Condors introduce first signings of 2011-12

Benson, 27, is a veteran of 358 professional games in the ECHL, Central Hockey League and American Hockey League. He has 80 points (26g-54a) and an astounding 1,461 penalty minutes to his credit in his career, including 452 in the AHL, where he played 105 games for three different clubs. Condors fans may remember his days with the Alaska Aces in 2006-07, where he parlayed 205 PIM and five points in 33 games into his first shot at the next level. He went on to spend the next two full seasons in the AHL.

He returned to the ECHL in 2009-10, winning a Kelly Cup with Cincinnati while racking up 14 points (3g-11a) and 154 PIM in 47 games. That season he played in 23 of the Cyclones 24 playoff games en route to the Cup. Benson previously won a championship with the Laredo Bucks in the CHL in 2005-06, and also won a title with Selkirk in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League as well.

A California native, Benson hails from Menlo Park in the Bay Area, and he returned to Laredo in 2010-11, leading the team with 221 PIM and adding career-best marks of 10 goals, 16 assists and 26 points in 60 games. He has led his team in penalty minutes four times in his career, while ranking second on his club two more times.

“I played against Bakersfield and it’s a great place to play,” said Benson. “It’s a good situation there. I have a lot of faith in Matt as a coach and I’m thankful he wanted to bring me in. I just want to go hard and win a championship, and hopefully I can have an influence there and help my teammates. I have a really good feeling about this year.”

Gergen, 24, wrapped up his rookie season in North America with the Condors in 2010-11, after starting the campaign with the Utah Grizzlies. Between the two clubs, he reeled in nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points in 62 games. Of his totals, 23 points came in 43 games with Bakersfield, who signed him in December.

Gergen spent the 2009-10 season in Austria playing for EC Salzberg in both the elite, and second divisions.The Minnesota native was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, after posting a stellar season at legendary prep school Shattuck St. Mary’s. In 2004-05, Gergen posted 106 points, including a team-leading 56 goals, in 66 games, finishing just behind Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Toews in points on a team that also included NHLers Kyle Okposo, Taylor Chorney, and 14 players whom eventually played professional hockey. Gergen went on to star at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, posting 69 points (34g-35a) in 153 games, including a 14-goal freshman campaign that tied him for the team lead.

“Bakersfield just has a great rink and some great fans,” Gergen said. “Yeah, there’s the nice weather and stuff, but really it all came down to the community and the fans, and I like Matt O’Dette a lot and think he’s going to be great. He really wants to win.”

What Coach O’Dette says:
“Gergen is a tremendously skilled player with a ton of upside and can play in all situations. I think he has only scratched the surface of what he can do at the pro level. I look forward to working with him and helping him realize that potential. As for Hans, he’s a California guy who brings a lot to the table. It’s not only his toughness but he skates very well and can contribute in all aspects of the game. He’s willing to do anything for his teammates.”

Get Tickets:
The Condors home opener is just 66 days away, when the Colorado Eagles come to town on Saturday, Oct. 15. Game time is 7 p.m. Ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale, starting at just $48. The Condors will battle the rival Stockton Thunder in Bakersfield in preseason action on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Visit www.BakersfieldCondors.com or call 324-PUCK(7825) for more information.