Former Union standout Jooris re-ups with Flames

by Ryan Fay

Jooris in action last season

Former Union forward Josh Jooris avoided salary arbitration with the Calgary Flames by re-signing with the team on Friday.

Jooris, who was a restricted free agent, signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $975,000. His previous deal carried an average annual value of $925,000. The two sides were scheduled to go to an arbitration hearing on July 28 if a new deal wasn't reached.

"[I'm] just thrilled and grateful to be back in Calgary," said Jooris, who posted 29 goals and 59 assists in 117 contests with Union from 2010-13. "It's a great Canadian hockey city and I am real excited to build off last season. I'm happy that a hearing wasn't needed and I am grateful for another opportunity."

Jooris began last season with the AHL's Adirondack Flames, but was called up to Calgary on Oct. 16. He scored a goal in his NHL debut against Columbus the following night. On Dec. 2, Jooris became the first former Union player to record a hat trick in the NHL when he accomplished the feat in a win over Arizona. He finished with 12 goals and 12 assists in 60 games with Calgary.

Jooris originally joined Calgary's organization in July 2013 when he signed a two-year free-agent deal not long before what would have been his senior year at Union. He spent the 2013-14 campaign with the AHL's Abbotsford Heat and posted 11 goals and 16 assists in 73 contests.

In addition to the new contract, Jooris will also have a new jersey number this season. The Flames recently announced that Jooris switched from No. 86 to No. 16.

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