ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors sign champion defenseman and goalie

Published on September 9, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have signed D Patrik Prokop (PROH-kahp) and G Pier-Olivier Pelletier (PEE-air OH-lihv-EE-ay PEHL-tee-ay). The announcement was made by Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond.

Prokop, 21, signs his first professional contract, after spending the past four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he won back-to-back playoff titles. In 173 career QMJHL games, Prokop has accumulated 14g-67a-81pts.

"Everything about the Condors sounded and looked good," said Prokop. "I spoke to Marty about the goals for the season, and they seemed very good. I feel this is a big chance to prove myself to be a good player. I hope to play my best game in Bakersfield and be able to go to the next level."

In 2008-09, Prokop finished third on Drummondville's defense with 27 points, and helped his team to a regular season and a playoff title, along with a spot in the Memorial Cup. He amassed 4g-4a-8pts in 19 playoff games. A season earlier, he guided Gatineau to a QMJHL playoff title and an appearance in the Memorial Cup. His 28 points (2g-28a) in 19 QMJHL playoff games tied for third in the league and led all defensemen.

The 6-foot, 187-pound, Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic-native has twice represented his homeland on the international stage. In 2008, Prokop played in all six games for the host Czech Republic at the World Junior Championships, and in 2006, he was a member of the Caech Republic squad that took Bronze at the World Under-18 Championships.

_______________________________________________________

What Marty Raymond has to say about Prokop

"Patrik came highly recommended by Hamilton Bulldogs Head Coach Guy Boucher, who was his coach in Drummondville. Patrik is good offensively and poised defensively. He has won two championships in the QMJHL, which helps build character. For a young man, he will do very well, and we're happy to have him on our side."

_______________________________________________________

A 2005 second-round draft pick by the Phoenix Coyotes, Pelletier, 22, played for Waterloo of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) in 2008-09. In 11 games, Pelletier posted a record of 7-3-1. His 2.20 goals-against average was tied for second in the league and his .937 save percentage was best in the league.

"I've heard good things about the organization," said Pelletier. "It looks like Bakersfield has a nice rink and it's a good city. I used to play AAA juniors with Alexandre Monahan, Mathieu Aubin and Stephane Goulet, who have already signed with the Condors. I've been to a couple of NHL camps, but I'm excited to start playing at the professional level."

A 6-foot, 2-inch, 192-pound native of St. Louis, Quebec, Pelletier spent his entire junior career in the QMJHL, starring for Drummondville and Halifax. In his final two seasons in the QMJHL, Pelletier went a combined 53-33-5 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .892 save percentage.

In 2007, Pelletier led Drummondville to the quarterfinals of the QMJHL playoffs, posting a record of 7-5-0 with a 3.37 goals-against average and .893 save percentage.

Pelletier also brings international experience to the Condors. He served as the back-up to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price on the Canadian National Team at the 2005 U-18 World Championships in Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Pelletier has also seen time at NHL Training Camps with Phoenix and Detroit.

_______________________________________________________

What Marty Raymond has to say about Pelletier

"Pier-Olivier is a big goalie, who takes up the net well," said Raymond. "He's a goaltender with good technique, and we're excited to have him."

_______________________________________________________

Ticket Information:

The 2009-10 season opens in just 37 days, when the Condors host the Ontario Reign on Oct. 16. Season Ticket and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. Fans can make Condors season tickets even more affordable by using Extended AutoPay, which is a program that allows you to spread your payments out through February, 2010. Purchase discounted tickets when you bring a group of 20 or more out to a Condors game. Stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics

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



ECHL Stories from September 9, 2009


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