Canucks sign forward Labate to contract

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the Canucks have signed forward Joseph LaBate.

LaBate, 22, finished second on the Wisconsin Badgers in scoring, registering 18 points (6-12-18) and 46 penalty minutes in 35 games played. The Badgers assistant captain also led the team in shots (100) and power-play goals (4). In 150 career total NCAA games for the Badgers, LaBate notched 83 points (31-52-83) and logged 143 penalty minutes. The Eagan, MN native also appeared in two games for the Utica Comets this season.

The 6'4", 210-pound forward was originally selected by Vancouver 101st overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.