Hope Signs With AHL’s Springfield Falcons

Blenheim’s Kyle Hope will officially be a professional hockey player this winter, as the 21-year-old forward has signed an American Hockey League (AHL) contract with the Springfield Falcons.

The top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Hope will also play for the NHL’s Blue Jackets at the annual NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan, which is hosted by the Detroit Red Wings from September 12 to 16.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for myself to attend the Traverse City Rookie tournament in September with the Blue Jackets and then at the Springfield Falcons camp,” said Hope about his recent signing. “It is a step toward the NHL and I’m very excited for it.”

Hope played two games in the American Hockey League after his season with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack ended last season, playing for the Lake Erie Monsters on an amateur tryout agrement.

Last season with Owen Sound, Hope, who spent five seasons in the OHL, scored 24 goals and 48 points in 54 games.

Hope will join former teammates Seth Griffith and Dane Fox in the professional ranks this season. Griffith, a Boston Bruins draft pick spent last season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, and Fox, who recently finished his OHL career and is signed by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.