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Truelson signs for 2008-09
Defenseman buys home in Bakersfield after wedding
| Tuesday, Aug 26 2008 9:55 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Aug 26 2008 9:58 PM
Kevin Truelson has found a home in Bakersfield. Literally. Truelson, who married Kelsey Riley of Bakersfield on July 26, is in the process of purchasing a home in Bakersfield.
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That made it easy for Condors coach Marty Raymond to lure the veteran offensive-minded defenseman back to the Condors for a fourth straight season.
"Being married, I wanted to be here for one more year (and) it was pretty easy to agree to something," Truelson said. "Obviously, it's not the highest offer I saw but it was a pretty reasonable offer. You could say there was a little bit of a hometown discount."
The Condors announced the signing of Truelson, 27, as well as rookie defenseman Chris Kaufman on Tuesday.
"Negotiations were pretty easy. I thought it would be more complicated," Raymond said of coming to terms on a contract with Truelson. "Every one knows his strengths -- he's a good offensive guy and has great skating ability at this level. This is a big plus for us."
Truelson has led the Condors in defensive scoring all three of his past seasons and has been ranked in the top five league-wide during that time. In addition, he has been tied for first or led the team outright in the plus-minus category in all three seasons. His 144 points are second all-time for Condors defensemen, and he should overtake leader Glen Mears (168 points) this season.
Those are the type of numbers that get noticed.
Truelson said he had around 200 offers from hockey teams throughout Europe and the U.S.
"The options to (leave) were there but we chose to stay in Bakersfield," said Truelson, a native of Weymouth, Mass. "My wife has a job here, I get along with all the people here, some of my family is here and I like the city we're in. The only thing I don't like is the heat."
Raymond said he expects Truelson's usual on-ice production this season along with a little more off-ice interaction, especially with the younger players.
"I'll try to help the new kids out any way I can," Truelson said. "I don't think it'll be a big adjustment."
Kaufman, 25, was one of several players who joined the Condors late last season and helped the team secure a playoff berth.
"He showed great character, grit and good skills," Raymond said of Kaufman, who played in eight regular-season games and all six playoff games. "He was well-liked by his teammates, and I like the fact he has a bit of experience with us."
Raymond said Kaufman will be attending an American Hockey League training camp in Norfolk, Va., Tampa Bay's AHL affiliate.