Avalanche Sign McCormick and Guite

[Thrillhouse]

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced Friday that the team has signed forward Ben Guite to a two-year contract and forward Cody McCormick to a one-year deal.

Guite, 28, began last season with Albany of the American Hockey League before spending the second half of the year in Colorado. He played in 39 games for the Avalanche, tallying three goals and eight assists. Following his third and final recall on Jan. 26, Guite appeared in 36 of Colorado’s final 37 games, including each of the last 19. He finished second on the team with two short-handed points (1g/1a) and won 49.5% of his faceoffs, third best on the Avalanche. Guite recorded 29 points (10g/19a) in 36 games with the Albany River Rats.

“Ben provided some quality minutes during our stretch run,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Francois Giguere. “We look for him to continue his role on our team.”

The Montreal, Quebec native signed with the Avalanche as a free agent on July 12, 2006. Guite, who played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Maine, was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1997 Entry Draft (eighth pick, 172nd overall). He played in one NHL game prior to joining the Avalanche, making his NHL debut on Jan. 30, 2006 against Ottawa as a member of the Boston Bruins. Guite scored his first career NHL goal short-handed against Dominik Hasek of the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 9, 2007 at Pepsi Center.

McCormick, 24, was the Avalanche’s fifth selection (144th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He began the 2006-07 season with Colorado, recording no goals and one assist in six games before being reassigned to Albany on Dec. 7. He spent the rest of the season in the AHL, tallying 16 points (8g/8a) and 64 penalty minutes in 42 games for the River Rats. McCormick also skated in five playoff games for Albany, scoring one goal. A native of Mount Brydges, Ontario, McCormick has compiled 14 points (6g/8a) and 108 penalty minutes in 95 career NHL games.

“Cody has almost 100 games of NHL experience,” said Giguere. “He brings an element of grit and energy to our organization.”

[Kingdog819]

Hmm, I guess this is a good thing. McCormick can drop em every now and then. I will look on the bright side and say that I am glad they signed him to a one way contract. I think that him and Parker will split time, 30% Parker and the rest to Cody. Who knows whoelse they will sign though.

[Podollan]

Great news, I am very high on Cody.

[tyfighter27]

Itd be great to see them have Parker, McCormick, and Laperriere playing all of this year.

[Agitator97]

I love McCormick so this is great news. He should be in the lineup all year round on the 4th line IMO. Offensively he's improving and adds grit, although he hasn't been quite the same since he broke his wrist a few seasons ago.

As for Guite, i just don't like him. Waste of a spot, I think McCormick could do just as well registering the points.

[Purely_Purinton]

Good signings, some grit in McCormick and Guite taught me how to stickhandle at UMaine camp a few years ago

[Podollan]

I hope they will dress Parker or/and him.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Good face-off guy in Guite. Like McCormick's toughness.