Salmon Kings size up centre slot with big league prospect

Published on October 2, 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 6-foot-6, 233-lb Centre, Kiel McLeod.

McLeod was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round (#53 overall) of the 2001 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft. In his professional career, the 23-year-old has logged 212 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and 10 games in the ECHL.

"Kiel is a big and strong Centre with great offensive abilities, who is motivated to help the Salmon Kings succeed," said Dan Belisle, Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "We are very happy to have such a high calibre player join our club."

Prior to turning professional, the native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta played five seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1998-99 to 2003-04, and recorded 261 points (123 goals, 138 assists) and 467 penalty minutes in 288 regular season games. He was named to the WHL West Second All-Star Team following the 2002-03 season after posting 90 points (39 goals, 51 assists) and 163 penalty minutes in 68 regular season games. He added 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in eight playoff games as Kelowna won the 2003 WHL Championship and advanced to the Memorial Cup Finals.

He was signed as a free agent by the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) on June 9, 2003. Over three seasons in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons, Utah Grizzlies, and San Antonio Rampage, the Coyotes' AHL affiliate, McLeod registered 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 178 regular season games.

In December 2005, he was traded from the Coyotes to the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), and reported to the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms.

McLeod rounded out the 2005-06 season with the ECHL's Trenton Titans, posting 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) in 8 regular season games.

"He has all the tools needed to be a great player and leader for us this season," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach. "We are looking forward to helping him excel and move up the ranks."

"A main reason for wanting to play for Victoria is because of Tony MacAulay," said McLeod. "Even in the short stint with Trenton last season, I could see Tony is a hard-working coach, and I will do my best to come in and contribute to the Salmon Kings."

"Because I had settled into Kelowna while playing for the Rockets, I am happy to be back in British Columbia again," he added.

McLeod is the 15th Forward added to the Salmon Kings roster, and wastes no time in preparing for the training camp, as he arrives in Victoria today for an informal skate.

Check out the Salmon Kings "Annual Blue and White game" during training camp at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Admission is free to the intra squad matchup which begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 11th.

Purchase the United Way Home Opener pack to help donate $6 to the United Way campaign. You get a ticket to each of the games of the Salmon Kings home opener series starting October 25th, for only $40! Call (250) 220-7777.

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