Jon Gillies has jumped out of the frying pan and into the Flames.
The 21-year-old Providence College junior goaltender, fresh off a 49-save performance in a 4-3 win over Boston University in the Frozen Four Final, has signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Calgary Flames. Calgary drafted Gillies 75th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft.
The contract is a three-year deal, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Gillies was on the ice for the Flames’ morning skate before Wednesday night’s playoff game vs. the Vancouver Canucks. Gillies left to join the team Tuesday night following a championship celebration at Providence, according to the Providence Journal.
“It has been an indescribable honor to wear the Friar jersey and represent Providence College for the past three years,” Gillies said in a statement released by the college Wednesday. “I am forever a Friar and that makes me one of the luckiest people in the world.”
Gillies leaves the Friars as the program’s all-time leader in shutouts (13) and career goals-against average (2.08), is second in wins (60) and saves (3,000), and fourth in goaltender appearances (108). Gillies also became just the fifth goalie ever to achieve Hockey East First Team honors twice.
“We are excited and proud that Jon has earned this opportunity,” Providence coach Nate Leaman said. “He’s had a great three years as a Friar, culminating in Saturday night’s NCAA Championship game. We know he will represent Providence College well and we look forward to seeing Jon back on campus in the future as he continues to work toward his Providence College degree.”
Gillies joins Calder Trophy favorite and Boston College alum Johnny Gaudreau as Hockey East representatives on Calgary’s roster.
Thumbnail image via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
