GRAND FORKS, N.D.--The National Hockey League's Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have agreed to terms with former University of North Dakota forward Rylan Kaip, who was selected by Atlanta in the ninth round (269th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Kaip, who served as UND's team captain in 2007-08, appeared in 143 career games with the Sioux and tallied 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) and 230 penalty minutes while leading UND to the NCAA Frozen Four in each of his four seasons. He also lettered four times.

The Radville, Saskatchewan, native appeared in 42 games last season and registered career highs in goals (eight) and points (15), while tying his career high with seven assists. He also had a team-high 81 penalty minutes.

Kaip becomes the second Sioux to sign a professional contract this summer, joining forward T.J. Oshie (St. Louis).

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