Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Thursday the signing of Rimouski Oceanic forward Olivier Fortier to a three-year contract. Fortier was Montreal’s third round selection, 65th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Fortier, best described as a solid two forward, won the Guy Carbonneau trophy as the QMJHL’s top defensive forward in 2007-08. He appeared with the Canadiens in two pre – season games during the 2008 training camp.
The 19-year-old Oceanic captain was invited to tryout for the 2008 Team Canada Juniors, but an injury earlier in the season kept him from attending the final camp. Fortier previously appeared with the Canadian U-18 team in 2007. In prior QMJHL seasons, Fortier has taken part in the league All Star game, two Canada – Russia challenges, and the Top Prospects game.
This season, Fortier has put up totals of 8 goals and 27 assists, after missing 40 games due to a knee injury. In 29 games, he is plus -3 with 12 minutes in penalties.
In his fourth QMJHL season, the Ancienne – Lorette City, PQ native has posted 65-96-161 totals.
Rimouski finsihed their 2008-09 season strongly upon Fortier’s return to the lineup, going 9-1 down the stretch. The sixth place Oceanic open their playoff season against the Carbonneau owned Chicoutimi Saguenees, who finished 13th. As Rimouski is this season’s Memorial Cup host team, Fortier can expect to be under the spotlight come May.
