CONDORS SIGN FOUR-TIME ALL-STAR
DEFENSEMAN<br>-John Vary Follows New Condors Coach Paul Kelly To
Bakersfield- <br><br>BAKERSFIELD, Calif – The Bakersfield
Condors of the West Coast Hockey League today announced
the signing of former Topeka ScareCrows defenseman,
John Vary (pronounced-VERY). In the last four years,
Vary has been selected to the Central Hockey League’s
All-star team twice, and as a member of Muskegon, was
twice named as a United Hockey League All-star.
<br><br>“That’s one of the key guys that we were trying to bring
with us from Topeka,” said Condors Head Coach Paul
Kelly. “He’s a very good defenseman and an important
piece of the puzzle. I’ve coached Vary for four years
(two in Topeka and two in Muskegon) and I know what to
expect from him. I’m confident he’ll give us a solid
defensive foundation.” <br><br>The 29-year old Vary was
selected by the New York Rangers in the 3rd round (55th
overall) in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He’s been a member
of two championship teams. In 1994-95, he scored 50
points during the regular season, as the Wichita Thunder
won the Levins Trophy (CeHL Championship). In
1998-99, he scored 61 points in the regular season as the
Muskegon Fury won the Colonial Cup (UHL Championship). In
each of the last five years, Vary has scored more than
60 points, and in 1997-98 he led the entire UHL in
plus/minus with a +61.<br><br>“I feel fantastic about coming
to Bakersfield,” said Vary, a native of Owen Sound,
Ontario (Canada). “I’m very excited to be playing with
(Paul) Willett again and to be able to continue my
career under Paul Kelly. He’s great for any organization
and he’s a proven winner.”