Canadiens Sign Brian Willsie
July 7, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
MONTREAL (July 7, 2011) - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of forward Brian Willsie to a one-year, two-way National Hockey League (NHL) / American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the 2011-2012 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In 2010-2011, Willsie ranked second in scoring with the Hershey Bears and 11th overall in the AHL with 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists) in 76 games. The native of Belmont, Ontario posted a +27 plus / minus rating, the team's second best and also served 68 penalty minutes. He led the team and ranked fourth overall in the AHL with 14 power-play goals. Willsie also played in one NHL game with the Washington Capitals, collecting one assist.
Willsie, 33, has played 381 career regular season games in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings registering 109 points (52 goals, 57 assists) and 217 penalty minutes. He has also suited up for 10 playoff games with the Avalanche between 2001 and 2003.
After beginning his professional hockey career in the 1998-1999 season, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound forward has played a total of 473 career regular season games in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, Portland Pirates and Lake Erie Monsters amassing 365 points (173 goals, 192 assists) and 308 penalty minutes.
Willsie was drafted in the 7th round, 146th overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. He had joined the Capitals as a free agent on July 14th, 2010.
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