CALGARY, AB – The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed defenceman Cory Sarich.

"When we set about the process of improving our blue line we identified the need for a puck-mover who could play the point on the power play and help us offensively, and we also wanted a time-space eliminator who hits and competes and brings a sandpaper element to his game," said Flames General Manager Jay Feaster. "We took care of the first need yesterday by acquiring and signing Dennis Wideman, and we checked the box on the second need today by re-upping Cory Sarich. Cory is a true competitor who plays the game the right way, with fire and grit. He is capable of delivering the big hit and as such keeps opposing players honest, he eliminates time and space down low, he moves the puck well with a good first pass, he is one of the leaders in our room, and he is a well-liked and well-respected teammate. We are thrilled to have Cory back in the fold on a contract that fits within our plan and enables us to continue to improve our hockey team."

Sarich, a native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has played 887 career games with 20 goals, 126 assists for 146 points over the course of 13 NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames. Sarich has spent the last five seasons manning the Flames blueline and has played in 351 games for Calgary since signing with the Flames in July of 2007.

Contract terms: Two-year contract with an Average Annual Value of $2,000,000

#6 CORY SARICH – DEFENCE

BORN: Saskatoon, SK DATE: August 16, 1978

HEIGHT: 6’3” WEIGHT: 207 lbs.

SHOOTS: Right

DRAFTED: BUF 2nd round (27th overall) in the 1996 NHL Draft

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as a free agent on July 1, 2007.