Flyers Sign Garrett Klotz and Darroll Powe

[HordiBrusk29]

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6’5”, 235-pound left wing Garrett Klotz (KLAWTZ) and 5’11”, 200-pound center Darroll Powe to entry-level contracts, according to General Manager Paul Holmgren.

Klotz, 19, recorded a goal and three assists for four points and 96 penalty minutes in 52 games for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League this past season. Over the last three seasons in the WHL, Klotz registered five goals and five assists for 10 points and 229 penalty minutes in 150 regular season games for the Red Deer Rebels (2005-06) and Saskatoon (2006-07 and 2007-08). He was drafted by the Flyers in the third round (66th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Powe, 22, registered nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points and 133 penalty minutes in 76 regular season games for the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, this past season. He was third on the team in penalty minutes with 133. He also has scored a goal in nine playoff games as the Phantoms currently play the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in the AHL’s East Division Finals.

Over parts of the last two seasons with the Phantoms (2006-07 and 2007-08), Powe has recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points and 153 penalty minutes in 87 regular season games. He posted four points (2G,2A) and 20 penalty minutes in 11 regular season games with the Phantoms after joining the team at the completion of his senior season at Princeton University (2006-07).

In four seasons with the Princeton Tigers (2003-04 through 2006-07), Powe registered 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 points and 226 penalty minutes in 120 games. He was a two-time winner of The Richard F. Vaughan Cup (2006 and 2007), which is “awarded annually to that varsity player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to Princeton hockey.” He also won The Blackwell Trophy for the 2006-07 season, which is “awarded annually to that member of the Princeton varsity hockey team who in play, sportsmanship and influence has contributed most to the sport.”

[Brash_Fan]

5 goals in 160 junior games, does he have enough skill to ever see the NHL, hordi?
Appearently Flyers have high hopes since they drafted him in the 3rd round.

[HordiBrusk29]

Probably not. The Flyers must have seen something in him because he wasn't even slated to be drafted from what I remember. But regardless he has a good attitude and he seems to want the role.

[Phillyfan11]

He better be a Phantom for their swan song seasons.

[caps05]

From his fight card, he's got 35 fights in 3 years in juniors. What would you say he is, Hordi, a MW? HW? LHW?

And is he more likely to start down in Wheeling(Philly's shared ECHL affiliate) next year?

[Phillyfan11]

In all fairness to Darrel Powe, he earned this as well. He's been solid for them (phantoms for the past season and a quarter) Could be a good guy to play fourth line center at some point or be a good extra forward. Will chip in on the physical end and do alright as far as fighting occasionally.

But this is a fight sight, so info on Klotz for those of us who don't know about him would be cool.

And i don't think we even use wheeling for developemental reasons. To me Wheeling is where they ship the guy's they don't see ever amounting to anything but are under contract and can be brought in to plug a void for the phantoms. (I.E. Martin Houle)

[blades29]

Klotz did alright in Saskatoon (Blades) from what I saw when he was playing here... good signing!

[MadMel]

Philly fans will like Klotz ..big kid ,skating has improved a lot. One of the top fighters in the league,has fought some injury problems along the way. But in terms of toughness one of the best in the WHL the past couple years. It was to bad the Blades didnt play the B.C. and American teams etc more.. would have liked to see him vs Lucic,Kassian etc.. oh well ..someday i hope. Wont get much in the way of scoring out fo him,but thats alright.
Like any kid ,needs to add some lbs. i know he is listed at 235 but i saw him in person he is a twizzler ..hit the gym and some vitamins () should help.

at the end of the day as long as teams keep signing toughness its always a good sign.

[Godly_goon]

im expecting big things from klotz he is one tough mother ****er no doubt he is gunna be a heavyweight contender in the future i know he is looking to scrap boulerice in spring camp i hear he is working his ass off getting in good fighting shape for spring camp doubt he makes it but he is deffinetly gunna be a name said on this site alot in the future

[Podollan]

Flyers always have a great toughness in the system - good for them and the phantoms- but for any other teams.

[BStreetBullies]

Klotz is a big boy, who basically only serves as muscle. If the crash line was brought back to the NHL, you know the 4th line full of bangers, the kid could find a spot in Philly, but most likely he'll spend a lot of time in the minors. He's a big guy, he seems to fight the big names, I would call him a HW, but that's from limited reading and limited clips.

Here's a couple of his bouts:

YouTube - Aaron Boogaard vs. Garrett Klotz...

YouTube - Josh Elder vs Garrett Klotz

YouTube - Jordan Bendfeld vs Garrett Klotz