was one of seven 20-goal scorers on the team, and led the team in points during the post-season with 5 points. He split the next season between the Gladiators and
Painchaud – Condors
the Chicago Wolves (AHL). His contract was then acquired by
Anaheim in September of 2008.
Chad attended training camp with the Iowa Chops and was reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors in October of 2008.
Chad is a native of
Mississauga, Ontario and has been playing hockey most of his life. Since his dad was the president of the local hockey organization, he had plenty of support from family.
Chad was happy to get an opportunity during the Christmas break to go home to visit with family. The bad snowstorms throughout the north really made it difficult on some of the players in their trips to get home. A few were late getting home, but all in all, they made it in time to celebrate with family. Coming back to
California,
Chad said he was stuck in Las Angeles Airport for a few hours, due to a late flight causing him and a couple other teammates to miss the shuttle. He didn’t get back to
Bakersfield until early Friday afternoon. The jetlag didn’t seem to have much effect on him though. In the game he played the same day as his arrival, he managed a goal and two assists against the Stockton Thunder, helping the Condors towards a 7-3 win.
Painchaud scores a goal against the Thunder.
has a clear idea of his roll on the Condors. “Work hard and be an offensive guy. I just want to contribute to the team in every way I can.” He’s been doing just that, at an average of almost a point per game. In 28 games, he is currently second on the team with 26 points, 7 goals, 19 assists and 30 penalty minutes.
Chad told me that his main strategy is to “play each shift like it’s your last. You never know what’s going to happen next,” which seems to be working well for him.
ECHL Linesman Rick Janco, a long time friend from
Chad’s high school years, isn’t surprised by
Chad’s current success. “[
Chad] is a smooth skating forward that has a great touch with the puck. He has the potential to be great and ultimately the potential to move his way…up to the NHL.”
Chad is happy for the opportunity to play in the Anaheim Ducks organization and appreciates his experiences so far. “This is a great group of guys” he says of his teammates. “We’ve built a pretty good kinship. We all live in the same apartment complex, so we get to hang out a lot together.”
Painchaud drives toward the net.
In his spare time he plays tennis and some golf and say’s he just enjoys hanging out with the guys. As a member of the Condors, he frequently has opportunities to go out and participate in publicity events with local kids. He enjoys doing that and likes to be a positive role model for local kids. When asked what advice he’d them he remarks, “just work hard and have fun. That’s most important.”
The Condors have been a part of
Bakersfield since 1998 and started the current season as an affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Hockey has been in the
Bakersfield area for the last 65 years, under various names and leagues including one of the original six of the WCHL (West Coast Hockey League) the Bakersfield Fog. The Condors are currently second in fan attendance with an average of 6,257.
The Condors have had five players called up to the AHL so far, and
Chad’s call up should be right around the corner, so long as he keeps playing hard and showing his scoring potential.
Written by: Shellie Lima
shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com
Photos by: Jack Lima
jack.lima@prohockeynews.com
Author’s Note: Rick Janco is currently an ECHL Linesman. Reference a recent article about him by
clicking here.
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