SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Whitehead and Hlookoff Picked up from Fayetteville

Published on January 18, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Southaven, Miss. - The Mississippi RiverKings announced Tuesday that the team has acquired forward Matt Whitehead and defenseman Tanner Hlookoff from the Fayetteville FireAntz in exchange for defenseman Chris Pontes. Terms and conditions were not released.

"I'm extremely excited about having both players here," Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Derek Landmesser said. "Whitehead is a proven point-per-game player in this league and we're looking forward to huge things from him."

Whitehead, a 5-7 forward out of Newmarket, Ontario, has split this season between the Bloomington Blaze (CHL), Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) and the FireAntz. He accumulated nine points in 20 games in "AA" hockey this season. He had one assist in six games with Fayetteville. The third-year pro began his professional career with the Pensacola Ice Flyers in 2009.

"Tanner is a really good stay at home, and all-around, defenseman," Landmesser said. "We're really for him to become a big part of our defensive corps."

Hlookoff began this season with the Louisiana IceGators before being traded to the FireAntz on November 23 for future considerations. The second-year pro out of Castlegar, British Columbia split last season between the Cape Cod Barons (FHL), Mississippi Surge and Louisiana IceGators. In 28 combined games with the IceGators and FireAntz this season, the 6-0, 190 pound defeseman has recorded one goal and seven assists.

In exchange for Whitehead and Hlookoff, the RiverKings sent defenseman Chris Pontes to the FireAntz.

"I want to thank Chris for his services during his time here in Southaven," Landmesser said. "We wish Pontes all the best."

Pontes was acquired by the RiverKings in a trade with the Pensacola Ice Flyers for defeseman Ryan Ramage. In 22 games with the RiverKings, the Sudbury, Ontario native tallied 10 points.

The RiverKings return to the Landers Center Friday night to take on the Huntsville Havoc at 7:05. Every Friday night is Friday Night Teen Night, where teenagers can get a red level ticket, a soda and a popcorn for just $10. Get your tickets now by contacting the Landers Center Box Office at 662-470-2131. For group or flex packages, contact the RiverKings front office at 662-342-1755.

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