Flyers sign Giroux

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 5’11”, 175-pound right wing Claude Giroux to an entry-level contract, according General Manager Paul Holmgren.

"We are happy to announce that the organization has signed 2006 first round pick Claude Giroux to an NHL entry-level contract,” said Holmgren. “Claude is a fine, young man and we are happy to have him signed. We look forward to his progression as a player."

Giroux, 19, recorded 48 goals and 64 assists for 112 points and 49 penalty minutes in 63 regular season games for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during the 2006-07 season. He led the Olympiques in goals (48, sixth in the QMJHL), points (112, fourth in the QMJHL), game-winning goals (10, first in the QMJHL) and was second on the team in assists (64, tied for sixth in the QMJHL) and power play goals (20, tied for ninth in the QMJHL). At the conclusion of Gatineau’s season, Giroux joined the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, where he posted two points (1G,1A) and six penalty minutes in five regular season games.

In two seasons with Gatineau (2005-06 and 2006-07), Giroux has recorded 87 goals and 128 assists for 215 points and 113 penalty minutes in 132 regular season games. During the 2005-06 season, Giroux recorded 39 goals and 64 assists for 103 points and 64 penalty minutes in 69 games for Gatineau. He was first on the team in goals (39 - tied for 19th overall in QMJHL, tied for first among QMJHL rookies), assists (64 – 11th overall in QMJHL, first among QMJHL rookies), points (103 – tied for 11th overall in QMJHL, first among QMJHL rookies) and plus/minus (+30 – tied for 16th overall in QMJHL, second among QMJHL rookies). He was tied for second on the team in power play goals (14 – tied for first among QMJHL rookies) and was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team for the 2005-06 season.

A native of Hearst, Ontario, Giroux will be a member of the team representing Canada for the Canada/Russia Super Series that takes place from August 27 through September 7, 2007. He was selected by the Flyers in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.