Former Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey forward Bryce Van Brabant signed with the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Van Brabant and the Flames agreed to terms on a two-year entry level contract worth just more than $1.3 million.

According to Calgary head coach Bob Hartley, Van Brabant will suit up on Tuesday when the Flames travel to Toronto to play the Maple Leafs.

The Morinville, Alberta native will become the first player in Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey program history to play in an NHL game. Last season, former Quinnipiac goaltender Eric Hartzell dressed in a game for the Pittsburgh Penguins but did not see any game time.

Prior to Calgary’s game on Saturday night, Hartley commented on what Van Brabant brings to the team.

“He’s a big body,” Hartley said. “We’re looking to get this team bigger and tougher. He’s a good all around player and certainly on the walls we will notice him. He’s a hard worker and he can grind it out.”

Upon arriving in Calgary, Van Brabant discussed the signing on Flames TV.

“We had a loss to Providence in the NCAA’s, and then after that, just talked to my agent, kind of got some offers and then so I had to kind of make a decision pretty quick,” Van Brabant said. “It was a whirlwind of emotions, I was kind of a wreck for a while, I didn’t get much sleep. But it’s nice to be over with and finally have made a decision.”

This decision, Van Brabant said, was influenced by his familiarity with the Flames’ organization.

“I came to development camp last year,” he said. “I was familiar with everybody, I like what they had implemented and the systems they wanted and I felt like it was just a great fit for me.”

In three seasons, Van Brabant played in 115 games for the Bobcats, tallying 24 goals and 18 assists. His final season at Quinnipiac was his best statistical season, scoring 15 goals and adding seven assists.