Oliver Lauridsen

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have signed 6-6, 230-pound defenseman Oliver Lauridsen to an entry-level contract that will begin at the start of the 2011-12 season, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

Lauridsen, who turns 22 on March 24, was selected by the Flyers in the seventh round (196th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.  He recently completed his junior year at St. Cloud State of the WCHA, also the alma mater of Flyers right wing Andreas Nodl. 

Over a three-year career at St. Cloud State, Lauridsen posted seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points and 143 PIM in 108 games played.

A native of Gentofte, Denmark, Lauridsen played three seasons of junior hockey in Sweden before coming to the USA.  He has represented Denmark on four World Junior teams – two at the U-18 level and two at U-20.