Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Kings Sign Clifford to Multi-Year Deal

Press Release

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with forward Kyle Clifford, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced Tuesday. Clifford was the club’s second-round selection (35th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Clifford, 18, recorded 28 points (16-12=28) and 133 penalty minutes in 60 regular season games for the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts in 2008-09. His 133 penalty minutes was third on the team and ranked 19th in the OHL. In five playoff games, he recorded zero points and 13 penalty minutes.

In 2006-07, the 6-2, 208-pounder from Ayr, Ontario recorded 15 points (1-14=15) and 83 penalty minutes in 66 regular season games for Barrie. In nine playoff games with the Colts he had one point (0-1=1) and four penalty minutes.

Internationally, Clifford represented Team Canada at the 2009 Under-18 World Championships. In six games, he had zero points and a team-leading 16 penalty minutes, as Canada finished fourth in the tournament. His 16 penalty minutes were tied for 11th most in the tournament.

Clifford has appeared in three preseason games for the Kings this season, recording zero points, 11 penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating. He also participated in the Kings Development Camp in July and Rookie Camp earlier this month.

The Kings are “hosting” the New York Islanders today at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, with game time set for 5 p.m. (PT). The Kings will be in Denver tomorrow to play the Colorado Avalanche at 6 p.m. (PT). Hear both games on the Kings flagship radio station AM 1150.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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