Union's Josh Jooris To Sign with Calgary Flames

Ken Schott of the Daily Gazette is reporting this morning that Union College senior-to-be Josh Jooris is giving up his final year of eligibility to sign a pro contract with the Calgary Flames. The announcement is expected to be made official either some time later today or tomorrow.

Jooris was Union's fourth-leading scorer last season, tallying 12 goals and 16 assists for the Dutchmen. He would have been Union's second-leading returning scorer heading into next season. Jooris participated in Calgary's prospect camp recently, which may have helped him earn the contract offer.

Union head coach Rick Bennett was understandably a little disappointed to lose such a key player so late in the summer, with little time to replace him, but was happy for the opportunity Jooris had earned, telling Schott:

"I don't think it's the best timing in the world when you lose one of your top centers this late in the game. But he's going to fulfill his dreams of signing a National Hockey League deal. That's what he and his family wanted, and that's what they got."