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(PHOTO: Mark Nessia/Bakersfield Condors)

By Glen Cuthbert

When his junior season of university hockey came to an end last week, former Hamilton Red Wings captain Andrew Radjenovic was faced with a tough decision.

"My coach told me that there was an opportunity to go play in the ECHL and start my pro hockey career," Radjenovic said. "It was definitely a tough choice to leave school early. After thinking hard about if I wanted to wait another year or go now, I decided it was best for me to go this year."

So Radjenovic packed his bags and signed an ECHL contract with the Bakersfield Condors. He said he knows adapting to the pro game will be a challenge, but it's one he's ready to accept.

"It's not going to be easy," Radjenovic said. "It's a job now, and you have to perform every day or you're in jeopardy of losing it."

While with the Red Wings, Radjenovic was one of the team's deadliest offensive weapons. He scored 125 points in 105 games with the club between 2009-13. Those numbers led to an offer from Brock University, where he scored 71 points in 82 games. After the 2014-15 season, the Condors came calling.

"I look at this as an opportunity to tryout and show what I can do," Radjenovic said. "Nothing is promised, and I have to perform every night to hopefully secure a spot for next season."

Radjenovic's former linemate Matt Carey made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks last season and currently plays with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. He said he's proud of his former teammate for taking a big step in his hockey career.

"(Radjenovic) is a special player who has been overlooked," Carey said. "I think he made the smart choice in turning pro, because that opportunity doesn't come to every player. He has a bright future in pro hockey."

It didn't take long for Radjenovic to make an impact, as he picked up his first pro goal in his debut with the Condors, a 4-0 win over the Colorado Eagles. He joins former Red Wings alumnus Nick Pageau in Bakersfield.

Congratulations to Andrew Radjenovic, the newest Hamilton Red Wings pro alumnus!

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