Photos by Rob Cella Photography/CJ Pirtle
With the roster deadline coming on Saturday, the Kings have signed 2003 born defenseman Luke deVries and 2005 born forward Ryan Arnold to bolster their roster for the final stretch of the season.
Devries is originally from Stratford Ontario and has spent the last 3 seasons playing in the NAHL with the Philadelphia rebels organization where he was teammates with new King Kristians Samitis. He has played in 172 career junior games and 147 of them have been with the Rebels. “Luke is a big mobile defender. He is extremely patient with the puck, has a good stick, and when given the opportunity can contribute offensively.” says assistant G.M. Stephan Seeger Jr. “We’re very excited to add some more firepower and junior experience to our D core with Luke.” This season deVries has 2 goals and 19 assists in 40 games. His father Greg is a former NHLer playing in 878 games over a 13 year career that included a Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001.
Arnold is an 18 year old with the junior experience of a 20 year old with already playing in 147 games in the AJHL between the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Fort MacMurray Oil Barons. In those games the St. Albert Alberta product has scored 27 times to go along with 43 assists. “Ryan is a hardworking and smart player” adds Seeger Jr. “Born in 2005 Ryan is already in his third year of junior. We’ve really enjoyed his consistent production as of late in Alberta and his willingness to go to the dirty areas to get points.” This season for the Oil Barons, Arnold has 12 goals and 17 assists in 48 games.
Both deVries and Arnold are expected to make their debuts this weekend when the Kings host the Rivermen on Friday and Saturday at the Hap. Both games are at 7pm.
