Sharks sign Irwin to two-year extension

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Matt Irwin to a two-year contract extension Wednesday.

Irwin has appeared in 26 games for the Sharks this season, tallying five goals, four assists and four penalty minutes. Amongst all NHL rookie defenseman, he is currently third in goals scored, fifth in points, fifth in shots on goal (54) and eighth in ice time per game (19:04).

In 2011-12, Irwin, 25, played 71 games for the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League, posting 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) and 48 penalty minutes. He finished the season first on the team in shots on goal (209), assists (31), power-play goals (nine) and power-play points (24) and second on the team in points (42).

Amongst all AHL defenseman, Irwin finished last season first in power-play goals, first in shots on goal, tied for ninth in goals and tied for ninth in points. He was named to the 2012 AHL All-Star Game, where he represented the Eastern Conference.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia was signed by San Jose as a free agent on March 23, 2010.