August 23, 2006 at 9:56 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Transactions
The toughness question was answered as Calgary signed free agent forward Eric Godard. The deal is believed to be a two way deal that enables Calgary to pay Godard a reduced salary when he plays with the Knights. Godard will likely be a call up to protect our stars while spending time in the minors helping do the same for the young stars.
Godard played in his 3rd NHL season during the 2005-06 campaign posting 4 points and 115 penalty minutes in 57 games with the New York Islanders. In 107 NHL career regular season games with the Islanders, the native of Vernon, BC has recorded 5 points and 260 PIM.
The former Lethbridge Hurricane was originally signed as a free agent by the Florida Panthers, September 24, 1999 and was traded to the NY Islanders on June 22, 2002 in exchange for a third round pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
August 23, 2006 at 9:54 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Transactions
Adding another defenceman to push for the 7th spot, Darryl Sutter announced the signing of defenceman Brad Ference. The deal is believed to be just under the 1 million dollar point and possibly a two way contract.
Ference split the 2005-06 season between San Antonio and Albany of the American Hockey League scoring 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) and 135 penalty minutes with the two clubs. In 245 NHL career games with the Florida Panthers and Phoenix Coyotes the Calgary native has collected 34 points (4 goals, 30 assists) and 563 penalty minutes.
The 6’3” 218 lbs and has represented Canada twice at the World Junior Championships (1998 and 1999-Silver Medal). Ference was drafted in the first round, 10th overall, by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1997 Entry Draft. He is best remembered as the player who pissed off Mario Lemieux enough to get him to drop the gloves. Yet another Western Canadian (Calgary for that matter) on the team. Welcome!
