March 30 - As the Manitoba Bison men’s hockey team ended with another strong run for a University Cup, one of the fifth year veterans has earned more ice time this season with the ECHL Reading Royals.

Forward Kevin Saurette will join the Los Angeles Kings ECHL’s affiliate, the Reading Royals, and play his first ECHL game on Saturday, April 1 against the Dayton Bombers.

The Winnipeg native will play the final three regular season games and be in action for the ECHL playoffs.

Saurette, 25, completed his Bison career with his best CIS season. This fifth year veteran was selected as a Canada West Second Team All-Star for the second consecutive season. The Environment student-athlete led the team in regular season conference scoring with 36 points (10g, 26a) and was second in conference scoring. His 26 assists topped all players in conference play.

In the 2006 Canada West playoffs, the co-captain of the Bisons was tied for the scoring lead with 11 points. He was named as Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) - VIA Rail Male Athlete of the Week and Canada West Male Athlete of the Week for the week ending October 9. Saurette received the Mike Ridley Award for superior athletic ability, good academic standing and high level of leadership as a full-time student.

Saurette commented prior to his departure, “I am excited for the opportunity to play professional hockey. This is a great chance to show what I can do. I’m happy with my Bison career and leave with fantastic memories. I can’t say enough about the great place to earn an education while playing hockey at the same time.”

Saurette was also at the Los Angeles Kings prospects camp in July 2005.

Other former Bisons currently playing in the ECHL:
(list may not be complete)

• Grant Jacobsen - Columbia Inferno
• Blake Forsyth - Idaho Steelheads
• Reagan Leslie - Bakersfield Condors
• Jordan Little - Bakersfield Condors