Canmore Eagles alumni and netminder Sam Brittain, who spent one season with the Eagles back in 2009-10, signed an NHL Entry level contract with the Florida Panthers on July 2.
Brittain, 22 was taken in the 4th round (92nd overall) by the Panthers in the 2010 NHL Entry draft.
During his only season spent with the Eagles, the Calgary, AB native posted a 23-19-8 record with a G.A.A. of 3.27, a .896 save % and 2 shutouts. He was named the team's rookie of the year and was also a finalist for the Alberta Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year and goaltender of the year awards.
He then spent the last 4 seasons with the NCAA Div. I University of Denver Pioneers. Last season, he appeared in 39 games, posting a 19-14-6 mark with a 2.22 GAA, a .946 save percentage and five shutouts. He led Denver to the inaugural NCHC Championship and was named the 2014 NCHC Goalie of the Year. Brittain was also one of five finalists for the Mike Richter Award, given to the goalie who best displays outstanding skill on the ice, along with academic achievement, sportsmanship and community service.
During his rookie year with Denver (2010-2011), he ranked first among NCAA rookie goaltenders in wins (19) and third in goals against average (2.28) and save percentage (.921). For his career with the Pioneers, Brittain played in 97 games going 51-34-11 with seven shutouts.
The Panthers have Roberto Luongo as a starting goalie, and signed former Michigan goalie Al Montoya as a back-up yesterday, so Brittain will likely start his career with the Panthers' AHL affiliate in San Antonio, Texas.
The Canmore Eagles organization would like to congratulate Sam and the Brittain family on this great accomplishment and we wish him all the best in the future !!!