Iowa Stars sign defenseman
March 19, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
DES MOINES, IA - Iowa Stars Director of Hockey Operations Scott White confirmed today that the Dallas Stars have signed Defenseman Matt Niskanen to a three-year contract beginning next season running through the 2009-10 season. White also announced that the Iowa Stars have signed Niskanen to an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO) effective today for this season.
Drafted by the Dallas Stars in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he recently completed his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Named to the All-WCHA First Team, the 6-1, 195-pound blueliner posted nine goals, 22 assists and 42 penalty minutes in 39 games for the Bulldogs in 2006-07. Both assist and point totals were good for second place on the Bulldogs, while his goals and points placed him second among all Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) defensemen.
In 77 career collegiate games at UMD, the Virginia, Minnesota native recorded 10 goals and 35 assists: 77(10/35/45).
Prior to attending UMD, the 20-year old represented the United States at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia. Niskanen was named first-team All-State as a senior at Minnesota's Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl High School, and earned All-Iron Range Conference honors as a high school sophomore, junior and senior. In addition, he earned All-State honors as a quarterback at VMIB High, and was the first athlete to double as the Duluth News-Tribune's football and hockey player of the year in 2004-05.
"Matt has produced a good college career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and we are looking for him to continue his development on the professional level," said Dallas Stars General Manager Doug Armstrong. "We look forward to his future contributions to our hockey organization and we are glad to have him signed."
The right-handed defenseman will wear #8 with the Iowa Stars.
IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars return home to face the Peoria Rivermen on Tuesday, March 20th at 7 PM. It's GETAWAY TUESDAY! One lucky fan will win roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas compliments of Allegiant Air. It is also 2-for-1 Tuesday! Get two $21 tickets for the price of one! Doors open for all home games one hour before face-off. Bring a group or hold your child's birthday at a Stars game! All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com.
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