20 Facts About Kyle Clifford

Early Life and Family Background

Kyle Clifford's journey began in a small town in Canada, where his family played a significant role in shaping his future.

1. Born on January 13, 1991, in Ayr, Ontario, Canada, Kyle Clifford's early years were influenced by his family, especially his older brothers.
2. His brothers introduced him to ice hockey, a sport that would become central to his life and career.

Ice Hockey Career

Kyle Clifford's dedication to ice hockey started at a young age and led him to significant achievements in the sport.

3. Clifford began his minor hockey career with the Ayr Flames before moving to Cambridge Minor Hockey, where he spent six seasons honing his skills.
4. His talent caught the attention of the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for three seasons, scoring 45 goals and 100 points in 184 games.
5. Clifford's physical style of play also earned him 327 penalty minutes during his time with the Colts.

Draft and Professional Career

Kyle Clifford's professional journey took off when he was drafted by an NHL team, marking the beginning of a notable career.

6. In 2009, Clifford was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (35th overall) of the NHL Entry Draft.
7. He signed an entry-level contract with the Kings on September 22, 2009, and quickly made a name for himself on the team.
8. Known for his ability to play on the fourth line and willingness to fight, Clifford secured his spot on the Kings despite initial doubts about his role.

Stanley Cup Wins

Kyle Clifford's career highlights include winning the prestigious Stanley Cup not once, but twice.

9. Clifford won his first Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012, although he only appeared in three postseason games that season.
10. His second Stanley Cup victory came in 2014, where he played a crucial role, assisting on the championship-winning goal scored by Alec Martinez in double-overtime.

Penalty Minutes Leader

Clifford's aggressive style of play often led to high penalty minutes, making him a leader in this category for his team.

11. During seven of his ten seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Clifford led the team in penalty minutes.
12. His rookie season saw him accumulate 141 penalty minutes, the highest total in a single season for him.

Trade to Toronto Maple Leafs

After a decade with the Kings, Clifford's career took a new turn with a trade to another NHL team.

13. On February 5, 2020, Clifford was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with Jack Campbell in exchange for Trevor Moore and third-round picks in 2020 and 2021.
14. Clifford made his debut with the Maple Leafs on February 7, 2020, and scored his first goal for the team on February 18, 2020.

Contract with St. Louis Blues

Clifford's journey continued as he signed with another NHL team, marking a new chapter in his career.

15. After leaving the Maple Leafs as a free agent, Clifford signed a two-year, $2 million contract with the St. Louis Blues on October 11, 2020.

Crossbow Attack Incident

A tragic event involving Kyle Clifford brought him into the headlines for reasons unrelated to his hockey career.

16. On July 9, 2023, a horrific crossbow attack in Bushey, Hertfordshire, resulted in the deaths of Carol Hunt, 61, and her two daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25. Clifford, who had a previous relationship with Louise Hunt, was identified as the prime suspect.

Manhunt and Arrest

The incident led to a massive manhunt, culminating in Clifford's arrest.

17. Hertfordshire Police launched a manhunt to locate Clifford, deploying armed police and specialist search teams. On July 10, 2023, Clifford was found injured but alive in a cemetery in Enfield, North London, and was apprehended without any shots being fired.

Kyle Clifford's Relationship with Louise Hunt

Clifford's relationship with one of the victims added a personal dimension to the tragic event.

18. Clifford had previously been in a romantic relationship with Louise Hunt, but they had broken up before the incident. Louise had recently crashed her car into a telegraph pole outside her house due to emotional distress following the breakup.

Kyle Clifford's Military Background

Before the tragic incident, Clifford had a brief stint in the military.

19. Clifford served briefly in the British Army with the Queen's Dragoon Guards before dropping out in 2022. He later worked as a security guard and briefly at a fire and security installation company.

Brother's Criminal History

Clifford's family history includes another tragic event involving his older brother.

20. Clifford's older brother, Bradley Clifford, is currently serving a life sentence for murdering a teenager in 2017. Bradley Clifford ran over 19-year-old Jahshua Francis and his passenger Soban Khan after a confrontation outside a bar.

A Life of Triumph and Tragedy

Kyle Clifford's story is a mix of success and heartbreak. Known for his ice hockey career, he achieved great heights with the Los Angeles Kings, winning two Stanley Cups. His reputation as a tough player with a knack for racking up penalty minutes made him a memorable figure on the ice. However, his life took a dark turn with the tragic crossbow attack in 2023, leading to the deaths of three women and a massive manhunt. Clifford's past, including a brief military stint and a troubled family background, adds layers to his complex persona. As he faces legal proceedings, his story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift from triumph to tragedy. The community and his former colleagues continue to grapple with the impact of his actions, highlighting the importance of addressing violence and supporting those affected.