GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – One of hockey’s top young players will call Van Andel Arena home during the 2008-09 season, as the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday announced the signing of former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League star Francis Pare (PAIR-ay).

Pare, 21, was named the QMJHL’s most valuable player last season with Chicoutimi, when he led the league with 54 goals and placed third with 102 points in 69 games. A First-Team QMJHL All-Star, he also tied for first on the circuit with a plus-41 rating and seven shorthanded goals.

The center’s breakout campaign saw him net two QMJHL Offensive Player of the Month awards (Nov. and Feb.) and one Offensive Player of the Week nod (Oct. 1-7).

Prior to his lone campaign with the Sagueneens, Pare spent three full seasons with Shawinigan, ranking among the team’s offensive leaders each year. Most notably, he paced the club with 44 assists and ranked second with 29 goals and 73 points in 2006-07, while his 47 points (24-23—47) in 2004-05 stood fourth on the team and eighth among QMJHL rookies.

Pare will join several projected Griffins at the Detroit Red Wings’ annual summer strength and conditioning/development camp, which will run July 6-12 at Joe Louis Arena. Goaltender Daniel Larsson, defenseman Logan Pyett, and forwards Cory Emmerton and Jan Mursak are also among 16 draft picks and prospects scheduled to participate.

Season Team League GP G A PTS PIM GP G A PTS PIM 2003-04 Shawinigan QMJHL 5 2 0 2 2 -- -- -- -- -- 2004-05 Shawinigan QMJHL 70 24 23 47 52 4 0 3 3 4 2005-06 Shawinigan QMJHL 55 26 48 74 66 5 1 3 4 4 2006-07 Shawinigan QMJHL 68 29 44 73 37 4 1 1 2 8 2007-08 Chicoutimi QMJHL 69 *54 48 102 54 6 5 3 8 4
* led league