Kyle Hope Signs With AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters

Only days after finishing his Ontario Hockey League career, Blenheim’s Kyle Hope will have his first shot at professional hockey after signing an amateur tryout with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

Lake Erie is the top affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

“It is a great opportunity,” said Hope about his amateur tryout with the Lake Erie Monsters. “I am very excited to show them I can play a 200 foot complete game.”

This season in the OHL with the Owen Sound Attack, Hope had 24 goals and 24 assists for 48 points in 54 games, along with 99 penalty minutes.

Although he doesn’t have a contract with the Monsters yet, signing with the team is Hope’s goal. Something he hopes to achieve by sticking to his game.

“Play hard physical hockey, but also show them I have an offensive side as well. I am just on a ATO right now. I haven’t signed a contract though, but that is the goal.”

Hope made a good impression this offseason, earning an invite to the Vancouver Canucks’ main camp after performing well in the team’s rookie camp. The summer prior he was invited to the New York Rangers’ rookie camp.

Hope, an NHL free agent will join the Lake Erie Monsters, who are based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and try to earn a roster spot to finish out the season.