Condors add center Robins, defenseman Lepine
| Thursday, Aug 26 2010 11:01 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Aug 26 2010 11:01 PM
After spending the past two seasons wreaking havoc on the European Continent, Bobby Robins was looking for a possible path back to the American Hockey League.
He's found it with the Bakersfield Condors.
The Condors announced the signing of Robins, a tough-nosed center, as well as defenseman Jason Lepine on Thursday.
"I like guys who are feisty, can put up points and won't back down," Raymond said of Robins, who is entering his fifth pro season.
Robins (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) amassed 178 penalty minutes just 34 games (he also had seven points) for HK Jesenice in the Austria League last season. He had 46 points and 79 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Belfast Giants the season before.
"He can play the top two lines," Raymond said. "He plays hard, forechecks and will help out skillful players."
Robins started his career with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL, playing a full season in 2006-07 in which he posted 110 penalty minutes and 15 points in 80 games. He spent the bulk of the next season with Elmira in the ECHL, netting 35 points and 158 penalty minutes in 68 games.
"You just can't have guys who only fight," Raymond said. "You need someone who skates and plays regular shifts. He wants to get back up to the next level and we have plans for him to go to AHL camp (with the Houston Aeros)."
Lepine (5-11, 185) is also starting his fifth pro season. He played for Bloomington, Ind., in the IHL last season where he had 11 goals and 44 points in 74 games, tops for defensemen on the team. He's also played a handful of AHL games.
"He's one of those guys who got better as his career progressed," Raymond said of He's in super shape, good with the puck and skates well."
The Condors, who announced an affiliation with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, now have nine players under contract for the upcoming season.
