Panthers sign goaltender Ryan Bednard to Entry-Level Contract

Bowling Green keeper signs on the line which is dotted

The Florida Panthers announced today that the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Ryan Bednard on a two-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2019-20 season.

“Ryan is a big, athletic, young goaltender who had an excellent year for Bowling Green,” said GM Dale Tallon. “Among some of the top goaltenders in college hockey this season, Ryan showed tremendous growth. He adds further depth to our organization at the goaltending position and we look forward to him continuing his development with the Florida Panthers.”

The 22-year-old Bednard just completed his junior season with Bowling Green State University (NCAA), owning a 20-8-4 record, 1.77 goals against average, .927 save percentage and three shutouts over 32 games played. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound native of Macomb, MI, ranked fourth in the nation for goals against average, tied for ninth in wins and tied for 10th in save percentage.

Named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Third All-Star Team, Bednard helped the BGSU Falcons reach the 2018-19 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament and WCHA Championship game.

Bednard was originally selected by Florida in the seventh round (206th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.