Condors Add Championship D-man Pokulok and Rookie Scorer Peralta
August 27, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have signed D Sasha Pokulok and rookie F Sal Peralta. The announcement was made by Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond.
A first round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in 2005, Pokulok comes to Condorstown having split his first three professional seasons between the American Hockey League and ECHL. Last season, the 6-foot 5-inch, 230-lb defender hoisted the Kelly Cup with the South Carolina Stingrays, and contributed four assists in 11 playoff contests. He notched 2g-9a-11pts and 37 penalty minutes in 23 regular season games for the Stingrays, and also suited up for the Hershey Bears in the AHL.
"I had a good talk with Coach Raymond," said Pokulok. "He told me about Bakersfield, and I felt it was the right fit. I don't know too much about the Condors, having played in South Carolina the past three years, but I played with [recent Condors signings] Stephane Goulet and Mathieu Aubin when we were younger."
Through his first three pro seasons, Pokulok has skated in more AHL games than ECHL games, appearing in 53 games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL throughout three seasons, from 2006-09. The Vaud-Dorion, Quebec, native will become the highest NHL draftee ever to skate for the Condors, taken 14th overall.
Prior to turning pro, Pokulok won a Gold Medal with Canada at the 2006 World Junior Championship in Vancouver, and had two standout seasons with Cornell University. As a rookie at Cornell, Pokulok led the Big Red to the top defense in Division I hockey in 2004-05. His efforts helped the team to a 1.88 goals-against average and earned him a spot on the ECAC All-Rookie Team. The following season, Pokulok and the stingy Cornell defense had a 2.20 goals-against average, ranked fourth-best in the country.
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What Marty Raymond has to say about Pokulok
"Sasha brings a lot of American Hockey League experience. He sees the ice well, is responsible defensively and effective offensively. Sasha is a young man who brings leadership, having been to the Kelly Cup Finals last season with South Carolina."
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Peralta, 26, joins the Condors after spending the past five seasons in the Canadian college ranks (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, where he captained his team to the CIS championship game in 2009, losing to University of New Brunswick. Peralta finished first or second on the Mustangs in scoring four times, including two team scoring titles.
His best season came in 2007-08, when he recorded 18g-23a-41-pts in just 28 games. His goal total tied for ninth in the league and his point total ranked eighth. In 131 games with Western Ontario, the Leamington, Ontario, native amassed 68 goals, 91 assists for 159 points.
"It feels good to sign and know I'm playing for a good organization," said Peralta. "I found out the Condors have a good fan base and a lot of support. They have a good reputation and having an affiliation with the Ducks is great for the organization. I'm looking forward to playing in Bakersfield. I grew up across the street from former Condors equipment manager Mike Ropchan. He said the building has a great atmosphere and the organization treats you well."
The 6-foot 2-inch 200-lb right wing skated for four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with Toronto and Windsor. Peralta had a breakout season in his final year of juniors in 2003-04, ranking third on Toronto in goals (23), third in assists (33) and second in points (56). In the post-season, Peralta finished second on the team in scoring (3g-10a-13pts) in 18 games. Peralta finished his junior career with 56 goals and 72 assists for 72 points in 220 games.
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What Marty Raymond has to say about Peralta
"Sal is a big man with very good speed. He was captain of his team in Western Ontario and led them to the CIS Championship game. He had a great career in the OHL and I expect he will do the same at the pro level."
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Ticket Information:
The 2009-10 season opens in just 50 days, when the Condors host the Ontario Reign on Oct. 16. Season Ticket and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. Fans can make Condors season tickets even more affordable by using Extended AutoPay, which is a program that allows you to spread your payments out through February, 2010. Purchase discounted tickets when you bring a group of 20 or more out to a Condors game. Stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.
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