Avalanche Ink T.J. Galiardi to Entry-Level Contract

[Thrillhouse]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed forward T.J. Galiardi to an entry-level contract.

Galiardi, one of Colorado’s three second-round picks in the 2007 Entry Draft, spent this past season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. The 19-year old (he turned 20 on April 22) finished second among WHL rookies in scoring with 70 points (18g/52a) in 72 games. Galiardi led Calgary in assists and finished fourth on the team in points. He was +31 on the season.

The Calgary native went on to lead the WHL in playoff scoring with 24 points (5g/19a) in 16 postseason games for the Hitmen.

“T.J. had a very productive season at the major junior level,” said Avalanche Director of Player Development Craig Billington. “We are looking forward to working with him as a professional.”

Prior to being drafted by the Avalanche, Galiardi spent the 2006-07 season with Dartmouth College, where he was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team as a freshman.

Galiardi will be one of 20-plus Avalanche prospects attending the organization’s Development Camp later this summer in Denver.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Its a good deal for the Monsters but they need to start signing some free agents for the AVS.