SPURGEON SIGNS WITH MINNESOTA

In the matter of two weeks, defenseman Jared Spurgeon has turned an amateur tryout agreement to an NHL contract.  The former Chief defenseman signed an entry level contract with the Minnesota Wild earlier in the week after he was originally a free agent invitee to their prospect’s camp.  He scored a goal and assist, both on the power play, with their prospect team in Traverse City, Michigan and earned an invitation to their main camp last week.

After being selected in the 10th round, 188th overall, in the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft, the Edmonton native played 266 career games in Spokane.  He finished his career with 37 goals, 133 assists, tied for 15th in franchise history, the fourth most for defensemen, and 170 points in his five seasons in Spokane.  He won the Chiefs John “Hitman” Hern Defenseman of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 and the Player’s Player award in 2009 and 2010.  Spurgeon also played in 40 playoff games in his career and was a member of the 2008 Memorial Cup Champions.  Last February, Spurgeon was named to the organization’s Top 25 Chiefs in 25 Years.

Last season Spurgeon scored eight goals and 51 points in 54 games.  He was selected by the New York Islanders in the sixth round in 2008.