Victoria Salmon Kings Roster Moves

February 26, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Salmon Kings continue to be hurt by the injury bug and suspensions and have made more moves to their roster to help fill the holes.

The most positive news for the Salmon Kings faithful is the return of the Captain, Brad Dexter to the line-up after missing almost two full months with a shoulder injury. Dexter suited up for the first time against the Las Vegas Wranglers on Friday and did not look like he had missed a beat.

Other moves include forward Rob Voltera, who goes from the 7 to 30 day IR, defenseman Corey Smith re-injured his ankle against the San Diego Gulls on Wednesday and has returned on the 30 day IR. Forward Ryan Finnerty is still having problems with his nagging knee injury and has been placed on the 7 day injured reserve.

The Victoria Salmon Kings have added three Vancouver born players the roster. Forward's Greg Keith and Mike Ikeda and defenseman Kevin Hoffman have joined the team.

Keith is a 24 year old rookie who started the season playing with the Idaho Steelheads and the Fresno Falcons before an injury forced him out of hockey. Having rehabbed successfully Keith returns to the ECHL with the Salmon Kings. The 5'10 190 lbs. native of Delta, BC has now played two games with the Salmon Kings. Keith played four season's of NCAA hockey at the University of Denver with Salmon Kings teammate David Neale.

37 year old Ikeda is a scout for the Vancouver Giants of the Western League and has not played competitive hockey for a number of years. The 5'8 180 lbs. forward stepped right into the line-up for the Salmon Kings on Friday and scored a goal in his debut. Ikeda's experience and hockey knowledge definitely is an asset for the Salmon Kings successfully filling in on a line with Ryan Watson and Ryan Wade.

Hoffman joins a Salmon Kings blue line that has been in serious need of help. Hoffman is also 37 years old and is an experienced defender. Hoffman played in exhibition against the Salmon Kings with the Idaho Steelheads scoring a goal against Victoria. He was an excellent addition to the back line Friday finishing the night plus one and looked as if he had played competitive hockey all season. Truth is Hoffman is a construction worker in Vancouver who skates three times a week with Ikeda. Hoffman played professional hockey until the 2002 season finishing his career with the now defunct Roanoke Express of the ECHL.

The Victoria Salmon Kings have placed defenseman Ryan Esselmont on waivers. Esselmont played 8 games with the Salmon Kings finishing with 4 assists and minus 8 with 4 penalty minutes.

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