The 2019 U SPORTS Men's Hockey Player of the Year is going pro, as Golden Bears forward Luke Philp has signed an Entry Level Contract (ELC) with the Calgary Flames.

Philp led the Golden Bears with 45 points in 24 Canada West games, earning his second-consecutive conference scoring title, and second straight conference Player of the Year Award. The former Red Deer Rebel was also named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, and the winner of the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as the national player of the year.

"We are thrilled that Luke has been given this opportunity. He has shown he is one of the best talents in Canadian University hockey, and this contract shows exactly that," said Bears GM Stan Marple. "Not only has Luke flourished on the ice, but he has excelled in the classroom, and been on of the leaders on our team for the past three seasons. Coming here from the WHL, Luke was a great player, and has improved immensely thanks to his work ethic in the gym and on the ice."

In three seasons with the Bears, Philp racked up 42 goals and 103 points in 78 career conference games. Across all competitions, Philp recorded 153 points in 125 games at the University of Alberta.

He helped guide the Golden Bears to their third-straight Canada West Championship in early March, before leading the Bears to a U SPORTS silver medal in Lethbridge. He was also a member of the Golden Bears national championship team last season, who captured their record 16th University Cup title.

Prior to joining the Bears, Philp spent parts of six seasons in the Western Hockey League, including five with the Kootenay Ice. He was also the captain of the Red Deer Rebels in 2015-16. The Canmore, Alberta product finished with career-highs of 30 goals and 82 points in 71 games with the Ice in 2014-15.