Former North York Rangers defenceman Mark Friedman (photo credit – Izak Westgate/HHOF) has officially signed an NHL entry level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Toronto, Ontario native, who played with the Don Mills Flyers ‘AAA’ program, first played for the Rangers as an affiliated minor midget, playing two games in 2010-11. He joined the Rangers full-time in 2011-12 and was one of the league’s top prospects, being named a 2nd Team All-Prospect after leading North York’s d-corps in scoring with 9 goals and 27 points in 48 regular season games played.
Below is the official press release from the Philadelphia Flyers website (www.flyers.nhl.com):
The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have signed defenseman Mark Friedman, the club’s 2014 third round draft pick (86th overall), to an entry-level contract for the 2017-18 season, according to GM Ron Hextall.
Additionally, Friedman will report to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.
Friedman spent the last three seasons in the NCAA at Bowling Green State University of the WCHA. Below are some news & notes:
MARK FRIEDMAN (FREED-man)
POSITION: Defense
DRAFTED: 3rd Round, 86th overall (2014)
TEAM/LEAGUE: Bowling Green State University (NCAA: WCHA)
AGE: 21 (12-25-1995)
BORN: Toronto, Ontario
VITALS: 5’11”, 185 pounds
In three seasons at Bowling Green, he recorded 68 points (26g-52a) in 121 games to go along with a +21 rating.
This past season, he led the team’s defense in scoring with 26 points (8g-18a) in 40 games, which ranked fourth overall on the team, and were new career highs in goals, assists and points.
He led the team on the power play in both assists (9) and points (13).
In his Sophomore year, he was named to the First team All-WCHA, while also being named one of the Top 50 Players to Watch by The Hockey News.
As a Freshman, The tied for a team lead with 17 assists and was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. He was also a part of Bowling Green’s defense unit that ranked second in the country on the penalty kill.
