Ex-Whaler signs NHL deal with Flames

The Peterborough Petes announced that captain John Armstrong has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Calgary Flames.

Armstrong, the Flames' third draft pick at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, joined the Petes in January after being acquired from the Plymouth Whalers in the Daniel Ryder deal. He immediately showed leadership abilities on a young Petes team and this year was rewarded with the captaincy.

Currently leading the Petes in scoring with seven goals and 27 points in 31 games this season, Armstrong is obviously elated at signing an NHL contract.

“This is a dream come true," said Armstrong. "It is the best Christmas present I have received.

“I would really like to thank the Petes and general manager Jeff Twohey for bringing me in at the trade deadline last season. It is nice to get this out of the way so I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the season and I can just concentrate on helping our team.”

Armstrong was the first-round pick (13th overall) of the Whalers at the 2004 OHL Priority Selection.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers