British Columbia Hockey League grad Matt Pope got an early birthday present last week: a new contract. Pope, a free agent who turned just 26, has inked a one-year minor league contract with the ECHL's Victoria Salmon Kings.
Pope played 40 games in the American Hockey League last season with the Manitoba Moose, the top farm team of the Vancouver Canucks. But last season was a struggle for the 6-foot-1 185-pound forward as he recorded just eight points. Victoria is the affiliate of the Canucks and the Moose. Pope, who grew up in Langley and played his junior hockey with the Langley Hornets, said it was an easy decision to sign with Victoria.
“No.1, it is close to home and a great city,” he said. “And when I played against Victoria, the rink was nice, the fans were great.
“Everyone I talked to said Victoria is one of the best teams to play for.”
Victoria is expecting offence from Pope.
“Matt is a natural goal scorer and has proven this at the ECHL level over the last two seasons,”said Victoria general manager and head coach Mark Morrison in a statement announcing the signing. “He earned his contract from the Canucks with his solid play in 2008-09.”
While he is playing for a Canucks affiliate, Pope is a free agent when it comes to the AHL or NHL, meaning any team could bring him up. That is how Pope initially got on the Canucks radar. In his first season of pro hockey – after graduation from Minnesota's Bemidiji State – Pope was named to the ECHL all-rookie team after scoring 30 goals and adding 33 assists in 54 games with the Bakersfield Condors.
His play caught the eye of the AHL where he suited up in a dozen games with Binghamton and Manitoba, notching eight points. He stayed with the Moose for the playoffs and helped the team to the Calder Cup finals. Pope had three goals and three assists in 12 playoff games.
A nagging hip injury limited his training last summer and led to a slow start for the Moose. Things didn't get any better after a high ankle sprain de-railed him for another 10 weeks. But Pope is healthy and in great shape heading into this season.
“Last year was a rough start and then it continued the whole way,” he said. “Now I feel great.”
The Salmon Kings season begins in mid-October.
