Gurtler returns as Condors sign three rookies

Bakersfield, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors added three rookies to the roster today. Michael Gurtler, who finished the season with the Condors, re-signed, while F Kevin Lohry (LORE-ee) and C Mathew Sisca were both signed as well.

See Head Coach Matt O’Dette on CondorsTV

Gurtler, 24, emerged from the college level at the tail-end of last season, joining the Condors in March. He participated in seven games down the stretch, recording one assist and two penalty minutes. This came after the Rochester, NY, native compiled a solid four-year career at Mercyhurst College, hitting double-digits in goals in three of his four campaigns, plus a nine-goal freshman year. His totals with the Lakers amounted to 44g-54a-98pts in 138 contests.

Lohry, 23, turns pro after wrapping up a four-year career at Princeton University. He had a standout season as a senior, putting up 12 goals and 23 points in 32 contests. The Sioux City, Iowa, native had a flair for the dramatic during his college tenure, scoring three game-winning goals, including an overtime tally, and setting up seven other game winners in his career. He added three shorthanded goals as well. Lohry’s Princeton club claimed an ECAC title during his freshman season.

Sisca, 20, is entering his first season in the pro ranks after wrapping up a four-year junior career in the Ontario Hockey League. He split the 2010-11 campaign between the Guelph Storm and the Saginaw Spirit, compiling 12g-30a-42pts and 36 penalty minutes in 58 games. He notched career highs of 35 goals and 65 points for the Storm in 2009-10. The 5-8, 175-lb Woodbridge, Ontario native totaled 172 points (71g-101a) in 241 major junior games, with two 20-plus goal seasons under his belt. Sisca’s older brother, Daniel, played three seasons in the ECHL, starring with the Phoenix Roadrunners and Florida Everblades.

 

What Coach O’Dette says:

“Mike Gurtler is a guy we’re excited about. He’s a big guy that skates very well and has good skills, and we’re looking for him to develop into a power forward for us. Kevin Lohry is a guy with good speed and can do a lot of things well, including put the puck in the net. And Matt Sisca is a skilled guy who’s very dynamic and a fiery guy. We’re looking forward to seeing all three of these guys develop and become the great players that we know they can be.”

Get Tickets:
The Condors home opener is just 52 days away, when the ECHL’s brand new team, the Colorado Eagles, come to town on Saturday, Oct. 15. Game time is 7 p.m. Stay tuned as well for details regarding the Party on the Plaza, presented by the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association, prior to Opening Night’s contest. 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.