Swiss goalkeeper David Aebischer has extended his contract with the Colorado Avalanche hockey club. The player agreed to a three-year deal with the National Hockey League champions on Wednesday.

Aebischer, who won the Stanley Cup in his rookie season with the club, is expected to earn $1.5 million (SFr2.5 million) over the next three years. He will remain Colorado's second goalie behind NHL legend, Patrick Roy, for at least the next two seasons.

"The Avalanche is pleased we were able to sign David to a multi-year deal, " said Brian MacDonald, Colorado's assistant general manager. "David has proven himself to be one of the top young goaltenders in the NHL, and we know he will continue to develop his game in the seasons to come."

The 23-year-old won 12 of his 22 games last season, finishing ninth among goaltenders in goals against average. He recorded his first NHL shutout against Chicago last October.

Aebischer is the first Swiss to have won hockey's biggest prize. A native of Fribourg, he played for the local club before heading to the United States.

The goalkeeper is expected to represent Switzerland at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

The player will present the Stanley Cup to his local fans at the end of the month. The presentation will coincide with the launch of a book about his American experience.

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