Vernon’s Andrew Ebbett will be playing a lot closer to home when the 2011-12 NHL season begins in October.
The 28-year-old forward was signed by the Vancouver Canucks to a one-year, one-way $525,000 deal on Canada Day, the first day of the annual free agent frenzy.
Ebbett, who was married last month, earned a shot with the Anaheim Ducks as an undrafted free agent in 2007-08, and has since played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild and Phoenix Coyotes.
The former Salmon Arm SilverBack had two goals and three assists in 33 games with the ‘Yotes last season, plus 38 points in 37 games with their AHL affiliate San Antonio Rampage.
With forwards Tanner Glass and Raffi Torres departing Vancouver via free agency, Ebbett will likely have the opportunity to challenge for a depth role.
Meanwhile, Vernon summer resident Chuck Kobasew was signed by the Colorado Avalanche to a two-year $2.5M contract Friday.
A former first-round pick (14th overall) by Calgary, the 29-year-old winger has played in nine NHL seasons with the Flames, Boston Bruins and Minnesota. He pocketed 16 points in 63 games with the Wild last season.
