Condors bring back St. Jacques, sign McHugh
August 25, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- The Bakersfield Condors today announced the return of forward Kevin St. Jacques and the signing of defenseman Oriel McHugh.
St. Jacques, 33, joins the Condors for a second season after helping to guide Bakersfield to the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. He recorded 15 goals, 43 assists, 58 points and 99 penalty minutes in 62 regular-season games last season. St. Jacques also added 3 assists in 5 playoff games for the Condors.
"Kevin was a big part of our success last year, and we wanted him back for this season. He's well- liked in the Bakersfield community, he loves this town, and he wants to win a title here as much as the fans do," said Raymond.
St. Jacques is the second veteran signed by the Condors for 2005-06; Sean Venedam was the first veteran announced. A veteran designated by ECHL rules is a player that has played in at least 288 professional games. St. Jacques has played in 811 pro games. Each team is allowed up to four veterans.
McHugh, 24, makes his way West after spending his first season in the pros with the Laredo Bucks. The St. Laurent, Quebec native played in 57 games and recorded 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points and 55 PIMs during the regular season. McHugh had 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points and 8 PIMs in 16 playoff games as the Bucks secured the Southeast Division title and advanced to the President's Cup Finals. He ranked 4th among CHL defensemen and 1st among rookies in regular-season plus-minus rating with a +34.
At the University of Vermont, McHugh captained the Catamounts as a senior in 2003-04, and tied for the team lead among defensemen with four goals, including two game-winners. In his four years at Vermont, McHugh took the ice in 116 games and compiled a 13-10-23 scoring line. Following his senior season, McHugh was awarded the inaugural Mike Gilligan Leadership Award in recognition of his captaincy and service to the UVM community.
"He had a real presence in the Central Hockey League last year," said Coach Raymond. "We got a good look at him at the [Los Angeles] Kings' rookie camp and knew he could bring some bulk and strength to the table."
St. Jacques and McHugh join Scott Borders, Mike Hofstrand, Kevin Kotyluk, Reagan Leslie, Nate Metcalf, Andrew Oke, Anders Olson, Justin Queneville, Oscar Stenberg, and Sean Venedam on the ice for 2005-06 season, bringing the total number of players signed to 12.
Condor Droppings: McHugh and recent signee Nate Metcalf will represent the Condors at the Los Angeles Kings Rookie Camp at San Jose in September...In addition to recent signee F Kevin Kotulyk, the return of St. Jacques will continue the Condors tradition of starting the season with at least one set of players who share the same first name. Other local favorites included the Pauls (Rosebush and Willett) from 1999-00 to 2003-04 and the Jeffs (Jubenville, Gorman, Petruic and Pierce) in the 1997- 98 season.
The Bakersfield Condors season opens in 58 days on October 22nd at home against the Victoria Salmon Kings.
ECHL Stories from August 25, 2005
- Wranglers sign UMD star Evan Schwabe - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Checkers hire athletic trainer and equipment manager - Charlotte Checkers
- Salmon Kings sign Gare - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Gladiators to visit Civic and Business Groups - Atlanta Gladiators
- Mississippi Sea Wolves Announce Affiliations With New York Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Checkers hire Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager - Charlotte Checkers
- Islanders name Capuano Assistant Coach - ECHL
- Roadrunners net Kostichka - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Condors bring back St. Jacques, sign McHugh - Bakersfield Condors
- Grizzlies coaches visit Davis County - Utah Grizzlies
- Everblades announce schedule change - Florida Everblades
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