Avalanche Ink Derek Peltier to Entry-Level Contract

[Thrillhouse]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed defenseman Derek Peltier to an entry-level contract.

Colorado’s fifth selection (sixth round, 184th overall) in the 2004 Entry Draft, Peltier (pronounced Pell-TEER) played four seasons at the University of Minnesota (WCHA). He served as the Gophers’ captain in 2007-08, appearing in all 45 games. The Plymouth, Minn., native led the Gophers defense in scoring this past season with 21 points (4g/17a).

Peltier, 23, joined Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, at the conclusion of his senior season at Minnesota. He recorded one assist in six games for the Monsters.

“We look forward to having Derek start his professional career with our organization,” said Avalanche Director of Player Development Craig Billington. “He culminated his four-year career at the University of Minnesota as team captain and was a valuable leader.”

Peltier, who missed only one game during his collegiate career, tallied 73 points (15g/58a) in 173 games with the Gophers

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Another one for Lake Erie.

[JKidd]

In the future, he'll be a good puck mover and a solid PP man, but thats down the road maybe 2 years or so. He needs to put some muscle on his frame for sure. Maybe 10-20 lbs of muscle.

[TheBoogeyman]

I went to school with him at Armstrong highschool located in Plymouth. He was a dickhead.

[AvsFanatic]

Originally Posted by TheBoogeyman

He was a dickhead.

I hope that means he plays like Claude Lemieux!

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by AvsFanatic

I hope that means he plays like Claude Lemieux!

Claude was at least physical, Derek is just a prick.