Salmon Kings calling all captains

Published on September 15, 2006 under 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 the team has agreed to terms with two captains from the college system, 25-year-olds Mike Lefley and Jason Williamson.

Lefley, a 6'2", 200-lb Forward, wrapped up four seasons with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (NCAA, div 1), wherein he was named Captain in his sophomore, junior, and senior years, and scored 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists).

"Mike is a good character player who acts like a solid pro," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach, "He will bring skills and an enthusiasm for the game."

Before his college career, Lefley, a native of Spirit River, Alberta, earned high standing while playing for the Grand Prairie Storm in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). He recorded 76 points (39 goals, 37 assists) in 2001-02 with the Storm and he was among the top five scoring leaders in the 2002 AJHL playoffs, tallying 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 20 playoff games. His efforts earned him the Most Valuable Player trophy.

In three years at Grande Prairie, he posted 170 career points (85 goals, 85 assists), which was good enough for second on the franchise's all-time list. Lefley was also named to the All Star Team, the Prospects Team, the All-League Team and represented the AJHL as a member of Team Alberta at the Viking Cup International Tournament in January 2002.

Williamson, a native of 150 Mile House, British Columbia, led the Niagara University Purple Eagles atop the College Hockey America (CHA) Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last season. The Purple Eagles earned a record of 20-15-1 as their captain, Williamson, scored 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 35 games. He earned CHA Offensive Player of the Week on November 28, 2005, led the team in plus/minus rating (+10), and was given the Coaches' Spirit Award.

In three seasons at Niagara, the 6'3", 215-lb Forward totalled 63 points (17 goals, 46 assists), and was named to the CHA All-Rookie Team in 2002-03.

Williamson started his career in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Vernon Vipers and was the team-leading scorer in 2000-01 with 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 60 games. He was also a two-time team captain, a BCHL First Team All-Star, and received the Vipers' Most Valuable Player and Community Service awards.

"Jason is a big, strong, and smart Winger, who has shown potential to debut as a pro in the ECHL. We are looking forward to working with him this season," said MacAulay.

The Salmon Kings regular season begins on Friday October 20th in Anchorage, AK against the Aces. Their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads.

Salmon Kings ticket Mini-Packs start at only $99. Call today (250) 220-7888. We're ready for hockey. How about you?

Support your Salmon Kings through our Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities. Contact Tom Sponarski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (250) 220-2605 or Dave Des Roches, Account Executive, at (250) 220-7890.

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ECHL Stories from September 15, 2006


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