Panthers Re-Sign Belak, Kreps
POSTED: 12:39 pm EDT May 5,
2008
Sunrise, FL -- (Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers re-signed forwards Wade Belak and Kamil Kreps to two-year contracts on Monday.The Panthers acquired Belak on February 26 from Toronto for a fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft and the Saskatoon native played in Florida's final 17 games, registering no points and 12 penalty minutes. In 47 games played for both Florida and Toronto last year, the veteran recorded one goal and 78 penalty minutes "Wade is a high character, hard working player and versatile player who immediately made an impact on our team last season," Panthers general manager Jacques Martin. "He provides our club with a tremendous physical presence and we look forward to his continued contributions to our team both on and off the ice for the next two years." Belak, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, has eight goals and 21 assists over an 11-year NHL career, with stints in Calgary, Colorado, Toronto and Florida. The 23-year-old Kreps played in 76 games for the Panthers last season, scoring eight goals with 17 assists. "Kamil is an example of the strong and young talent that we have developed within our organization," Martin said. "He proved this past season that he can contribute offensively to our team, while also playing a sound and responsible defensive game." The Panthers also agreed to terms with defenseman Luke Beaverson on an entry level contract. Beaverson, 23, recently completed his senior season at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, playing in 30 games and scoring one goal with two assists. "Beaverson, who served as his team's captain this past season, is another high character player who we are pleased to have signed," said Martin. "He is a big, strong and durable defenseman who will continue to develop playing at the professional level."
Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.





