EDINBURGH,U.K- Former Bakersfield Condor defensman Joe Dustin has put pen to paper on his first European contract. The six foot blueliner has signed a one year deal with Elite League outfit Edinburgh Capital’s in the UK. The Scottish franchise have been chasing his signature since the summer of 2007.
Capital’s Head coach Doug Christiansen is a big fan of Dustin’s. “Joe is a player I targeted last summer but he decided to stay in North America last year and had another solid season,” Christiansen said ” Joe has the ability to put up alot of points for us this year but will look to play two-way hockey.” Minnesota-born Dustin made his full proffesional debut with the SPHL Fayetteville FireAntz in 2004 playing in 20 games before finishing the season split between ECHL teams Charlotte Checkers and Louisiana IceGators.
Joe Dustin (Courtesy of ECHL.com)
Two successful seasons in the Central Hockey League followed for Dustin with the Oklahoma City Blazers registering a career high 41 points in 2005-06, 14 of which were goals. Last season Dustin iced for Bakersfield Condors racking up 27 points before his aquisation by Stockton Thunder late February 2008. The signing of Dustin completes the defensive pairings for the Capitals who are looking to better last seasons round one playoff exit. “Joe is our final signing on the blueline, our defensive core will be very balanced,” Christiansen said Dustin joins fellow defensemen Taylor Christie, Shawn Germain, Kyle Horne, Craig Mitchell, Adam Stefishen. The Capitals begin pre-season training late August and Dustin is relishing the opportunity. “I like what the team and city has to offer, a few friends of mine lived in Edinburgh for a couple of months and expressed only nice things about it,” Dustin said “I am very proud to continue my pro career overseas this season as i will be able to see beautiful Edinburgh and all it has to offer.” Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.