NEW YORK ? Alaska Anchorage junior forward Paul Crowder has signed a professional contract with the NHL's New York Rangers, the club announced Thursday.

Crowder skated in 35 games with UAA in 2008-09, registering 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points, and 44 penalty minutes ? all career-highs.

“We are very pleased with this great opportunity for Paul,” said UAA head coach Dave Shyiak. “He couldn't be more deserving of it. He did a great job representing Alaska Anchorage on the ice and in the classroom, and we wish him the best of success with the Rangers organization.”

The Victoria, British Columbia, native tied for first on the Seawolves with six power-play goals, two game-winning goals and a plus-11 rating.

The 6-foot-3, 202-pounder skated in 107 career contests the Seawolves, recording 32 goals and 48 assists for 80 points, along with 80 penalty minutes. As a freshman in 2006-07, he tied for the team lead in goals (11), ranked second in points (24) and tied for third in assists (13).

Shyiak said Crowder would report immediately to the Hartford (Conn.) Wolf Pack, the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate.