Clarkson University Hockey alumnus, Paul Karpowich '12 will be playing professionally on the west coast this winter with a couple of former teammates after agreeing to terms with the Bakersfield Condors, East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native played four seasons for the Golden Knights (2008-12) where he was a teammate of 2012-13 Condor forwards Nick Tremblay '12 and Jake Morley '12. Karpowich's best season at Clarkson came in 2011-12, his senior campaign, when he posted a record of 16-15-6 with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. A four-year starter for the Green and Gold, who holds the school record for most saves made in a career with 3,735 stops through 130 games, Karpowich was a two-time MVP for the Knights.

Karpowich, 24, was selected in the 7th round (#185) of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. Last season, 6-2, 192-pound netminder spent the majority of his time in the ECHL, appearing in 25 games for the Evansville Icemen going 7-13-2 with a 3.27 GAA and a .900 save percentage. He earned a call-up and appeared in two games with the American Hockey League's Peoria Riverman as well.

"Bakersfield looked like a good place to play with the rebuilding this offseason and opportunity to get games in net," Karpowich said. "I talked a lot to Jake (Morley) and he said it was a great spot to play. Anytime you know some of the guys going in, it makes things more comfortable. I'm looking forward to help the team turn things around, and keep developing as a player."

Head Coach Troy Mann's Take: "We had a criteria going into the recruiting process, since we know we're 99.9% sure we will get a goaltender from Edmonton, that we wanted a younger goalie, not a rookie, with some size. He comes with high credentials, and should provide some good competition in the net this season. We're looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table."