Salmon Kings Add Cleaver to Arsenal

October 5, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have acquired forward Rick Cleaver from the Kalamazoo Wings in exchange for future considerations.

The 27-year old forward split his 2009-10 season between the ECHL (Kalamazoo) and AHL (Hershey Bears and Springfield Falcons) with the majority of time spent with the Wings. Cleaver finished the season with 70 points (32g-38a) and 28 minutes in penalties in 62 contests. His 32 goals lead the Kalamazoo squad, while he finished second on the team in point total. Cleaver also recorded three points (2g-3a) and two penalty minutes in five Kelly Cup Playoff contests with Kalamazoo this past spring. In the AHL last year he combined for seven games between Hershey and Springfield notching one goal with the Falcons.

"We are very excited about adding Rick to our team," General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. "He expressed his desire to be apart of our team as it is a couple of hours from his hometown. For us it was a no-brainer as he is one of the elite players in this league and will be a threat to score every time on the ice."

The native of Parksville, BC first played with the Kalamazoo franchise during the 2008-09 season when they were a member of the International Hockey League (IHL). In 70 appearances that year Cleaver registered 27 goals and added 34 assists for 61 points with 45 penalty minutes. He also recorded two points (1g-1a) and four minutes in penalties during six IHL Playoff games that year. For his efforts, Cleaver was nominated to the IHL's All-Rookie Team and named Rookie of the Year. Cleaver also dressed for one game in the ECHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners during the 2008-09 campaign, recording no points or penalty minutes.

For his professional career, Cleaver has spread 132 points (60g-72a) and 73 penalty minutes over 140 games. The forward has also participated in 11 professional playoff games totaling five points (2g-3a) and six minutes in penalties.

The 6-0, 190 lb Cleaver spent a four-year junior career (2004-05 thru 2007-08) with the Norwich University Cadets in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). In 102 career games at school he scored 158 points (92g-66a) and served 64 minutes in penalties. Cleaver led the team in scoring in his final two seasons with the Cadets, while also being named a Division III First Team All-American.

Cleaver began his junior hockey career during the 2003-04 season with the British Columbia Hockey League's (BCHL) Salmon Arm Silverbacks, scoring 61 points (30g-31a) in 40 games played while accruing 45 minutes in penalties.

The Salmon Kings kick-off the 2010-11 season with two exhibition contests versus the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th. Admission is by donation to the TLC Fund for Kids, while hotdogs, popcorn and medium pop are available to purchase for only $1 each! Victoria opens up their regular season home schedule at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with a three-game set versus the Ontario Reign beginning Wednesday, October 27th. Season tickets and mini packs for the Salmon Kings' 2010-11 season are now on sale. Call 250-220-7889 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com to purchase yours today!

Don't forget this week the Salmon Kings are offering a pre-season blowout sale from the "Kings Things", the official team store of the Victoria Salmon Kings! Room is needed for new merchandise for the 2010-11 season and selected items will be available for purchase at great discounts! The sale will run today thru Sunday, October 10th. Kings Things is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm, and will be open on both exhibition game days from the opening of the building an hour prior to puck drop until the end of the game.



ECHL Stories from October 5, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central