ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Acquire Handza from Wheeling

December 10, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors have acquired C Michael Handza (hand-zah) from the Wheeling Nailers in exchange for F Justin Chwedoruk, head coach Marty Raymond announced today.

Handza, who turns 24 this month, is in his rookie season, having recorded three assists and 22 penalty minutes in 19 games with the Nailers. He signed with Wheeling after completing a four-year career at the University of Denver, where he was a member of two National Championship teams, his freshman and sophomore campaigns.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound native of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania recorded 24 points and 162 penalty minutes in his college career, including a personal high 58 PIM as a senior. During his freshman season he played alongside former Condor Connor James. Prior to skating for the Pioneers, Handza played junior hockey for the Pittsburgh Forge in the North American Hockey League, leading his team in scoring as a rookie and winning a U.S. Junior National Championship, both in 2002.

"Handza is a good defensive center who played in a good system for four years at Denver," said Raymond. "Knowing that we have players coming in, we had to make a move. Although Justin is a good energy player, he didn't really fit the mold of our team, and Michael is more of what we're looking for at this point."

Chwedoruk had played in 19 games with the Condors this season, recording seven goals and 11 points. He signed with Bakersfield on October 24.

Notes from The Nest:

The Condors host the Fresno Falcons at Rabobank Arena Wednesday night for the annual Toy Drive, presented by ABC23 and R&D Leather Furniture. Fans that bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive $1 terrace admission to the game. Doors open at 6 p.m., puck drops at 7 p.m.

Bakersfield will then hit the road to Stockton for a game against the Thunder on Friday night. Opening face off is slated for 7:30 p.m.

The Condors are back in The Nest on Saturday, Dec. 15 when the Victoria Salmon Kings come to Condorstown. Dora the Explorer will be in attendance to mingle and take pictures with fans and there will be a special jersey retirement ceremony for Condors Legend Jamie Cooke, ensuring that no one will wear #28 for the Condors again. Cooke is the Condors all- time leader in goals (143) and is second in assists (170) and points (313).

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics



ECHL Stories from December 10, 2007


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