
Condors ink rookies Kemp and Eichenlaub
June 23, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have signed RW Nick Kemp and D Raymond Eichenlaub (IKE-en-LAWB). The announcement was made by Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond.
Kemp, 23, joins the Condors after completing four seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth of the WCHA. There, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the WCHA Championship and the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2008-09. In 150 career games with Minnesota-Duluth, Kemp recorded 23 goals and 28 assists, along with 125 PIM. Kemp missed only eight games throughout his four-year college career.
"Nick is a really good grinder, who finishes his checks and skates well," said Raymond. "He's a smart player and a blue-collared type of guy we're looking for."
A native of Hermantown, Minnesota, the 6-foot 1-inch, 210-lb Kemp spent one year with Sioux City of the United States Hockey League prior to joining the Bulldogs. With Sioux City, Kemp ranked tied for sixth on the team with 38 points in 2004-05. As an instrumental part of Sioux City's runner-up finish in the Clark Cup playoffs, Kemp recorded 2 goals and 4 assists in 13 games.
"I'm really excited to get a chance to play in Bakersfield," said Kemp. "It was great when Coach Raymond called me and said he wanted me to play for him. I jumped right at the chance and look forward to getting out to Bakersfield. I consider myself a two-way forward, who likes to play physical, but can also score some goals. My biggest asset is my size."
Eichenlaub, 23, signs with the Condors fresh off his trip to the NCAA title game with the University of Miami (Ohio) last season. The RedHawks fell to Boston University in overtime in the championship game, held at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. A native of Wilmette, Illinois, Eichenlaub played four seasons on the Miami blueline, totaling 9 goals and 36 assists in 145 games.
"Ray is a very well-rounded defenseman," said Coach Raymond. "He can put up good numbers, but also plays sound defensive hockey. He's very reliable at both ends of the ice and will work hard every night."
Prior to joining the RedHawks, the 6-foot 2-inch 200-lb Eichenlaub spent two seasons with Cedar Rapids of the USHL, capturing the regular season and playoff championships in 2004-05. Eichenlaub was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year in 2004-05, setting a team record for goals by a defenseman with 12.
"I'm excited to come play for a city that seems like they rally around their hockey," said Eichenlaub, who resides in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette. "It's a big accomplishment for me to be able to move on and further my career. I'm really looking forward to getting out there and I'm going to play as hard as possible for the city and the fans."
Kemp and Eichenlaub faced off in 2005 while both playing in the USHL, with Eichenlaub's Cedar Rapids squad claiming the Clark Cup Championship over Kemp's Sioux City team. They become the first players under contract with the Condors for the 2009-10 season.
Ticket Information: The 2009-10 season opens in 115 days, when the Condors host the Ontario Reign on Oct. 16. Season Ticket and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. A June ticket package special is now underway - any fan who purchases a qualifying ticket package for the 2009-10 season during the month of June will receive free pancakes from Pappy's Coffee Shop all summer long! Stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.
ECHL Stories from June 23, 2009
- Condors ink rookies Kemp and Eichenlaub - Bakersfield Condors
- Gladiators Release 2009-10 Schedule - Atlanta Gladiators
- Auffrey Joins Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
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