AYR’S HOMETOWN HERO – KYLE CLIFFORD
By: Chris McLachlin, OHA Media
Photo: Tanya Taylor, Censational Photography
The Ayr Centennials received an early Christmas present this year from their hometown hero, Kyle Clifford of the Los Angeles Kings. Clifford, who could be described as the Centennials’ Global Ambassador, sent Centennials’ branded warm up gear for every player on the team. Each player received a t-shirt and hoodie with their number on it, along with a pair of shorts and a sweet pair of Nike shoes. (Pictured: Back row - Jackson White, Riley Clipper, Zack Masterson, Rob Grant, Alex Mutton, John Foreman, Eric Uba. Front row - John Nay, Brennan Hadad, Nolan Ferris, Cole Cummins, Matt Larochelle, Steve Holmes, Jackson Swindells and Noah Monteiro)
Tim Barrie, Director of Hockey Operations for the Ayr Centennials said “Last year Cliffy bought every player a stick, and this year followed up with warm up gear. He is loyal to his hometown. That is why we gave him a ring when we won the Schmalz Cup last year."
Clifford’s 2016 Ayr Centennials Schmalz Cup ring added to his growing collection of championship rings, as he also has 2 Stanley Cup Championship rings as a member of the Los Angeles Kings.
Kyle Clifford started playing minor hockey in Ayr and then in Cambridge for 6 years before being drafted by the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. He played 3 years for the Colts before joining the Kings for the 2010-11 season after being drafted by Los Angeles in round 2, #35 overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Clifford has now played in over 430 regular season NHL games to go along with 2 Stanley Cups.
Barrie said that Clifford has always been the hardest worker on and off the ice and people tend to love the guy, “he’s a real beauty”, said Barrie. Barrie added that Clifford has shown up at Centennials events in the NHL’s off season and helps out whenever and wherever he can. Clifford is also known to send a few shout outs to the Cens in Interviews, showing his support for his hometown team from across the continent. He’s loved in LA, but Ayr will always be his hometown.
