Devils Sign Forward Mike Hoeffel & Defenseman Joe Sova
March 21, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today signed forward Mike Hoeffel and defenseman Joe Sova to entry-level contracts. The announcements were made By Devils' President/ CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.
Hoeffel, who turns 22 next month, spent the past four seasons at the University of Minnesota (WCHA). In 2010-11, he recorded 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points and 24 penalty minutes in 35 appearances with the Golden Gophers. The 6-3, 205-lb. forward had career totals of 48 goals and 39 assists for 87 points and 106 penalty minutes in 149 games played. Hoeffel led the team in goals during each of the last two seasons (14 goals in 2009-10). He was named to the 2008 WCHA All-Tournament Team, as well as three straight All-Academic Teams (2008-09 to 2010-11). The native of North Oaks, MN represented Team USA at the 2009 World Junior Championships, while spending time with the United States Development Program in 2006-07. He was New Jersey's first choice (second round), and 57th overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Hoeffel's Minnesota teammates included goaltender Jeff Frazee and defenseman Seth Helgeson (2009 NHL Draft). He will attend his first NHL training camp in September.
Sova, 22, joins the Devils' organization after three seasons at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA). The 6-3, 190-lb. left-shooting defenseman recorded four goals, a team-leading 20 assists, for 24 points and 60 penalty minutes in 37 games this season. Sova's career totals show 13 goals and 45 assists for 58 points and 132 penalty minutes in 115 appearances, finishing first in scoring among Nanooks' defensemen each season (tie in 2008-09). In 2008-09, he was named the school's top rookie. Born May 8, 1988, the native of Berwyn, IL spent three seasons in the United States Hockey League with Waterloo (2005-06), Sioux City (2006-07), and Omaha (2007-08), winning the 2008 league championship. Not drafted, Sova will attend his first NHL training camp in September.
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