Up down up down. That’s kinda been the life of Erik Condra, who’s been padding his frequent flier miles in November. He’s had to travel from Syracuse, NY, to Tampa, FL, where he was then technically sent down but never actually left Florida. Most recently, he was returned to the Crunch…who was not in New York, but who was actually in St. John’s. Needless to say, Condra has traveled. A lot. And for that alone we want to recognize him.
All that traveling can’t be easy. Especially with a young family. Condra has been living with forward Cory Conacher in Syracuse, but he recently decided to rent a house:
That will make it a lot more hospitable for visits from Condra’s wife and two young children, who remain in Tampa Bay. Condra plans on going home for the holiday break but if his schedule then calls for a long-term return to Syracuse he’ll start planning to move the family up into the snow belt full time.
Despite the traveling and playing for two different teams in two different different cities, and a routine that would seem anything but easy, Condra has been filling the role being asked of him depending on the team — and the number of minutes he sees on the ice.
In Syracuse, he’s playing some big minutes — and getting a big goal or two. On Nov. 19, Condra scored the game-winning goal with just 1.9 seconds left to lift the Crunch over Albany. The two points moved the Crunch into first in the division. In 14 games with the Crunch this season, he has three goals and six assists for nine points and 18 penalty minutes, and he’s gotten noticed for his efforts:
Syracuse coach Benoit Groulx has heavily praised Condra’s work ethic and attitude since he and his $1.25 million salary was surprisingly sent to the Crunch at the start of the season. Condra has been full-tilt in games.
With the Lightning, despite his call-ups, Condra has played 10 minutes or under in two games and is a -1, but he’s called up whenever the team needs a veteran presence and an infusion of reliable energy.
For being there when both teams need him, Erik Condra is our Thunder of the Month for November.
