Woywitka signs 3-year Flyers deal

PHILADELPHIA, June 25 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Flyers signed defenseman Jeff Woywitka, their first-round pick in the 2001 draft, to a three-year contract Tuesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The signing comes three days after the Flyers traded up to

choose another defenseman in the first round of this year's

draft.

Woywitka, 18, was taken 27th overall last year. He recorded 14 goals, 23 assists and 109 penalty minutes in 72 games for Red Deer of the Western Hockey League. It was the third season of major junior hockey for the 6-2, 210-pound defenseman.

Flyers General Manager Bob Clarke said he expects Woywitka to

return to the WHL for a fourth season.