The Anaheim Ducks are giving goaltender David McKee a second chance and that could lead to the former Hobey Baker finalist trying to jump start his career in Bakersfield.
The Condors have yet to make an announcement (expect that today) but they have secured McKee’s ECHL rights and the third-year pro is participating in the Ducks Rookie Camp which concludes Tuesday night in Las Vegas with a game against the San Jose Sharks rookie.
McKee, who was one of three finalists for the the outstanding player award in college hockey after a stellar sophomore season at Cornell University, signed with the Ducks as a free agent after his junior year at Cornell University in 2006.
But the Ducks released him after one season and he was a bit of a nomad last season before landing in Phoenix where he played 23 games for the ECHL RoadRunners.
McKee, 24, signed a minor-league contract this summer with the Ducks and will be in Bakersfield if he does not beat out J.P. Levasseur for a spot with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, the Iowa Chops. Levasseur as well Marco Cousineau, a third-round pick by Anaheim in the 2008 entry draft, are also in rookie camp. Cousineau is expected to return to juniors this season.
The Ducks open their regular training camp on Saturday and Iowa opens training camp on Sept. 28. The Condors open training camp on Oct. 3.
Notice the trickle-down effect.