July 1, 2008

Eizenman Participates in Rangers' Conditioning Camp

FRESNO, Calif. -- Fresno Falcons center Oren Eizenman, the team's leading scorer in 2007-08 as a rookie, participated in the New York Rangers' Conditioning Camp last week at the Madison Square Garden Training Center. Eizenman enjoyed a four-year career at Rensselaer.

The annual camp, which helps Rangers prospects prepare for their pro careers, ran from June 23 through 30. The week-long camp featured 19 youngsters whose NHL rights are currently held by the Rangers. Eizenman was one of 10 other players invited to participate.

"It was an unbelievable experience to learn from the established coaches and trainers who were running the camp," Eizenman said. "The level of competition was far beyond anything I have experienced to this point in my playing career. It was a physically-demanding camp, and it showed me what it takes to get to the next level.

"I am happy that I got the opportunity from the Rangers to attend the camp," he added. "To be able to learn from former NHL players such as Adam Graves and J.J. Daigneault some of the important things to work on is invaluable and will help me in my off-season training."

"It's great to see a player like Oren get recognized for an outstanding season," Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas said. "Obviously, we know his potential, and I am sure that he was able to impress the New York Rangers last week."

Eizenman led the Falcons last season in both goals (27) and points (66), while being voted by his teammates as the club's Rookie of the Year and Outstanding Forward. He spent time in the American Hockey League with the Milwaukee Admirals and Worcester Sharks, notching one assist in eight combined games. The 23-year-old was named ECHL Rookie of the Month in December and ECHL Player of the Month in January. Eizenman also participated in the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game in Stockton, tallying two assists in the National Conference's win. In addition, he finished tied for third in voting for the league's Sportsmanship Award, and third in voting for the league's Rookie of the Year.