The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward Mitchell Heard to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Heard, 20, was Colorado’s first pick (second round, 41st overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He averaged a point-per-game with the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers in 2011-12, collecting 57 points (29 goals, 28 assists) with 111 penalty minutes in 57 games.

“We are pleased to have Mitchell under contract,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. “He is coming off a strong season in the OHL and we are excited to see him at training camp.”

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound center finished third on the Whalers in goals, was sixth in points and ranked second in PIM. Heard also finished second on Plymouth in power-play goals with 10. The Bowmanville, Ontario native added 11 points (4g/7a) in 13 playoff contests.