Thursday, April 21, 2011

Panthers Agree To Entry Level Contract With F John McFarland

Press Release

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to terms with F John McFarland (Saginaw – Ontario Hockey League) on an entry level contract. He becomes the third 2010 draft pick signed by the Panthers in April, joining F Quinton Howden (Apr. 6) and D Alex Petrovic (Apr. 18).

“John is another talented prospect who we drafted in the Top 40 last year,” said Tallon. “He is a hard working and high character forward, who has the ability to score and will continue to develop both on and off the ice.”

McFarland, 19, started the year with the Sudbury Wolves (OHL), before being traded to the Saginaw Spirit (OHL). He appeared in 49 games for both clubs, scoring 25 goals with 13 assists and 46 PIM. He registered nine points (5-4-9) in 12 post season contests with Saginaw. The Richmond Hill, Ontario, native registered 50 or more points in each of his first two seasons (2008-10) with Sudbury (OHL).

During his rookie season in the OHL, McFarland competed for Team Ontario in the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he won a gold medal. He was the tournament scoring leader, with a total of 12 points, and was also named to the tournament all-star team.

McFarland was drafted by Florida in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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