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ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Blake Kessel Acquired from Bakersfield

November 8, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that they have acquired defenseman Blake Kessel from the Bakersfield Condors in exchange for future considerations. Kessel finished last season second in scoring among ECHL defensemen with 41 points in 54 games.

Kessel (6-2, 209 lbs.) was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders and has played two games for the Bakersfield Condors this season, notching two assists. He skated in 54 games for the Trenton Titans, recording 41 points to rank second among ECHL defensemen on eight goals and 33 assists, last season and also scored two goals and added two assists in seven games with the Adirondack Phantoms (AHL). Kessel began his professional career in 2011-12 with Adirondack, playing 56 games and recording 18 points (1 goal, 17 assists).

A native of Madison, WI, Kessel played three seasons (2008-11) for the University of New Hampshire, winning the Hockey East Regular Season Championship in 2009-10. Kessel was selected as a First Team All-American in 2010-11 and to the Hockey East First All-Star Team in 2009-10 and 2010-11. He played two seasons (2006-08) for the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL (United States Hockey League) where he had 95 points (30 goals, 65 assists) in 118 games. After being selected to the USHL All-Rookie team in 2006-07, Kessel won the USHL Defenseman of the Year Award while leading all defensemen in goals (19), assists (38), and points (57) in 2007-08.

Blake Kessel is the younger brother of Phil Kessel who plays for Orlando's NHL affiliate, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Orlando Solar Bears individual game tickets for the 2013-14 season are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.

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