Condors Past and Present Shine at Rookie Tournament
September 12, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- Recent Condors signees Oriel McHugh and Nate Metcalf joined former Condors Connor James and Yutaka Fukufuji at the Pacific Shootout Rookie Tournament in San Jose this past weekend. The four players were part of a team comprised of rookies and prospects from the Los Angeles Kings organization and finished second among three other NHL rookie squads.
Forward Connor James made the biggest impression among the Bakersfield quartet, putting up two goals and three assists in four games. James suited up in 51 games for the Condors in 2004-05, recording 21 goals and 24 assists before getting called up by the Kings to Manchester for the end of the AHL season. The 2nd year player, a member of the 2003-04 University of Denver national championship team, stole the show with two goals and an assist in a 5-4 Kings win over the San Jose Sharks on Sept. 10th.
Goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji saw plenty of action for the Kings at the tournament, starting in two games. The Tokyo native, seeking to become the first Japanese player to appear in an NHL game, gave up 5 goals in 81 minutes in net, and made 16 saves on 18 shots in the Kings 4-3 loss to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the tournament's title game. In 2004- 05, Fukufuji set Condors single-season ECHL records for wins (27), saves (1182), goals against average (2.48) and save percentage (.919).
New signee Oriel McHugh was impressive throughout the tournament as he hit the scoresheet in two of the four tournament games. The defenseman put up an assist alongside James in the first period against the Phoenix Coyotes on Sept. 9th, then doubled that effort with two assists in the title game against the Ducks. McHugh spent last season with the CHL's Laredo Bucks, where he was 4th among defensemen and 1st among rookies in plus- minus rating with +34.
Nate Metcalf also suited up for the Kings rookie team, and despite being held without a point was able to exhibit some toughness. Metcalf took a puck to the face in the third period against Phoenix and received several stitches, but returned to action for the following game. Metcalf fired off five shots on goal in two appearances.
According to Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond, Metcalf and his teammate McHugh had favorable performances throughout the tournament. "Oriel and Nate played well," said Raymond. "Connor and Fukufuji were also excellent and did well for themselves."
Raymond also observed how the new rule changes and focus on obstruction changed the flow of the game and how they affected the tournament.
"It was a very competitive camp, and there were some interesting changes," said Raymond. "The way games will be officiated was noticeable. They were averaging 25 penalties per game. It tells me that special teams will be key in the new hockey landscape."
The Bakersfield Condors season opens in 40 days at home on October 22nd against the Victoria Salmon Kings.
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