Courtesy of Bowdoin College Sports Information

BRUNSWICK, Maine - Former Bowdoin hockey standout Jon Landry '06 has signed an NHL contract with the New York Islanders organization.

The 6-3, 220-pound Montreal native signed a one-year, two-way deal for the upcoming 2012-13 season. It is the first NHL contract of Landry's career after splitting time between the Colorado Eagles of the East Coast Hockey League and the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, last year.

"It is an amazing feeling to sign my first NHL contract," said Landry. "I haven't stopped smiling."

Landry recorded 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 35 games with Colorado (ECHL) before joining the Sound Tigers midway through the 2011-12 campaign. Landry posted 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) and finished third in scoring among Sound Tigers defenders despite appearing in just 34 games with the club.

Prior to last season, Landry played for Braehead Clan of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom where he totaled 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists) in 54 contests during the 2010-11 season. During his time in Scotland, he was able to complete his MBA at Glasgow University. Landry also spent four seasons with the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League, notching 129 points (36 goals, 93 assists) in 203 games.

Landry enjoyed an exceptional career at Bowdoin from 2002-06. An outstanding two-way defenseman, he scored 121 points (51 goals, 70 assists) in 98 games and ranks seventh in school history with 20 power play goals. As a senior, he was named First Team All-NESCAC and First Team All-American and graduated as an Economics major with a minor in French.

"We're so proud of Jon," said Bowdoin men's ice hockey coach Terry Meagher. "He certainly took an unconventional avenue to an NHL contract, but it really speaks to his perseverance and hard work that he was able to achieve it all while earning his MBA."

"I am very fortunate to have the support group of family and friends," said Landry. "Although I may have taken the long route, I believe Bowdoin and my professional career has more than prepared me to take on this next challenge."

Islanders training camp opens in September. If Landry earns a promotion to play with New York, he will become the second Bowdoin player to appear in the National Hockey League. Fred Ahern '74 appeared in 146 NHL games from 1974-78 with the California Golden Seals, Cleveland Barons and Colorado Rockies.

Inside photo courtesy of Brian A. Pounds - Connecticut Post