Ianiero and Balan return to the Condors lineup
Duo becomes the first vets signed by Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, announced today they have re-signed F Andrew Ianiero and D Scott Balan. The announcement was made by Head Coach Marty Raymond. They are the first "veterans" (260 or more professional games) signed for the 2008-09 season.
Ianiero, 27, returns for his fifth Condors season. His 44 assists last season set a career-high and led the team, while his 62 points were tied for second. It was in the post-season that the Hamilton, Ontario native perhaps had the biggest impact, leading the team in goals, assists and points (5g-4a-9pts) in the Kelly Cup playoffs. Drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Ianiero was one of only two players to compete in every game during the 2007-08 season, including the playoffs.
"I'm excited to be back in Condorstown," said Ianiero, who has played 253 of his 388 professional games in Bakersfield. "There are definitely a lot of positive things that have happened with the organization this summer, with the affiliation and the players that Marty has signed and I'm really looking forward to the season."
Ianiero ranks fifth in Condors history in games played, and is among career leaders in every offensive category. The 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound forward ranks fourth in points (202), trailing Paul Rosebush by 37 points for third on the career list. He also ranks third in assists (136), trailing Jamie Cooke by 34, and is also sixth in goals (66). No player has scored more playoff goals in a Condors sweater than Ianiero (15), and he also ranks second in points (23) in the post season.
Balan, 26, is entering his fourth season with the Condors after having each of the last two campaigns ended prematurely by injury. Last season, the Red Deer, Alberta, native had four points (1g-3a) and 86 PIM in just 40 games before shoulder surgery sidelined him. In 2005-06, his first season with the Condors, Balan had a career year, amassing 29 points (3g-26a) and 125 PIM in 62 games.
"If I had the opportunity to sign here, this was my first choice," said Balan. "There's something about the organization and the city that keeps guys coming back and I'm one of them. I'm looking forward to training and being healthy and getting the season off to a good start. I think the new affiliation is a great thing and I look forward to working with the younger players and helping them to develop."
Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Balan has 350 professional games under his belt (16g-73a-89pts, 634 PIM). The 6-foot-3-inch, 205-pound blueliner ranks 13th in Condors history with 158 career games, fifth among defensemen.
"We have a young team and need experience, and we felt that Andrew and Scotty can provide that," said Raymond. "They will have to be key leaders on this hockey club for us to be successful, but I think they are up to the challenge. Obviously Scotty has had some injuries, but has been cleared 100% to play hockey and I expect a big year out of him."
Ianiero and Balan become the 11th and 12th players on the Condors roster, joining C Dave Bonk, D Martin Frechette, G Yutaka Fukufuji, RW Liam Huculak, F Tylor Michel, F Dale Reinhardt, LW Dany Roussin, C Dan Rudisuela, C Ryan Salvis and D Tyler Scott.
Notes from The Nest
Ianiero and D Tyler Scott will be at Friday's Select-A-Seat party at Rabobank Arena from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m this Friday, so come on down and grab a free hotdog and soda while you tour the arena on a quest to find your perfect seat. Seats will be marked according to availability and helpful Condors representatives will be on hand to assist you with anything you need. Additionally, everyone who purchases a ticket plan at the event will receive a gift card for $10 in free gas!
Opening Night against the Ontario Reign is just 59 days away, on October 18. Season seats and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. Group outings and reservations for the Condors on-ice and VIP suites are now available as well. Click here to see further details, or stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.
Top of Page
