On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the Winnipeg Jets announced they signed forward Parker Ford to a two-year, entry-level contract with an AAV in the NHL of $925,000. His deal will begin in the 2023-24 season, and he has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, who he will join for the remainder of the season.
Ford, 22, recently completed his senior season with the Providence College Friars in Hockey East, where he scored 12 goals and added 14 assists for 26 points in 37 games.
The Wakefield, Rhode Island native captained the Friars in 2022-23. He led the team in goals and points and was named a Hockey East Third Team All-Star. Ford played 131 games over his four seasons with Providence College and recorded 94 points (41G, 53A).
Ford represented Team USA at the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships and played five games.
A 5’9”, 180 lb right shot forward, Ford is best known for his speed, competitiveness, and effort on the defensive side of the puck. He doesn’t let his size or lack thereof get in the way of finishing checks and getting in on the forecheck on the offensive end of the ice.
The Manitoba Moose continue their eight-game home stand on Tuesday, March 28, against the Laval Rocket at 7 pm CST before a two-game set against the Abbotsford Canucks on Thursday night and Saturday afternoon at the Canada Life Centre. The final two games of the home stand take place April 6 & 7 against the Grand Rapids Griffins. While it could take a couple of practices with the Moose for Ford to enter the lineup, look for him to make his pro hockey debut in front of home fans soon.
