Bonk and Rudisuela become first Condors for 2008-09
June 17, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have announced the signing of C Dave Bonk and rookie C Dan Rudisuela (ROO-dee-SELL-uh). The announcement was made by Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond. The duo becomes the first Condors players under contract for the 2008-09 season.
Bonk, 26, played in Condorstown in 2005-06, averaging a point per game after being acquired in mid-season. The Brandon, Manitoba native had 19 goals and 36 points in just 36 games with the club. He also added 15 points (7g-8a) in 14 Kelly Cup Playoff games, setting Condors single season playoff records for goals and points. His North American totals include 39 goals and 95 points in 126 games, while spending only the first two seasons of his pro career on this side of the pond.
After his season with the Condors, Bonk spent two campaigns in Europe. Last season he had 41 points (14g-27a) in 50 games in the German Bundisliga with Crimmitschau ETC, and he averaged two points per game with Tilburg in the Netherlands with 79 points (33g-46a) in 40 games in 2006-07.
"I'm excited to be coming back," said Bonk. "I liked it there, I liked the coaching staff and my wife liked it there. It's one of the best places in the ECHL to play, with the fans and the arena. And I was part of the first Condors team to make it to the second round, we were basically one period away from going to the Conference Finals, so that was fun to be a part of."
Rudisuela, 25, is entering his rookie season in the pro ranks after spending four seasons at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Last season, Rudisuela recorded 33 points (13g-20a) in 26 games, while winning the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) Most Sportsmanlike Player award and being selected to the Academic All-Canadian Team.
Born in Sarnia, Ontario, the 5-foot, 7-inch center grew up and played his major junior hockey in Mississauga, Ontario (OHL), where he scored more than 20 goals in back-to-back seasons to finish his career with the Ice Dogs. After that he attended Saint Mary's, where in 2006-07 he was named the school's Male Athlete of the Year, and led the Atlantic University Sport Conference in scoring with 20 goals and 45 points in 26 games, earning him First Team All-Star and MVP honors, while ranking third in the nation in scoring. He will be attending prospect camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs later this summer.
"Late last season the Condors contacted me, and I heard nothing but great things about the organization and the town," said Rudisuela. "It's a great opportunity for me to start my career and progress from there. It's a real exciting time for me."
"In an effort to get skill and character we start with Dan and Dave," said Raymond. "Both have skills and speed and we're happy for both of them to come to our club. Dave was here a couple of seasons ago and we appreciated him and we're glad to be able to get him back. We feel these two guys are a very good start to building our hockey team."
Condors take home league awards
The Condors claimed two awards from the ECHL Marketing and Communications Meetings last week, taking home Website of the Year and the Marketing Award of Excellence honors. The Condors website, www.bakersfieldcondors.com, was selected through a judging process by Rich Libero from NHL.com, and was a winner for the second time in the last four seasons. The team's marketing award stemmed from the 10th anniversary celebration, which showcased the Condors history through the website, game night videos, advertising and other promotions.
ECHL Stories from June 17, 2008
- Ticket Department voted as National Conference's best - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Bonk and Rudisuela become first Condors for 2008-09 - Bakersfield Condors
- Nailers Free Agent Camp Set For August - Wheeling Nailers
- Blades sign first player for '08-'09 season - Florida Everblades
- Reading, Victoria Receive Ticket Department Awards - ECHL
- Chiefs Announce 08-09 Season-Ending Roster - Johnstown Chiefs
- Sea Wolves Announce Season Ending Roster - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- RoadRunners Send Miller To Las Vegas - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Defenseman Added As Wranglers Complete Trade With Phoenix - Las Vegas Wranglers
- ECHL and Royals Unveil Logos For 2009 All-Star Game - Reading Royals
- ECHL, Royals Unveil 2009 All-Star Game Logo - ECHL
- Alaska, Reading Earn Marketing Campaign Awards - ECHL
- Bakersfield, Charlotte Receive ECHL Marketing Award Of Excellence - ECHL
- Chuck-A-Puck" Returns - Trenton Devils
- Blades release season-ending roster - Florida Everblades
- Stingrays Announce Season-Ending Roster - South Carolina Stingrays
- Ice Pilots Acquire Goaltender from Fresno - Pensacola Ice Pilots
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