Young center to make pro debut for Condors tonight
| Thursday, Jan 05 2012 05:53 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Jan 05 2012 05:53 PM
Former University of Nebraska at Omaha center Alex Hudson will be starting his pro career a bit earlier than anticipated when he makes his debut tonight for the Bakersfield Condors.
Hudson, who scored scored 37 goals with 45 assists in 130 career games for the Mavericks, was dismissed from the team on Dec. 15 by coach Dean Blais for a second violation of team rules.
“It’s a delicate situation and I’m not going to comment on it,” Condors coach Matt O’Dette said of what led to the end of Hudson’s collegiate career. “He had an issue at school. It was a mistake. We judge people by what they do here.”
Hudson (6-foot, 209 pounds) was named team captain in September but lost his captaincy at the start of the season as he served a four-game suspension for his first violation of team rules.
Blias said the dismissal was a loss for the team as well as Hudson, who had 10 points in 16 games this year.
“Its a big loss for him obviously, with NHL and AHL possibilities ... what does he do now?,” Blias told the Omaha World-Herald. “It’s real disappointing that this happened.”
As to what Hudson does now, the answer, O’Dette said, is to make the most of his opportunity with the Condors.
“It think this was the best opportunity for him,” O’Dette said. “We have a lot of young players getting the chance to play and contributing. He’s a highly touted player and we landed him.”
O’Dette said he learned of Hudson’s plight from John Olver, who serves as director of player personnel for the Condors. Contacts were made and it was discovered that Hudson’s agent was also the agent for Condor goaltender Matt Keetley.
“I think Keets’ experience here, how he’s been treated, certainly helped (in landing Hudson),” O’Dette said. “Your players are often your best recruiters.”
Hudson, of Corona, had a career high 14 goals as a sophomore for the Mavericks and was fourth in team scoring as a junior with a career-high 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists).
“He’s got speed and explosive power,” O’Dette said. “He’s fast and strong and can play at both ends of the ice. He’s the type of player that can get the crowd into the game.”
