Chris Francis wrapped up his WHL career following the 2009-10 season. He played 279 games for the Winterhawks over four seasons, compiling 66 goals and 123 assists for 189 points, including a career-high 82 in 09-10. He ranks in the top-10 in franchise history in games played and was named team MVP for the 2009-10 season. Last week he signed a pro contract with the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons. The following press release is from the Falcons' website:

Springfield, MA – The Springfield Falcons, in conjunction with their National Hockey League affiliate the Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that forward Chris Francis has been signed to a standard American Hockey League contract.

Francis will be entering his first season of pro hockey after spending the last four seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound native of Las Vegas, Nevada set a career high in all offensive categories last year with 26 goals, 56 assists and 82 points in 72 games. Francis led Portland in scoring during both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

The Falcons will be taking part in the AHL’s 75th season kick off playing a home-and-home series with divisional rival, the Providence Bruins, to open the 2010-11 season. Springfield will begin the 2010-11 campaign in Providence on Friday, October 8, followed by the Falcons hosting the Bruins on Saturday, October 9 at the MassMutual Center.