FUTURE WATCH: Brossoit back in Bako

BAKERSFIELD, CA - He was surprised when it happened.
But goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who after a year as backup with the Edmonton Oilers, is back in Bakersfield with the Condors.

"It's familiar territory," said the netminder, who has 11 shutouts with the Condors organization - including when the club was part of the ECHL. "There are still a lot of guys on the team that I know pretty well, so the transition is pretty easy that way."
Brossoit went 3-7-1 with a 3.22 goals-against average and .886 save percentage with the Oilers this season and will take the ball as the starter Wednesday when the Condors host the Texas Stars at Rabobank Arena. Although Bakersfield now has three goalies with the team - the other two being Nick Ellis and Eddie Pasquale - Brossoit's finding relief in being able to see the ice more frequently.
"I'm just looking forward to getting in the crease more often," he said. "It's nice to know you have the net and just to focus on what you have to do.
"Playing in general and getting that game feel back is something I'm looking very forward to."
Bakersfield Condors Head Coach Gerry Fleming plans on making the plans between the pipes work for the time being.
"We're going to have a rotation here until we figure it out," The Condors coach said. "We're just going to roll with three goalies. We'll make it work."
There's a motivational factor that plays into the ordeal. Of course, the netminders want to stop as many pucks as possible and see the ice every game but patience is part of the process. That, and the notion that they can elevate each other's play.

"Any internal competition is healthy as long as everybody takes it that way," said Brossoit. "It's a positive thing. If we're pushing each other, we're only going to get better."
Brossoit has joined the Condors at a good time. The club is feeling loose but playing tight, keeping an upbeat attitude in the dressing room after coming out of the Christmas break with points in each of their past five games. Although Brossoit was initially dispirited due to the reassignment, the current complexion of the squad has been uplifting.
"The energy is very contagious," he said. "It's nice to come into a dressing room that's feeling good. Everybody seems to get along really well so I'm looking to fit in and add to it."
The netminder will get his first opportunity to fit back in on Wednesday when he starts against the Stars. He's approaching the situation by looking at its silver linings and how it could enhance his development, which remains of utmost importance.
"If you look at the big picture, there's always some good to come from it," said Brossoit. "It may be a blessing in disguise to be able to get back into game shape by playing more and feeling the puck.
"That's the best thing for my development."