Salmon Kings Welcome Back Wedderburn

Published on July 14, 2009 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 they have signed defenseman Tim Wedderburn and forward Kaleb Betts for the 2009-10 season.

The 6-2, 218lb Wedderburn played in 70 games for the Salmon Kings last season, notching 19 points (2g-17a), and adding 44 minutes in penalties. His 70 games played was a team high for defensemen in 2008-09, while his +17 rating ranked second. Playing in all nine of the Salmon Kings' 2009 Kelly Cup Playoff games, Wedderburn tallied two assists and a +2 rating.

"Tim was a large part of our success last season and we are very happy to have him back," General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. "His leadership both on and off the ice are invaluable."

Prior to playing in Victoria, the Okotoks, AB native spent a year in Italy playing with Cortina SG. While overseas, Wedderburn notched 15 points (6g-9a) in 32 games, while totaling 24 minutes in penalties.

Before his time in Italy, the veteran ECHL defenseman had played in five professional seasons in both the AHL and UHL.

While in the AHL, Wedderburn played for the Hersey Bears, Utah Grizzlies and the Chicago Wolves. During his AHL career he played in 293 games notching 5 goals and 37 assists for 42 points and was also assessed 200 minutes in penalties.

He participated in the AHL's Calder Cup playoffs on three separate occasions collecting 6 points (1g-5a) in 38 games while accruing 38 minutes in penalties. The 2005 Calder Cup Championship saw Wedderburn's Chicago Wolves bow out to the Philadelphia Phantoms.

The 27-year-old defenseman played parts of two season in the UHL both with the Rockford IceHogs. In that time he participated in 50 games contributing 17 points (2g-15a) and garnering 24 minutes in penalties.

Wedderburn's first professional games were played between his third and fourth year of junior hockey when he suited up for the WCHL's San Diego Gulls for one game during the regular season and eight games during the playoffs.

His four years of junior hockey were all played with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. For his Cougars' career he played in 273 games collecting 20 goals 76 assists for 96 points. He also accumulated 218 minutes in penalties. Prince George qualified all four of Wedderburn's years for the WHL Playoffs. For his career he played in 33 playoff games collecting 10 points (3g-7a) while earning 15 minutes in penalties.

Kaleb Betts joins the Salmon Kings after spending last season with the ECHL's Elmira Jackals. He amassed 16 points (7g-9a) and 160 minutes in penalties while competing in 45 games with Elmira. During the Kelly Cup Playoffs he played in 5 games adding an assist.

"Kaleb is a physical forward who will add a high energy level," Morrison said. "He will play an important role for us this season."

Prior to his time in Elmira, the Maple Ridge, BC native played a season with the Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL and with the UHL's Rockford IceHogs. In his three-year professional career he has played in 157 games notching 30 goals and 41 assists for 71 points while garnering 442 minutes in penalties.

The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 8th round (#235 overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry draft.

Prior to turning professional the 5-10, 210lb left winger spent three years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. While with the Mavericks he played in 99 games producing 56 points (20g-36a) and tallying 195 penalty minutes.

The Maple Ridge, BC native spent a total of three seasons playing junior hockey between two teams. In 1999-00, he suited up for the Burnaby Bulldogs, before spending the next two seasons as a member of the Chilliwack Chiefs. In 2000-01, Betts played in 58 games for the Chiefs, scoring 37 points (17g-20a) and adding 79 minutes in penalties.

Season tickets for the Salmon Kings 2009-10 season are on sale. Catch all the action by calling 250-220-7889, emailing seasontickets@salmonkings.com or by visiting www.salmonkings.com for more information.

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