Hatch signs with Flyers organization

by Ryan Fay

Another member of NCAA Hockey-champion Union has joined the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

Hatch

Senior left winger Matt Hatch signed an AHL-only contract with the Flyers on Tuesday. He'll play with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' top minor league affiliate.

The signing comes seven weeks after junior defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere inked an entry-level deal with the Flyers.

The pair could be teammates next season on the Phantoms if Gostisbehere doesn't crack the Flyers' opening night roster. Hatch, 24, would have to sign an NHL contract to play with the Flyers.

Hatch had 34 goals and 39 assists in 148 career games. He established career highs in goals (13) and points (22) this season. The speedy 5-foot-11, 185-pounder was particularly strong in the postseason, recording four goals and three assists over the final six games, including a two goal performance against Vermont in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

A native of Messena, Hatch is the fourth player from this season's team to sign a professional contract. The other three are Gostisbehere, who the Flyers drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft, senior defenseman Mat Bodie (entry-level deal with the New York Rangers) and senior left winger Daniel Carr (entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens).

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