ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors Bring Back Pender and Kushneriuk

Published on June 26, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


CONDORSTOWN, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors have announced that the team has agreed to terms with D Justin Pender and F Chris Kushneriuk.

"Pender really brings a complete game to our lineup," said Condors Head Coach Matt O'Dette. "He's a guy that can play on both ends of the ice and has that added toughness. One of his biggest assets is his shot and he worked his way into becoming our trigger man on the power play because of it."

Standing 6'4" tall and weighing 212 lbs, Pender proved not only that he would be physical in his own end in 2011-12, but showed that he could provide offensive output when called upon. A waiver wire pickup in mid-November, the third-year pro went on to play 54 games in Condorstown with seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points. The St. John's, Newfoundland native was fifth on the team in fighting majors as well with four and amassed 100 penalty minutes for the second time in his career.

The 23-year old was strong down the stretch as over a six-game span in mid-March, he scored three goals and added 6 assists for nine points. He also showed a knack for scoring long-distance tallies as two of his blasts came from near the red line.

Prior to being hampered by injuries that caused him to miss over a month of the season, F Chris Kushneriuk made an immediate impact on the Condors lineup.

"Well, I think you saw what Kush can bring to the table that first game he played for us with three assists right off the hop," said O'Dette. "He has speed and an engine that doesn't stop. It's one speed the entire time and you can never have enough guys in your lineup that play the game that way."

The rookie played 25 games in Bakersfield after being acquired from Wheeling on Dec. 1. In those 25 games, Kushneriuk found a home on a line with fellow rookies C Parker Stanfield and F Evan Trupp where he potted two goals and registered 10 assists for 12 points as a Condor. Overall, his stat line included 14 points (3g-11a) in 39 games played.

His tenacity and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team also landed the Ottawa, Ontario native into his first two professional fights.

Pender and Kushneriuk join RW Tyler Helfrich as players who have agreed to terms with the Condors for 2012-13.

SCHEDULE IS OUT, SO DON'T MISS OUT!

The 15th Anniversary Season in Condorstown starts on October 14th with a 5 p.m. game against the Las Vegas Wranglers. With 28 of the 36 home games on the weekend, there is no excuse not to check out the best family entertainment in Bakersfield.

15 MINUTES COULD SAVE YOU 15% ON TICKETS

From now through July 15th, all NEW 2012-13 Condors ticket plans are 15% off. Plus, fans who purchase four (4) or more new ticket plans will receive $15 worth of food & beverage to use, PLUS 15 FREE additional gifts, including movie passes, public skating passes, a Condors snuggie, 15th Anniversary puck, and more! For more information call a Condors sales representative today at 324-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from June 26, 2012


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.

OurSports Central