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NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Jacks Alum Connor Hellebuyck Signs Three-Year, Two-Way Contract with NHL's Winnipeg Jets

April 5, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


ODESSA, TX - The Odessa Jackalopes, members of the North American Hockey League, are proud to announce former Jacks Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has signed a three-year, two-way contract with the Winnipeg Jets, annually worth $925,000.

Hellebuyck lead the UMass-Lowell River Hawks all the way to the National Quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Boston College. Bucky finished the 2013-14 campaign with a 18-9-2 record with six shutouts and lead the nation in both Goals Against Average (1.79) and Save Percentage (.941). He is also a finalist for the Mike Richter Award for top goaltender in NCAA Division I Hockey.

The Commerce, MI native's path through hockey began as a free agent in 2011, when he tried for Odessa after the Jacks passed him up in the 2011 NAHL Draft.

"He wasn't very happy about it," said Jacks Director of Scouting Craig Sarner in a recent interview with the Odessa American's Lee Scheide. "I felt confident that no one else knew about Bucky," Sarner finished.

Bucky lead the Jacks to a playoff berth in their first season of NAHL action back in 2011-12. His 29-21-5 record during the season earned him NAHL Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, All-NAHL Team, All-South Division Team and All-Rookie First Team. Then, when the summer of 2012 came, Hellebuyck was selected in the fifth round, 130th overall by the Winnipeg Jets. Now Hellebuyck will begin his journey to the NHL at the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, the St. John's IceCaps.

"We couldn't be happier for Bucky," Said Jacks President Dan Lavergne. "He was the reason we got to the playoffs in 2012. His stellar play on the ice and exemplary character off the ice made Hellebuyck one of the best players to ever play in Odessa in this team's 18-year history,"

Hellebuyck still leads the Jacks all-time in Goals Against Average (2.49) and Save Percentage (.930)

In 2013-14, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their third season in the North American Hockey League and 17th in the Permian Basin. Single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes' ticket office today at 432-552-7825 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.

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