Montreal Canadiens Take Cleary Option

Bill Cleary, the varsity center who holds the all-time NCAA hockey scoring record, may someday play for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.

The professional club now has an option on Cleary's services after graduation and he will probably be invited to the September training camp in Montreal. Cleary, a junior, will be required to sign an agreement to play in the Canadiens' organization if he decided to play professionally.

Cleary said yesterday that he doubts if he would accept any invitation to the training camp. Finishing college and dispensing with the Selective Service requirement, are more important considerations at the moment, he said. Cleary has also indicated interest in entering business.

Ken Reardon, the club's director of minor league operations, said that newspaper reports drew the club's attention to Cleary.