Following a first-round exit from the QMJHL playoffs, defenseman Jonathan Racine (pictured in Shawinigan gear at left) has inked an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers. Racine was selected by the Panthers in the third round (87th overall) of the 2011 Entry Draft.
Racine spent his first three seasons in the “Q” with the Shawinigan Cataractes, helping the club capture the Memorial Cup at the end of the 2011-12 campaign. The Montreal native appeared in 184 regular season games with Shawinigan, scoring 5 goals and 19 assists. He finished his stint with the Cataractes with a +9 rating while amassing a total of 236 PIM.
He ended his junior career with the Moncton Wildcats, where he totaled 21 points (8G/13A) while appearing in 61 games this season. The 19-year-old defender racked up 138 PIM with Moncton and finished with a strong +18 rating.
The Wildcats were knocked out of the QMJHL playoffs in five games by Victoriaville in a minor upset. Racine appeared in all 5 tilts, registering zero points, a -3 rating and 7 PIM.
Racine will begin his pro career in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage.