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ECHL Reading Royals

Reading Trades Smith for Dayton\'s O\'Leary and Signs OHL Center

March 16, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


READING, PA – The Reading Royals, ECHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have announced that they have traded the rights to rookie forward Scooter Smith for forward Jamie O'Leary. The Royals have also agreed to terms with 21-year-old centerman Nick Lees.

O'Leary, 29, has appeared in 57 games this season posting 8 goals and 22 points along with 125 minutes in penalties for the Florida Everblades and Dayton Bombers of the ECHL. The Needham, Massachusetts' native is in his sixth professional season. He was a teammate of coach Derek Clancey in Chesapeake (ECHL) in 1998-99 and played under Clancey during his rookie season coaching in 1999-00 in Jackson, Mississippi. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward was a member of the 2002 Northeast Division Champion, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. With the Bullies, O'Leary set a career mark for goals in a season (22). He appeared in 12 playoff games in that season, notching 3 assists and 8 penalty minutes, helping the Bullies advance to the Northern Conference Finals. O'Leary has suited up for 385 professional games, 315 in the ECHL, posting 86 goals and 161 assists with 586 penalty minutes for his career. Prior to turning pro, O'Leary spent four seasons at Boston College. The veteran forward is expected to join the Royals tomorrow in Toledo.

Lees, 20, is finishing up his major junior career with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. This season was Lees most productive, posting 42 goals and 68 points with a +6 rating and 38 penalty minutes. He was tied for fourth in the OHL in goals scored (42). The Peterborough, Ontario native has suited up for the Barrie Colts, Guelph Storm and Oshawa Generals over the past five seasons. Lees is expected to join the Royals in Toledo tomorrow, as well.

Tonight the Reading Royals clash with Northern Division foe Peoria for the final time this season in the Sovereign Center. The first 2,000 fans through the gate receive Reading Eagle Royals team posters. The Royals will be wearing special First Energy Jazz Fest Jerseys during the game. There will be a live jersey auction at center ice at the conclusion of the game. Follow all the action locally on ESPN radio, 1240AM or via the Royals website at www.royalshockey.com courtesy of Sportsjuice.

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