Oilers send Yamamoto to WHL, recall Malone from AHL Bakersfield

The Edmonton Oilers have assigned 19-year-old forward Kailer Yamamoto to the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL.

Yamamoto, the 22nd overall pick in tge 2017 NHL Draft, recorded three assists in nine games this season.

The Oilers have also recalled forward Brad Malone from the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL.

Condors goaltender Ellis named CCM/AHL Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The American Hockey League announced today that Bakersfield Condors goaltender Nick Ellis has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 22, 2017.

Ellis made two starts last week and stopped 67 of 68 shots to lead the Condors to back-to-back road victories against one of their Pacific Division rivals.

With the Condors heading to Ontario for a two-game set, Ellis helped spoil the Reign’s home opener on Friday with a 32-save performance, backstopping Bakersfield to a 2-0 victory. Then on Saturday, Ellis turned aside 35 of 36 Ontario shots, allowing only an extra-attacker goal with 1:55 remaining in regulation as the Condors finished the weekend sweep with a 3-1 win.

A second-year pro out of Providence College, Ellis is 2-1-0 in three appearances so far in 2017-18, posting a 1.35 goals-against average and a .956 save percentage. The 23-year-old native of Millersville, Md., played 34 games for the Condors as a rookie last season, going 16-12-2 with a 2.69 GAA and a .918 save percentage with one shutout. Ellis signed as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers on Apr. 7, 2016.

In recognition of his achievement, Ellis will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Condors home game.

Rittich Stops All 30 Shots for Fifth Shutout of the Season

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat shutout the Bakersfield Condors 4-0 at Stockton Arena on Wednesday night.

David Rittich picked up his fifth shutout of the season, stopping all 30 shots sent his way and now has taken over sole possession of second place in shutouts this season in the AHL.

“The guys were great in front of me in the first period and during the penalty kill," Rittich said on the game as a whole from his perspective in net. "They played well, blocked shots and helped me all night."

Rittich has now won three-straight starts, tying the team-long for consecutive wins by a goaltender. His five-career shutouts extends the all-time team lead in shutouts for both a career and a single season

Mark Jankowski led the way offensively for the Heat with his 21st and 22nd goals of the season, moving him atop the rookie goal-scoring rankings, while Matt Frattin and Tyler Wotherspoon also chipped in offensively with a goal each.

“It was a huge team effort. Right from the start, we took it to [Bakersfield] and that was part of our game plan," Jankowski said. "We had to have a good start and make sure we set the pace early and we did that. It was good to get the power play on the board again too, when our power play is rolling, we’re rolling.”

Jankowski scored his team-leading 21st and 22nd goals of the season. He now leads the team with 41 points and has scored goals and points in back-to-back games. (3-1-4). He now leads the AHL in goals scored by a rookie (22) and is fourth in points scored by a rookie (41).

Olver to Bakersfield; Musil to Tucson

Tucson Roadrunners General Manager Doug Soetaert announced today that the Edmonton Oilers have reassigned defenseman David Musil to the club for the remainder of the season. The Roadrunners also loaned forward Mark Olver to the Condors.

The 6-4, 207-pound Musil has appeared in 47 games for Bakersfield with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points a plus-7 rating. His four goals are a career high and his 14 points ties for his career best. The Calgary, Alberta native was originally drafted in the second round, #31 overall by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In 2014-15 he appeared in four games with the Edmonton, posting a pair of assists.

“We were looking for a non-veteran, left-shot defenseman,” said Soetaert. “David brings solid experience at the professional and international levels. He will be a welcome addition to the blueline.”

Olver appeared in 41 games for the Roadrunners this season with six goals, 11 assists and 17 points. He was originally selected in the fifth round, #140 overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 74 NHL games with the Avalanche over parts of three seasons.

- AHL