Condors bolster blueline, bring back all-star Truelson and rookie Kaufman
August 26, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, announced today they have re-signed all-star D Kevin Truelson and rookie D Chris Kaufman. The announcement was made by Head Coach Marty Raymond.
Truelson, 27, rejoins the Condors for the fourth consecutive season. The veteran defenseman from Weymouth, Massachusetts tallied 46 points (13g, 33a) in 69 games last season to lead all Bakersfield defensemen, producing his third straight year with at least 45 points from the backline. Truelson, who was an alternate captain last season, also represented the Condors as a starter in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game, his second career all-star selection.
No defenseman has accumulated more points, goals or assists in Condors history than Truelson, who has 144 points (41g, 103a) in 189 games, which is the 10th-highest amount of games played by a Condor. His 41 goals are most among defensemen in Bakersfield's all-time history as well, and he only trails Condors Legend Glen Mears in points (168) and assists (140). Truelson also has skated in 27 playoff games for the Condors, second most in Bakersfield's history, with records among Bakersfield defensemen with 14 points and five goals.
"It's definitely good to be playing here another year," Truelson said. "My wife is from here and I live here now, so it works on and off the ice. The team so far looks young - it's going to be a group with a lot of energy. Hopefully we can get off to a good start and keep it going the whole year."
Prior to joining the Condors in 2005-06, Truelson made ECHL stops in Fresno, Gwinnett and Long Beach after graduating from the University of New Hampshire (NCAA), where he played for four seasons from 1999 to 2003.
Kaufman, 25, made his professional debut with the Condors late last season after concluding his college career at Robert Morris University (College Hockey America). He appeared in eight regular season games with Bakersfield as well as all six playoff games, in which he tallied two assists.
"Joining the team last year was awesome," said Kaufman. "The way that the fans and the city treat the players and love the team - it's something I wanted to be a part of again. I think we're going to be young and exciting, and I'm looking forward to playing a full year and seeing what we can do."
The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound native of Gig Harbor, Washington served as a captain at Robert Morris in each of his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He completed his college career with 50 points (12g, 38a) in 118 games, coupled with 98 penalty minutes, finishing first or second among defensemen on his team in scoring all four years with the Colonials. Kaufman was named to the CHA All-Rookie Team his freshman season and was tabbed for the CHA All-Academic Team his senior year.
"Obviously, defense is a big part of a successful hockey team, and Kevin is a veteran guy who is one of the best in the league," Raymond said. "Chris is another good character guy that joined our team late last year and brings grit and skill. They will play a major role in us being a better hockey club."
Truelson and Kaufman become the 13th and 14th players on the Condors roster, joining D Scott Balan, C Dave Bonk, D Martin Frechette, G Yutaka Fukufuji, RW Liam Huculak, F Andrew Ianiero, F Tylor Michel, F Dale Reinhardt, LW Dany Roussin, C Dan Rudisuela, C Ryan Salvis and D Tyler Scott.
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ECHL Stories from August 26, 2008
- Grizzlies Acquire Scero From Mississippi - Utah Grizzlies
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