Kyle Clifford Bio
Kyle Frank Clifford is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (35th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft and spent the majority of his career with the team, though also made appearances with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues. Clifford is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Frank Clifford was born on January 13, 1991, in Ayr, Ontario, Canada. He began playing ice hockey after seeing his older brothers play the sport. His early exposure to the game sparked a passion that would lead him to a professional career in hockey. Clifford started his minor hockey career with the Ayr Flames before moving on to play six seasons with Cambridge Minor Hockey.
Path to Hockey
After his time in minor hockey, Kyle Clifford was drafted by the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He spent three seasons with the Colts, where he amassed 45 goals and 100 points in 184 games, along with a significant number of penalty minutes. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.
Kyle Clifford Career
Early Career (2009–2011)
Kyle Clifford began his professional career with the Los Angeles Kings after being drafted in 2009. He signed an entry-level contract with the Kings on September 22, 2009. During his rookie season, he earned a spot on the Kings’ roster and made his NHL debut. He scored his first career goal on December 9, 2010, in a game against the Calgary Flames. In his second season, the Kings won the Stanley Cup in 2012, marking a significant milestone in Clifford’s early career.
Breakthrough (2012–2015)
The 2012 Stanley Cup victory was a defining moment for Kyle Clifford, as he contributed to the Kings’ success. He played a key role in the team, primarily on the fourth line, known for his physical style of play. The Kings won their second Stanley Cup in 2014, with Clifford assisting on the championship-winning goal scored by Alec Martinez in double overtime. His performance in the playoffs solidified his reputation as a valuable team player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kyle Clifford became known for his toughness and ability to contribute in crucial moments. He consistently led the Kings in penalty minutes during several seasons, showcasing his physical presence on the ice. His contributions to the team were recognized with a two-year contract extension following the 2012–13 season.
Kyle Clifford Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kyle Clifford has not received any major award nominations, but his contributions to his teams have been recognized by fans and analysts alike.
Kyle Clifford Awards Won
Kyle Clifford is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won the prestigious trophy with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014.
Kyle Clifford Family
Kyle Clifford is married to Paige, and together they have three sons. While details about his parents and family background are not publicly available, his commitment to family is evident in his personal life.
Personal Life
In addition to his professional career, Kyle Clifford has taken on a player development position with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization after announcing his retirement from professional hockey on August 7, 2025. His transition into this role reflects his dedication to the sport and his desire to contribute to the development of future players.