Condors Add Hofstrand, Kotyluk to Roster
Published on August 23, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- The Bakersfield Condors today announced the signings of center Mike Hofstrand and winger Kevin Kotyluk.
Hofstrand (pictured right), returns for his 2nd season in Bakersfield, hoping to improve his performance after limited action due to injury last season. Despite only 37 regular season appearances, Hofstrand contributed with 16 assists and 5 goals and went on to add 1 goal in his lone appearance in the 2005 Kelly Cup Playoffs (Game 5 @ Alaska).
Hofstrand, 27, has recorded 36 goals and 73 assists during his playing time in North America. The Fort St. John, BC native has 21 total playoff games to his credit, 20 of which came in the two years he spent with the Elmira Jackals of the United Hockey League (UHL). Hofstrand also brings overseas experience as he centered for Germany's Stuttgart Wizards in 2003-04, where he finished second on the team in goals, assists and points.
"We're happy to have Mike returning," said Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond. "Mike got off to a great start last year, but wasn't able to come back as strong after injury. He's a great addition as a third-line center, and he's looking forward to a full, complete and healthy season."
Kotyluk (pictured left), joins the Condors from the UHL where he split the 2004-05 season between the Fort Wayne Komets and the Kalamazoo Wings. He recorded 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points and 20 PIM in 11 games with Fort Wayne. Kotyluk, 25, went on to tally 23 goals, 24 assists, 47 points and 212 PIM for Kalamazoo in 62 regular season games. He helped the Wings in the 2005 UHL playoffs with 2 assists in 6 games. The 230-pound, 6'3" winger brings size and a much needed offense-minded approach to the Condors attack.
"We needed more size and Kotyluk's a big man who's not only tough, but can score," said Raymond. "He's a good skater for his size, and it allows us to put some size on the wing."
Hofstrand and Kotyluk join Oscar Stenberg, Scott Borders, Andrew Oke, Sean Venedam, Nate Metcalf, Reagan Leslie, Anders Olsson and Justin Quenneville on the ice for 2005-06 season, bringing the total number of players signed to 10.
The Bakersfield Condors season opens in 60 days on October 22nd at home against the Victoria Salmon Kings.
ECHL Stories from August 23, 2005
- Condors Add Hofstrand, Kotyluk to Roster - Bakersfield Condors
- Media/Fan Advisory - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Wright, Peterson return - Augusta Lynx
- RoadRunners J.J. Daigneault Lends a Hand to Bashas' 2005 Pack Off - Phoenix RoadRunners
- NHL Promotes Former ECHL Officials McCauley, O'Rourke - ECHL
- Thunder Roster Grows By Two More - Stockton Thunder
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
