NAHL graduate Kaunisto inks with NHL's Kings

The Los Angeles Kings have signed free agent forward Ray Kaunisto, who played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) as a member of the Soo Indians from 2003-05, to a two-year entry-level contract.

Kaunisto, 23, just completed his senior year at Northern Michigan University (CCHA), recording 32 points (18 goals) and 78 penalty minutes in 40 games.  He led the Wildcats in penalty minutes while ranking second in goals (tied for eighth in the CCHA), tying for fourth in points and tying for first with three game-winning goals.  

Kaunisto helped the Wildcats to a record of 20-13-8 and a berth in the NCAA tournament (NMU was eliminated by St. Cloud State University in the West Regional last weekend).
 
In four seasons with Northern Michigan, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound native of Sault, Ste. Marie, Mich., registered 62 points (36 goals) and 208 penalty minutes in 161 games.

Kaunisto played four games for the Indians in 2003-04 before scoring 20 goals for 40 points in 55 games during the 2004-05 season.