Barre-Boulet Leads the Charge as Eagles Dominate Condors in Bakersfield
The Colorado Eagles came out flying on Friday night, and they never really let up. Powered by a three-point night from forward Alex Barre-Boulet and a rock-solid performance in net from Kyle Keyser, the Eagles rolled past the Bakersfield Condors, 4-1, in a game that showcased Colorado’s offensive depth and defensive discipline.
Let’s start with the numbers: 45 shots on goal - a season-high for Colorado - including a jaw-dropping 21 in the opening period alone. That kind of sustained pressure doesn’t just happen by accident. The Eagles came into Bakersfield with a purpose, and they made it clear from the opening puck drop that they were going to dictate the pace.
It didn’t take long for that pressure to pay off. Just 4:11 into the first, veteran forward T.J.
Tynan got the scoring started, finishing off a crisp cross-slot pass with a wrist shot from the left circle. It was a textbook example of how Tynan’s vision and quick release can tilt the ice.
From there, Colorado kept its foot on the gas, outshooting Bakersfield 21-5 in the first period and taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second period brought more of the same. This time, it was defenseman Sean Behrens stepping into the spotlight.
The rookie blueliner picked the perfect time to notch his first professional goal, ripping a wrister from between the circles to double Colorado’s lead midway through the period. For Behrens, it was a milestone moment - and for the Eagles, it was another sign of just how deep this lineup runs.
Bakersfield did manage to push back late in the second. Forward Ethan Keppen found a loose puck in the slot and spun a backhander past Keyser to cut the deficit to 2-1. It was Keppen’s first goal of the season and gave the Condors a bit of life heading into the third.
But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed. Just under five minutes into the final frame, Barre-Boulet - who had already picked up two assists - parked himself in front of the net and got a stick on a point shot, redirecting it past Condors goalie Matt Tomkins to make it 3-1. It was a gritty, net-front goal - the kind that speaks to Barre-Boulet’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
With time winding down, Bakersfield pulled Tomkins for the extra attacker, but the gamble didn’t pay off. Colorado’s Ivan Ivan sealed the deal with an empty-netter, capping off the 4-1 win and putting the finishing touch on a dominant road performance.
In net, Keyser was steady and sharp, turning aside 25 of 26 shots. He wasn’t tested often early - thanks in large part to Colorado’s puck possession - but when the Condors did generate chances, Keyser was there. His calm presence between the pipes continues to be a stabilizing force for this Eagles team.
On the other side, Tomkins faced a barrage all night, stopping 41 of 44 shots before the empty-netter. Despite the loss, he kept things from getting out of hand with several key saves, especially during a lopsided first period.
Special teams didn’t play a huge role in this one - Colorado went 0-for-3 on the power play but was perfect on the penalty kill, going 2-for-2. The real story was at even strength, where the Eagles controlled the pace, the puck, and ultimately, the scoreboard.
Colorado now shifts its focus to Saturday night, when they’ll head to Ontario to face the Reign. If Friday’s performance is any indication, the Eagles are heating up - and they’re doing it with contributions up and down the lineup.