FRISCO, Texas (AP) – Hobey Baker winner Junior Lessard signed a contract Thursday with the Dallas Stars after leading Minnesota-Duluth to the Frozen Four.

The fast-skating forward from Quebec had 30 goals and 31 assists.

– an NCAA-high 61 points – in 44 games to help send Duluth to its first Frozen Four appearance since 1985. Duluth lost to eventual national champion Denver 5-3 in the semifinals.

“I just wanted someone who was willing to give me a chance and they were willing to do that,” Lessard said. “Dallas can be a great fit for me.”

Lessard last week received the 2003-04 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, which is given to college hockey’s outstanding player.

“We look forward to helping him develop into a solid professional hockey player,” Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said.

AP-ES-04-15-04 1806EDT