POWELL RIVER (June 14, 2021) – The Powell River Kings have acquired 2003-born forward Kaleb Nelson from the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the Central Canada Hockey League via trade.
The Keswick, Ont. native spent the 2020-21 season with Islanders Hockey Club of the United States Premier Hockey League, registering a goal and an assist in six games played. Nelson, who stands six-feet and weighs 170 pounds, signed with the Jr. Senators in March to close out the campaign. Additionally, Nelson is committed to the Providence College hockey program.
Nelson was listed in NHL Central Scouting’s “Players To Watch” list issued on January 22, 2021. Nelson earned a “C” rating, indicating a potential fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-round pick.
After playing U16 AAA hockey with the York Simcoe Express, Nelson played his first full season of junior hockey in 2019-20 with the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, recording 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) through 50 games played.
“Kaleb will be a great addition to our forward group. He skates very well and thinks and plays the game at a high pace,” commented Kings general manager Chad van Diemen. “Adding Kaleb makes our team better. He’s a good young player with junior hockey experience and we look forward to working with him to ensure he’s ready when he goes to Providence College.”
Going to Ottawa are the playing rights to defenceman Philippe Jacques, whom the Kings acquired from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks via trade on Monday morning.
