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Senators sign forward Garrett Thompson and goaltender Chris Driedger to entry-level contracts

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Garrett Thompson to a one-year entry-level contract and goaltender Chris Driedger to a three-year entry-level contract.

Thompson recently finished his fourth-year in his collegiate career with the Ferris State University’s Bulldogs on March 29 after the team was eliminated in a 2-1 overtime loss to North Dakota.

In 43 games played in the 2013-14 season he earned scored 16 goals, 16 assists and is part of a three-way first-place tie at 32 points between now former teammates Cory Kane and Justin Buzz. Thompson lead the Bulldogs in scoring and in 139 games played with Ferris State, he earned 42 goals and 45 assists, with a total of 87 points in a four-year span.

“When you come to the realization that your college career is over and you have to decide (where to sign afterwards), it’s tough,” said Thompson in an exit-interview with TV/Radio announcer Dominic Hennig. “It’s really exciting at the same time.”

Garrett will look to have an immediate impact on the Senators junior club, the Binghamton Senators, as he is expected to join the team Wednesday as they prepare to face the Amerks on Friday.

Goaltender Chris Driedger recently completed his fourth season with the playoff clinched Calgary Hitmen, acquiring a record of 28 wins, 14 losses and a save percentage of .918%.  In his four-year duration with the Hitmen Driedger finishes his time in Calgary with a career total of 94 wins, 47 losses, 8 shut outs and a save percentage of .908%

The 2012 third-round pick of the Ottawa Senators may appear with Binghamton sooner than later, as goaltender Scott Greenham returned to the clubs ECHL affiliate, the Elmira Jackals on March 31.