Bakersfield Condors (1998–2015)

The Bakersfield Condors (1998–2015) were a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. They originally played in the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) from 1998 to 2003. Upon the WCHL's folding, the Condors joined the ECHL, where they played from 2003 to 2015. Their home arena was the Rabobank Arena (now Mechanics Bank Arena). The team was known for its community involvement and successful seasons, including winning the WCHL Taylor Cup championship in 1997-98 (before being officially named the Condors) and 1998-99, and the ECHL Brabham Cup in 2007-08. In 2015, the franchise was relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, and became the Norfolk Admirals, while a new Bakersfield Condors team was established as the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. The 1998-2015 Condors team is considered to be a separate franchise from the current AHL Condors.