MONTREAL, QC - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of goaltender Cedrick Desjardins and forward Ryan Russell to one-year, two-way contracts (2010-2011). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Desjardins, 24, led all American Hockey League goaltenders in 2009-2010 with a 2.00 goals-against-average while holding a record of 29-9-4 and ranking sixth in the league with a .919 save percentage and second in the league in shutouts with six. Desjardins also helped the 'Dogs reach the Western Conference Finals as he posted a record of 6-4 in 10 post-season games. The native of Edmundston, New Brunswick was the winning goaltender in the AHL's All-Star Classic in 2010 and was named an AHL Second-Team All-Star. Desjardins' 29 wins set a new franchise record for most wins in a season by a Bulldogs goaltender while he also set the record for longest shutout streak by a 'Dogs goaltender when he did not allow a goal for 212 minutes and 37 seconds. The 6-foot, 194-pound netminder has played in 92 career games with the Bulldogs holding a record of 41-26-6 with a .917 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against-average while recording 10 shutouts. Desjardins is a former Memorial Cup Champion (2006) and was named playoff MVP in 2008 when he won the Kelly Cup with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. He joined the Canadiens as a free agent on July 3, 2008.
Russell, 23, played in 74 games with Hamilton last season recording 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) while leading the team in shorthanded goals with three. The native of Caroline, Alberta also added 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 19 post-season games with the 'Dogs. The 5-foot-10, 174-pound centre has recorded a total of 79 points (41 goals, 38 assists) in 178 career regular season games in the AHL with the Bulldogs. Russell was selected in the 7th round, 211th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with the Rangers on May 31st, 2007.
For information on 2010-2011 Bulldogs season tickets, flex packs, mini packs and group tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.
