Condors Bring Back Haines and Agree to Terms with Hellyer
July 30, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
CONDORSTOWN, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with returning D Kyle Haines and the 2012-13 Central Hockey League (CHL) Rookie of the Year RW Mike Hellyer (HEL-yer) for the 2013-14 season. Bakersfield's roster stands at four with the previous announcements of LW Brett Lutes and C Gary Steffes. Download the Condors roster by clicking here.
Haines, 25, played 38 games with Bakersfield last season after being acquired in a trade on Dec. 31, 2012 with the Greenville Road Warriors. After posting eight points (4g-4a) in 18 games with Greenville, the Weyburn, Saskatchewan native scored six goals and added six assists for 12 points with the Condors. He produced a big weekend on January 11-12, 2013 with four points (3g-1a) in a two-game sweep of Idaho.
"JO (General Manager John Olver) and Troy (Mann) have lots of experience in moving players on to the next level and I'm excited to come back to Bakersfield," Haines said. "The fans are great and supportive no matter the situation and made Bakersfield an attractive place to play. From a team standpoint, I think we're focused on making a deep run in the playoffs and individually I just want to contribute every night and be a positive guy in the (dressing) room."
He began his professional career in 2011-12, playing two games in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Lake Erie Monsters after completing a four-year collegiate career at Lake Superior State University. With the Lakers, Haines potted 13 goals and assisted on 29 for 42 points in 134 games.
Troy's Take:
"I've heard a ton of good things about him. JO got to know him last season and really liked his character. He is a puck mover who has shown the ability to score without really playing on the power play. We plan to use him on our power play and get production from the back end."
Hellyer, 27, splashed onto the scene last season with the CHL's Quad City Mallards en route to winning the league's Rookie of the Year award. From Brandon, Manitoba, Hellyer registered 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points in 63 games, pacing all rookies in points and assists. The 5'9", 185 lbs. right-winger played five seasons for the University of Manitoba and four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) prior to turning pro in 2011-12.
"I talked to a lot of teams, but the thing that attracted me most in talking with the staff was the winning attitude they have," Hellyer said. "Coach Mann has tremendous respect from that players I talked to who have played for him. I want to build as a pro, contribute offensively, and continue to improve my game."
Troy's Take:
"Certainly 61 points as a rookie and winning the CHL's Rookie of the Year Award is enticing. We're anxious to get him into camp and see what he can do. He's a smaller, skilled player, who we're looking forward to bringing here."
Jersey unveiling tomorrow! After two weeks of teasing them on social media, the Condors will unveil their new look 2013-14 jerseys TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 31. Information will be provided as to how fans can pre-order their jerseys and see them in person at the Condors office. LIKE the team on Facebook (/bakersfieldcondors) and FOLLOW the team on Twitter and Instagram (@Condors) to see all of the sneak peeks thus far.
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Download the 2013-14 Condors schedule by clicking here.
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- Condors Bring Back Haines and Agree to Terms with Hellyer - Bakersfield Condors
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