Condors Get AHL Experience with Nelson; Grit with West

CONDORS.TV INTERVIEW/HIGHLIGHTS

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.

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