Oilers Re-sign Brewer

 EDMONTON (CP) -- The Edmonton Oilers re-signed rising star defenceman Eric Brewer to a two year, $4 million U.S. contract on Thursday.

 Brewer, 23, will earn $1.5 million this season, and $2.5 million in 2003-04. The restricted free agent had seven goals and 18 assists in 81 games last season and was Canada's best defenceman in May at the world hockey championships in Sweden. He also helped Team Canada capture gold at the Winter Games in Salt Lake City in February.

 "Brew has established himself as a world-class player with his contributions at the Olympics for Team Canada," Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe said in a release. "Obviously, that came as no surprise to Oilers fans who have seen him do this for us, game in and game out.

 "This contract is a commitment by both sides. Obviously, we want Eric to be an integral part of our team, and Eric clearly wants to be a key player in helping us achieve our goals."

 Brewer earned $907,500 US last season, his fourth in the NHL. He was acquired from the New York Islanders in exchange for Roman Hamrlik on June 24, 2000.

 The Oilers open training camp Friday.