Saginaw's Pyatt inks with Rangers

The New York Rangers announced yesterday that Saginaw Spirit center Tom Pyatt has signed his first pro contract.

Pyatt was drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round, 107th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“It's nice to sign your first contract," stated Pyatt. “It's good to move my game up to the next level. I am looking forward to training camp next fall.”

Pyatt came to Saginaw four seasons ago when he was drafted in the second round, 21st overall, of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. In his time with the Spirit, Pyatt has tallied 93 goals and 107 assists with 42 goals and 38 assists this season.

The 20-year-old Pyatt hit the 200 point marker last weekend in the 7-4 win over the Guelph Storm. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native also tallied his fourth hat trick of the season in the effort, set a new record for the Spirit in single season shorthanded goal scoring with his sixth of the season and tied the team's single-season goal record held by Nick Lees (42 goals) from the 2003-04 season.

Pyatt, with 80 points on the season, is closing in on the single season points record held by Ryan McDonough (88 points) from the 2005-06 season. Pyatt participated in the 2005 and 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge and the 2006 and 2007 OHL All-Star Classic. He was the Western Conference MVP in the 2006 All-Star Classic and the Western Conference captain in the 2007 All-Star Classic. Pyatt played with Team Canada in the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championship, winning a gold medal in both tournaments.

“We're thrilled that Tommy has taken the next step in fulfilling a lifelong dream to play in the National Hockey League,” stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini. “He has a tremendous future in the game.”