Vancouver Canucks sign Rick Rypien to a two-year contract extension

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Rick Rypien to a two-year NHL contract extension through the 2010-11 season, general manager Mike Gillis said Wednesday.

Rypien, 25, has played five seasons with Vancouver. Last year, the five-foot-11, 170-pound native of Coleman, Alta., appeared in 12 games, registering three goals and 19 penalty minutes. He had two assists and 40 penalty minutes in 10 playoff contests.

"Rick plays with intensity and energy every time he steps on the ice," Gillis said in a release.

In 41 career games as a Canuck, Rypien has five goals, two assists and 69 penalty minutes.

Rypien signed with Vancouver as a free agent Nov. 9, 2005.