whl.com story /

Cliff Fletcher, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced earlier this month that the hockey club has signed defenceman Luke Schenn to a three-year entry level contract.

“Luke’s got a bright future in the NHL and we are very excited to have him signed to a contract,” said Fletcher. “He had a great training camp during which he demonstrated a lot of poise and skill for a young defenceman.”

Schenn, an 18-year-old native of Saskatoon, Sask., was selected fifth overall by Toronto in the 2008 NHL Draft held in Ottawa. In seven preseason games with the Leafs, he scored one goal and one shootout game-winning goal, along with two penalty minutes and a plus-three rating.

“He has worked very hard and is now living every kid’s dream of belonging to a National Hockey League team.  We know he will continue to develop for the Maple Leafs, whether that is in Toronto or ultimately here with us in Kelowna,” stated Rockets President/General Manager Bruce Hamilton.

In 2007/08, Schenn played 57 games for the Kelowna Rockets of collecting seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points, along with 100 penalty minutes. He was selected to the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star Team. As well he was a team captain at the 2008 CHL Top Prospects game in Edmonton where he scored a goal and earned a plus-2 rating.

Internationally, Schenn won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships. In seven games played he ranked first on the team with a plus-five rating. He also won a gold medal while playing for Canada at the 2007 World Under-18 Championships, during which he played six games and scored three goals.