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The Salmon Kings website is located at www.salmonkings.com -For Salmon Kings tickets go to www.selectyourtickets.com The Victoria Salmon Kings took to the ice in October of 2004. The team's roots began as a dormant ECHL membership that last resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The membership was purchased by RG Properties in 2003. The name of the league was changed from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL in May of 2003. The name change is reflective of the nationwide presence of the ECHL which continues its role as the leading professional developmental league for the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League. Players in the ECHL come primarily from the three Major Junior leagues in Canada, US Colleges and other professional teams. Additionally European born players also make up a recognizable component of many team rosters. ECHL players average 24 years of age and the vast majority of players are under the age of 27. Over 60% of the league is made up of Canadian born players. 2004-05 The team's first game was on October 20, 2004 in Bakersfield, California where the Salmon Kings took on the Condors. Since the membership was dormant, the Salmon Kings were made up entirely of new players as there was not an expansion draft. Trailing 2-0, Victoria native Ryan Wade scored the organization's first goal at the 6:40 mark of the first period to make it 2-1. The Salmon Kings would get no closer falling 7-2. Victoria would record their first ever win two days later when the team went into Fresno and earned a 5-0 decision on the Falcons. Wade led the team in scoring (19g-31a) in 2004-05, and Brad Dexter was voted a starter on the National Conference's All-Star Team. Wins were tough to come by for the young team and they finished 15-52-3-2 record under the team's first head coach Bryan Maxwell. 2005-06 The 2005-06 version of the Salmon Kings looked to improve on the previous season's record. Led by Adam Taylor's 57 points (19g-38a), Victoria improved its win total by 12 going 26-37-5-4. Defenseman Steve Lingren was a bright spot for the S-Kings blasting 15 power play goals and joined Taylor as starters on the National Conference ECHL All-Star team. Maxwell was replaced halfway through the season by Troy Ward who became the second head coach in Salmon Kings history. 2006-07 Victoria would see its third head coach in as many years when Tony MacAulay took over to start the 2006-07 season. Victoria was headed in a great direction with the signing of players; Wes Goldie, Milan Gajic, Kiel McLeod and Mike Stutzel. The biggest day in the organization's history, July 18, 2006, occurred when the team's Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Dan Belisle spearheaded an affiliation agreement with both the Vancouver Canucks (NHL) and Manitoba Moose (AHL). The affiliation had an immediate impact as goaltender Julien Ellis; forwards Marc Andre-Bernier, F.P. Guenette and defenseman Patrick Coulombe were assigned by the Canucks. Defenseman Matt Kelly and forward Shaun Heshka were assigned by the Moose. The added fire power did not translate into wins through the first part of the season, and it cost McAulay his job.

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