A versatile forward, Cleaver brings speed and scoring to the K-Wings lineup. One of the K-Wings premiere signings a year ago, Cleaver started last season in the ECHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners, where he was coached by former K-Wing Brad Church. Cleaver also participated in the 2008 San Jose Sharks Prospect Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended training camp with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.

Cleaver earned his first professional point in his third game as a K-Wing with an assist on 11/14/08 versus the Flint Generals. Rick continued his memorable November recording his first pro goal on 11/23/08 versus the Port Huron Icehawks in a game, where Cleaver would tie the K-Wings' season-high for plus/minus rating in a single game with a +5.

Well decorated in his inaugural pro season, Cleaver earned recognition from the IHL by receiving a selection on their All-Rookie Team and proclaimed their Aquafina Rookie of the Year. Celebrated by his hometown fans, Cleaver also received the K-Wings' Centennial Wireless Rookie of the Year and Otten Trophies Star of the Game Award.

The native of Port McNeill, British Columbia led all first-year players with 61 points and also led all rookies with 27 goals and 34 assists.

A pillar of consistency, Cleaver went on a four-game point and goal streak from 12/29/08-01/03/09. Later in the season, Cleaver would surpass his efforts with an eight-game point streak from 03/17/09-04/03/09.

In college, Cleaver was a two-time ECAC East Player of the Year award winner at Norwich University. He last captured the honor two seasons ago during his senior year, recording 31 goals and 50 points in 28 games. Cleaver helped the Cadets to a 23-7-0 mark and a spot in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.

Named a Division III First Team All-American, Cleaver was selected to the 2008 New England Hockey Writers ECAC East/NESAC All-Star Team. Creating an offensive spark, Cleaver lead the Cadets in scoring in his junior and senior seasons, and ranked second in points as a sophomore. During his four-year career at Norwich University, Cleaver totaled 92 goals and 66 assists for 158 points in 102 games.