Eurolanche

Avalanche signs Malone

He will report to Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, for the start of the AHL playoffs.

Malone, 21, just completed his senior season at the University of North Dakota (WCHA), where he helped the Fighting Sioux advance to the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four.  Malone ranked fifth on the Sioux in scoring with 40 points (16g/24a) and added a team-high 108 penalty minutes in 43 games.  The Miramichi, New Brunswick, native was +22 for the season and won 57.7% of his faceoffs, the fourth-best mark in school history.

“Brad just finished a strong four-year college career and we look forward to him beginning his pro career with Lake Erie,” said Avalanche General Manager / Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.

Colorado’s fifth selection (fourth round, 105th overall) in the 2007 Entry Draft, Malone finished his career with 85 points (33g/52a) and 329 penalty minutes in 161 games.  The 6-foot-2, 207-pound center is one of only four players in UND history to amass over 75 career points and 275 career PIM.

Malone was named to the 2010-11 WCHA All-Academic Team.  Brad’s uncle, Greg Malone, played 11 seasons in the NHL from 1976-87.  Brad’s cousin, Ryan Malone (Greg’s son), is a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

-Avalanche Press Release-