Providence College junior Jon Gillies has signed a three-year contract with the NHL’s Calgary Flames and will serve as the team’s third goalie in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Gillies, of South Portland, was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Frozen Four last weekend after leading the Friars to the national championship. He made a career-high 49 saves in the title game, a 4-3 victory over Boston University on Saturday.
“It’s been a little crazy,” said Deb Gillies, his mother. “It’s been quite a whirlwind the last couple of days.”
Jon Gillies signed the contract Tuesday at Providence College before attending a ceremony honoring the championship team. Then he took a late-night flight to Vancouver, where the Flames open their playoff series against the Canucks on Wednesday night. He practiced for the first time with the Flames on Wednesday afternoon.
“He barely had time to pack,” said Deb Gillies. “He literally walked into the locker room to grab his equipment then left. He flew to Vancouver and arrived at 3 a.m. our time.”
Deb Gillies said the family had anticipated the contract offer from the Flames, who selected Gillies in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft.
“I had hoped for a senior year but I understand the opportunity that is there for him,” she said.
She added that Jon Gillies plans on getting his degree.
“We strongly want him to finish (college) and he will do that,” she said. “He knows he has to put the work in. But we want the degree as well.”
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