Former Vernon Vipers Defenceman Selected by Montreal Canadiens in NHL Draft
The 20-year-old defenceman helped Dartmouth win the ECHC title after posting 10 points in 30 games.
- On Saturday, June 27, the Montreal Canadiens selected 20-year-old defenceman Cooper Cleaves 93rd overall in the third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Buffalo.
- Before his selection, the Riverside, Connecticut native played for the Vernon Vipers and Green Bay Gamblers, then helped Dartmouth College secure the 2025-26 ECHC Championship title.
- Montreal Canadiens director of player personnel Martin Lapointe praised Cleaves as a "big body who is capable of moving with the puck," citing his physical play and ability to skate with possession.
- While Cleaves turns professional, the Vipers announced their 2026-27 home opener against the West Kelowna Warriors will take place at Kal Tire Place on Saturday, September 26.
- The Vipers look to bounce back from last season's 15-32-7 record, with the club expected to release the full 2026-27 schedule within the next week.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Habs high on former Vernon Vipers defenceman - Creston Valley Advance
The Montreal Canadiens have added a former member of the Vernon Vipers to its National Hockey League roster. The Habs drafted defenceman Cooper Cleaves, 20, a native of Riverside, CT, from Dartmouth College in the third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft Saturday, June 27, in Buffalo. Cleaves was selected 93rd overall. He played 10 games in the B.C. Hockey League with the Snakes in 23-24 alongside older brother Hank, who is a j…
Habs high on former Vernon Vipers defenceman - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
The Montreal Canadiens have added a former member of the Vernon Vipers to its National Hockey League roster. The Habs drafted defenceman Cooper Cleaves, 20, a native of Riverside, CT, from Dartmouth College in the third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft Saturday, June 27, in Buffalo. Cleaves was selected 93rd overall. He played 10 games in the B.C. Hockey League with the Snakes in 23-24 alongside older brother Hank, who is a j…
Habs high on former Vernon Vipers defenceman - Grand Forks Gazette
The Montreal Canadiens have added a former member of the Vernon Vipers to its National Hockey League roster. The Habs drafted defenceman Cooper Cleaves, 20, a native of Riverside, CT, from Dartmouth College in the third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft Saturday, June 27, in Buffalo. Cleaves was selected 93rd overall. He played 10 games in the B.C. Hockey League with the Snakes in 23-24 alongside older brother Hank, who is a j…
Vernon Morning Star
Habs high on former Vernon Vipers defenceman
The Montreal Canadiens have added a former member of the Vernon Vipers to its National Hockey League roster. The Habs drafted defenceman Cooper Cleaves, 20, a native of Riverside, CT, from Dartmouth College in the third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft Saturday, June 27, in Buffalo. Cleaves was selected 93rd overall. He played 10 games in the B.C. Hockey League with the Snakes in 23-24 alongside older brother Hank, who is a j…
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