King James Crowned as First Condor in NHL
January 4, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Former Condor Connor James was recalled from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League and signed to a one- year contract with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League, becoming the first former Condor to be called up to the NHL.
James was loaned to the Condors last season by the Kings organization. In 49 regular season appearances with Bakersfield, James recorded 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points. The Calgary, Alberta native was an instrumental member of the Condors special teams unit, racking up 7 goals and 4 assists on the man advantage and leading the team with 6 shorthanded points. In the team's first-ever appearance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs last year, James excelled as he tied for the team lead in playoff points with 4 (3 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games against the Alaska Aces.
The 23-year-old has recorded 22 points this season including nine goals, 13 assists and 22 penalty minutes in 33 games with the Monarchs. Prior to his professional debut, James suited up for four years at the University of Denver, where he led the Pioneers to the NCAA Frozen Four championship.
"There's a lot of pride here [in Bakersfield]," said Head Coach Marty Raymond. "We are proud of all that he accomplished. Connor is the first to play in Bakersfield and then in the NHL."
The Kings originally selected James, a 5-10, 170- pound forward in the ninth-round (279th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He has not appeared in an NHL game and will wear jersey No. 56.
James was called up by the Kings following the placement of center Eric Belanger on the injured reserve list due to a groin injury. He is expected to be with the team for the Kings' January 5th match-up with the Phoenix Coyotes at the Staples Center.
Bakersfield returns home this Saturday for a highly-anticipated match-up with the Alaska Aces. The first 2,000 children in attendance age 12 and under will receive a complimentary Condors backpack courtesy of KGET-TV and Goodwill Industries. Individual game tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Rabobank Arena box office, by phone at 322-2525, online at www.bakersfieldcondors.com, or at any Ticketmaster location. For group ticket or mini-plan info, contact the Condors offices at 324-PUCK (7825).
ECHL Stories from January 4, 2006
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