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Holiday homecomings are sweet. And Trevor Lewis spells hockey in the state of Utah.

A gift on both ends this is. Hockey’s biggest icon in the Beehive State saddles up locally, with one of minor league hockey’s most successful and tenured franchises.

The Kings’ developing back-end forward has inked a deal with the ECHL‘s Utah Grizzlies, and all will be confirmed at a press conference Thursday afternoon. These are familiar confines for Lewis, who’s home lies in Salt Lake City, and is the only Utah native to have his name engraved on the NHL‘s Stanley Cup trophy.

In fact, on his day with the Stanley Cup on August 30th, Trevor Lewis presented the trophy to 6,000 friends, fans, and family at Maverik Center in West Valley City, UT. And low and behold, the Maverik Center is also the host arena for Lewis’ new club, the Utah Grizzlies.

It all comes full-circle, no? Let’s silver-line this ECHL stuff.

Lewy in the News

Depth to death: If Trevor Lewis‘ nine points during the postseason didn’t tell you things were clicking on all cylinders for the Kings, then the club’s results did. Lewis dropped three goals and six assists during the 20-game Stanley Cup run.

This was a spectacular ending to a rather mediocre season for the young forward, who potted a lowly seven-points in 72 regular season games in the form of three goals and four assists.

Lewis, who hasn’t been known to have the best hands, or the greatest scoring touch, has consistently been a smart player for the Kings, and an extremely comfortable option when looking to fill a 3rd or 4th line Centerman role. Lewis has also been a staple on the penalty-kill, and his defensive mindset is usually spot-on.

The things fans may be missing from Trevor Lewis is a little more offensive touch, a little more output. The ECHL won’t just give Lewis a chance to stay in shape during the NHL lockout, but also an opportunity to gain a little more confidence and loosen up his offensive game – which he can carry over into his return to the NHL.

Hell, Kyle Clifford has six points in five ECHL games — Trevor Lewis should be able to dabble with the score sheet a bit.

Catch 22

Utahlkin’ hockey?

Meet me in Utah: And to bring yet another connection onto the scene, Trevor Lewis will see Kings teammate Kyle Clifford in his debut contest with the Utah Grizzlies. Clifford’s Ontario Reign are scheduled to be in Utah for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday night.

So, if you’re itching to watch some underwhelming hockey with some underwhelming hands, you know where to go. Clifford, who has played in just five games for the Ontario Reign, carries six points into Friday’s contest against the Utah Grizzlies, with three goals and three assists to the name. Clifford is scheduled to play in both contests in Utah this weekend.

Give us a Jump: The Utah Grizzlies are sitting at a less than impressive .500 record as Trevor Lewis arrives to their roster. This currently places them at 7th in the ECHL‘s Western Conference, which totals nine teams. NHL additions are a big deal to ECHL teams and their fans, as this is a dramatic demotion in skill and competition for Lewis.

If Lewis’ addition doesn’t completely pay itself off on the ice, it will with tickets sales and merchandise. We’re talking about the town’s most successful hockey name, and the only one to represent Utah on the Stanley Cup trophy. This, in regards to the current NHL situation, is quite a perfect fit for both Lewis and the Grizzlies organization.

Too bad Utah doesn’t still sport these awesome jerseys. Such beauties.

This will be Trevor Lewis‘ first taste of ECHL play. After being drafted #17 overall by the Kings in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Lewis jumped straight from the OHL to join the Manchester Monarchs for three seasons in the AHL.

And, maybe for old times’ sake, Lewy and Cliff can grab some dinner this weekend.

Good god.

Save my number: Lewis gets to keep his digits to compliment the momentary move back home. He’ll be in the familiar #22 sweater, this time in Utah’s green and copper scheme. Lewis will practice with the Grizzlies Thursday, and dress for puck-drop Friday night against the Ontario Reign.

Episode 176: KingsCast Holiday Compilation – HERE
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