Condors Get AHL Experience with Nelson; Grit with West

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Matt O’Dette announced today that the team has agreed to terms with C Levi Nelson and F Grant West for the upcoming 2012-13 season.

Nelson, 24, was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 6th round of the2006 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft and has played 138 games at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with Providence and Norfolk. Breaking into the professional ranks in 2008-09, the Calgary, Alberta native set a career-high for games played with 59 for the Bruins and eight with the Reading Royals (ECHL).

Battling injuries in 2009-10, Nelson registered career-highs in goals (8) and assists (5) for 13 points in 44 games in Providence. After starting the 2010-11 Bruins season strong with four goals and three assists for seven points in 14 games played, he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning and assigned to the Norfolk Admirals where he finished the season and appeared in five playoff games.

Last season, Nelson headed overseas and played for ESV Kaufbeuren of Germany’s Second Division where he averaged nearly a goal per game, scoring 28 goals in 31 games played, and adding 16 assists for 44 points.

The 6’0″, 185 lbs. left-handed shot played 198 games during his junior career, all with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (WHL). For his career, he tallied 65 goals with 87 assists for 152 points to go along with 340 penalty minutes. He was selected and played seven games for the 2006 Canadian World Junior Championships Under-18 squad.

“We’re ecstatic to have him,” O’Dette said. “His resume speaks for itself. He had a great junior career with Swift Current, has AHL experience, and had a great season playing in Germany last year. He’s going to bring a lot to the table for us and we’re excited to have him.”

West, 20, comes to training camp set to begin his rookie campaignafter helping the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to a third-place finish at the Memorial Cup in 2011-12. The 6’3″, 181 lbs. bruiser led the team in fighting majors with 15, amassing 105 penalty minutes in 46 games played for the Sea Dogs. From Fredericton, New Brunswick, West chipped in six goals and 11 assists for 17 points.

His junior career, which includes stops in Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), Moncton (QMJHL), and Campbellton (MJAHL), saw the winger play 151 games, potting 24 goals and 36 assists for 60 points and 297 penalty minutes. He becomes the youngest Condor coming to training camp.

“He’s obviously a tough customer and he’s going to bring that element to our team,” O’Dette continued. “Everyone has great things to say about him as a person and that he’s an ultimate team guy. He’s going to stick up for his teammates when needed and we’re excited to see what he can do.”

The full training camp roster will be announced Thursday afternoon. Training camp commences on Friday at 10 a.m. inside the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center. Click here for the full training camp schedule.

The Condors Annual Open House and Black/White Scrimmage will be on Tues. Oct. 2nd from 6-9 p.m. at Rabobank Arena. It will be your first opportunity to catch the team on the ice with the game starting at 6:30 p.m. with a full team meet and greet following the scrimmage. Season ticket holders can pick up their ticket books at the event as well. For more information, call the front office at 324-PUCK (7825).

PRE-SEASON TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY

Tickets for the Condors only pre-season game in Bakersfield against the Stockton Thunder (Fri. Oct. 5, 7 p.m.) go on sale this Friday Sept. 28th. Individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Rabobank Arena box office by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.
 

IT’S MORE FUN WHEN YOU COME AS A GROUP

Why come to a Condors game by yourself and pay full price for tickets when you can come with as few as nine (9) of your closest friends or colleagues and save money on box office prices. For as little as $8 a ticket you can enjoy the hard-hitting, pulse-pounding excitement of Condors hockey. To reserve your group for some of the best nights in Condorstown (maybe the one right below?!) call 324-PUCK (7825).

LA KINGS STANLEY CUP CELEBRATION OCT. 14
Opening Night in Condorstown will have a championship feel as the Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings Ice Crew Girls, Street Team, and mascot Bailey will be on hand as the Condors host the Las Vegas Wranglers at 5 p.m. Any locked out NHL Kings who are around (hint hint) are more than welcome to join Bailey and Crew at the game as well. 

The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with inflatables, games, and more out on the plaza in front of Rabobank Arena. In addition, the first 2,000 children, 12 & under, will receive a LA Kings Stanley Cup Champion pennant to hang on their wall. For more information or to reserve your group for opening night, please call 324-PUCK (7825).

To check out other early season exciting promotions: click here 

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