Flyers Sign Beaulieu and Duchesne

[Thrillhouse]

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6’1”, 190-pound forward Josh Beaulieu and 6’0”, 200-pound goaltender Jeremy Duchesne to entry level contracts, according General Manager Paul Holmgren.

"Josh Beaulieu and Jeremy Duchesne are two players who just finished up strong seasons in juniors,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “Duchesne was impressive in net in taking the Val-d’Or Foreurs to the finals in the QMJHL, while Beaulieu established himself as a tough, checking forward while playing for the London Knights in the OHL.”

Beaulieu, 20, recorded 10 goals and six assists for 16 points and 93 penalty minutes in 44 regular season games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League this past season. He posted nine points (3G,6A) and 31 penalty minutes in 10 playoff games for the Knights.

In four seasons with the Knights (2003-04 through 2006-07), Beaulieu registered 37 goals and 38 assists for 75 points and 424 penalty minutes in 210 regular season games. The Windsor, Ontario native was selected by the Flyers in the fifth round (152nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Duchesne, 20, compiled a 25-25-0 record, two shutouts, 3.33 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in 52 regular season games with the Halifax Mooseheads and Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this past season. In 28 games for the Mooseheads, he registered a 12-15-0 record, one shutout, 3.68 GAA and .891 save percentage. In 24 games for the Foreurs, he posted a 13-10-0 record, one shutout, 2.92 GAA and .904 save percentage.

A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Duchesne led Val-d’Or to the 2007 QMJHL Finals with an 11-7 record, 2.90 GAA and .905 save percentage in 18 playoff games.

In four seasons with the Victoriaville Tigres, Halifax and Val-d’Or (2003-04 through 2006-07), Duchesne registered a 67-71-3 record, 11 shutouts and 3.29 GAA in 157 regular season games. He was selected by the Flyers in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

[Podollan]

Beaulieu...another tough player .. for a very tough Phantoms team..