The Canadiens announced via their Twitter account minutes ago that Zach Fucale has signed a three-year entry-level deal with the club. Fucale played well, taking over for Peter Budaj in the second half of the scrimmage, and shutting out the opposition. He was also run over a couple of times but seemed okay. Here is the team’s official release:
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Saturday the signing of goaltender Zachary Fucale to a three-year, entry level contract (2013-14 to 2015-16).
In 55 games with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads in 2012-13, Fucale recorded 45 wins, 5 losses and 3 overtime losses, leading the league in wins. He added 2 shutouts, a 2.35 goals against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage (Sv%). Fucale helped the Mooseheads capture the President Cup, displaying a 16-1-0 record in 17 playoff contests, along with 3 shutouts, a 2.02 GAA and a .918 Sv%. He also led Halifax to their first Memorial Cup in franchise history, thanks to a 3-1-0 record, with a 3.52 GAA and a .902 Sv%.
Fucale, 18, shows a 77-32-4 record in 113 games since making his junior debut with Halifax in 2011-12. The 6’01” and 178 lbs goaltender has 4 career shutouts, a 2.76 GAA and a .900 Sv%.
A native of Rosemère, Quebec, Fucale was selected in the second round, 36th overall by the Canadiens at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He is currently taking part in his first Canadiens official training camp.
In other news, the Canadiens made their first cuts of camp, sending Connor Crisp, Tim Bozon and Jeremy Gregoire back to their respective junior clubs.
