Condors Bring In Trio of New Players

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Matt O’Dette have announced that the team has agreed to terms with F David Toews(TAVES), F Nicholas Prockow (PRAHK-ow), and D Olivier Dame-Malka (o-LIV-ee-AY, DAME, MALK-ah) for the upcoming 2012-13 season. The Condors training camp roster now stands at 19 with 10 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders. To view the entire training camp roster, click here.

 

CONDORS.TV O’DETTE INTERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS

Toews, 22, was a drafted in the third round (#66 overall) of the 2008NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders after a tremendous career for the prestigious Minnesota Prep School Shattuck St. Mary’s (SSM). After amassing 181 points (78g-103a) in two seasons at SSM, Toews played two years at the University of North Dakota where he recorded nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 55 games. Following his sophomore season at North Dakota, he went on to play one season for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he tallied 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points in 60 games prior to turning pro.

Last season, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native broke into the pro ranks with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL), playing in 42 games with three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. He earned a call-up to the American Hockey League (AHL) as well, playing in two games with the Rockford IceHogs. The 5’11”, 200 lbs. forward is the younger brother of Jonathan Toews, current captain of the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL).

“I’m really excited to come to Bakersfield, play to my ability, and show what I can do,” Toews said. “I talked with (former college teammate) Evan Trupp over the summer and he had nothing but good things to say about the organization and the support from the fans. After talking with Coach O’Dette, I’m definitely looking forward to coming to the Condors.”

“He’s a very talented offensive player,” O’Dette said. “Obviously the pedigree is there, but last season didn’t go according to plan for him. He’s looking for a fresh start, and there’s going to be a great opportunity for him out here.”

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Dame-Malka enters his secondprofessional season after splitting time with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) and Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) in 2011-12. In 36 games with the Nailers, he recorded seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. While with Hamilton, the 22-year old played 21 games with three points (1g-2a).

Prior to his professional career, the 5’11”, 185 lbs. blueliner played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for three teams which culminated in a tremendous final campaign with the Lewiston MAINEiacs. In 64 games with Lewiston in 2010-11, Dame-Malka potted 16 goals with 39 assists for 55 points and a plus-16 (+16) plus/minus rating. He continued his torrid pace into the playoffs, averaging over a point per game, 19 points (9g-10a) in 15 post-season contests.

“I’m very happy to be a Condor,” he said. “I know (current Condor and former teammate) Francis Meilleur really well and I’m excited to start the season. The summer has been too long and I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”

“One of our goals this off-season was to find guys to improve our power play and he certainly will do that for us,” said O’Dette. “He’s an offensive-minded defenseman who has a big shot and we’ll look to develop him for the next level into an all-around d-man.”

Prockow spent the last four seasons at Colgate University (NCAA) where he played 152 games, only missing two his entire career. He scored 19 goals and added 27 assists for 46 points. The 6’2″, 207 lbs. native of Montreal, Quebec had a college-high of 17 points (8g-9a) in his sophomore campaign for the Raiders. The 23-year old becomes the fourth rookie on the Condors training camp roster.

“I’m excited for this new phase of my career and the opportunity to play at the next level,” Prockow said. “I consider myself a two-way, power forward, not afraid to play physical, and I’m willing to do anything I need to do.”

“We’re looking to add size to compliment our smaller, skilled guys up front and Nick does that,” O’Dette continued. “His style of play is more conducive to the pro game. He works the walls well, works the corners, goes to the net hard, and does all the little things well.”

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