Bob Gainey started it – Pierre Gauthier is finishing it…
The Montreal Canadiens announced on Tuesday the signing of free agent Jeff Halpern. The 6-foot, 203-pound veteran centerman adds more maturity to a team that has become one of the more solid cores of veterans in the NHL.
Halpern, the former Captain of Team USA – spent last season on the beaches in Tampa and L.A, only after playing in 71 games and netting 9 goals and 11 assists and adding 38 penalty minutes.The ten year veteran started his career with Washington in 1999-00 where he amassed 29 points – 18 of which were goals in a 79 game stint.In six seasons with the Caps he produced goal totals of 18, 21, 5, 13 , 19 and 11 and has scored 131 times in 720 NHL games.
"“As soon as Montreal showed interest, I was pretty excited. To be able to put on that jersey and play in that city for that team is a tremendous honor,” said Halpern after signing his new deal on Tuesday. “I’ve played in the NHL for a long time, but I’m probably more excited for this than I’ve been at any point in my career. It’s a special feeling to join this organization."
Halpern has tallied 316 points (131 goals, 185 assists) in 720 regular season games and added 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 30 career playoff match-ups.
"“I’ve played in some of the most southern cities with great weather and great organizations, but I’m a bit of a hockey nerd,” admitted Halpern. “I love being around it and I love when people are talking hockey and they’re kind of breathing the sport so the chance to play in that environment is a special thing for me.”"
A native of Maryland, Halpern graduated from Princeton University in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference. In four seasons with the Tigers, he registered a total of 142 points (60 goals, 82 assists). He led the league in goals during the 1997-98 and the 1998-99 seasons.
Gomez, Gionta, Moen, Gill, Hamrlik, Spacek,Markov,Gorges,Auld and now Halpern.That is quite the group of teachers for Subban, Cammalleri,Eller,Boyd,Plekanec and Price. Go Habs Go!