Estevan native Cole Fonstad had a chance to show his stuff at the AHL level this year with the Cleveland Monsters in pursuit of a professional contract. As it turned out, he used his audition well. 

The 21-year-old forward was one of three players the Monsters announced they had signed to AHL deals today. In two appearances with the Monsters last season, Fonstad posted one assist in his first ever professional game.

That first game came on the heels of a superb (albeit somewhat strange) final season of junior hockey. Beginning the year with his hometown Estevan Bruins, Fonstad posted five goals and five assists in just six games. 

His offensive outburst in Estevan was just the start of a highly successful season for the former WHL champion. Serving as co-captain of the Everett Silvertips, Fonstad posted 34 points in just 23 games, good for first on his team and third in the league. 

A long-time star at the junior level, Fonstad was a fifth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2018 but the team did not retain his rights. In his bid for professional opportunities, Fonstad ended his junior career with 281 points in 293 career WHL games, a championship with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2019, and a Memorial Cup appearance that same year in which he posted three points in three games.