Condors goalie remains property of Kings
August 12, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Los Angeles Kings announced that they have agreed to terms on a two- year entry level contract with goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji, who played in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors in 2004-05 and with Cincinnati in 2002-03.
Selected in the eighth round (238th overall) by Los Angeles in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the 22-year- old Fukufuji played in Bakersfield in 2004-05 with 44 appearances, 27 wins, three shutouts and a goals- against average of 2.48 while finishing second on the team with a save percentage of .919. Fukufuji tied for fifth in the league in wins and helped the Condors advance to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. He is only the second Japanese player to be drafted by an NHL team.
"It couldn't have happened to a better person, he worked extremely hard for us. He's very deserving of an NHL contract," said Head Coach Marty Raymond. "It's a possibility that we may see him back in Bakersfield, but it'd be great for him if he went to the American Hockey League."
Born in Tokyo, Fukufuji became the first Japanese-born goaltender to start an ECHL game with Cincinnati, winning his North American debut with a 3-2 shootout win at Johnstown on February 7, 2003. He finished the season with a record of 4-3-0 and had a goals- against average of 3.13 and a save percentage of .915 in nine games with Cincinnati.
He played in 2001-02 with the Kokudo Bunnies of the Japan Hockey League posting a goals-against average of 2.94. Fukufuji has played the past four years as a member of the Japanese National Team.
The Bakersfield Condors season opens in 71 days on October 22nd at home against the Victoria Salmon Kings.
Learn more...
Buy Tickets
Season tickets for the 2005-06 Condors season are on sale now at the Condors office located at 1001 Truxtun Avenue or by calling at 324-PUCK (7825).
ECHL Stories from August 12, 2005
- Fisher to skate on Augusta's frozen pond - Augusta Lynx
- Jersey Auction to Benefit Operation Soldier - Fresno Falcons
- Condors goalie remains property of Kings - Bakersfield Condors
- Ice Dogs land another college standout - Long Beach Ice Dogs
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.
