Music: {allcanada} FLAMES SIGN DESBIENS TO ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY DEAL

Monday, July 4, 2011

{allcanada} FLAMES SIGN DESBIENS TO ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY DEAL

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Guillaume Desbiens to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000.

Flames General Manager Jay Feaster believes Desbiens can add some grit to his lineup.

"Guillaume Desbiens is a tough, strong, physical player who can also chip in offensively. Most importantly, he can play a regular shift, and he's a very hard guy to play against," said Feaster. "In speaking with Troy Ward, our Head Coach in Abbotsford, he noted that Desbiens gave our team fits last season playing for Manitoba because he is so strong and physical and tough to knock off the puck. Guillaume is knocking on the door of being a regular in the NHL and we look forward to having him compete for a spot in Camp."

The 26-year-old forward played in 12 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, earning 10 penalty minutes.

Desbiens, a native of Alma, Quebec, spent the majority of the season with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, in 53 games he contributed 11 goals and 16 assists.

He also appeared in 13 post season games where he scored once and added three assists.

Desbiens was originally selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 4th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.