The NHL is stockpiling Gophers this week and the latest addition to the league is goaltender Adam Wilcox.
Wilcox is forgoing his senior season at the University of Minnesota and on Wednesday he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Pioneer Press notes that Wilcox will play the rest of the American Hockey League season in Syracuse, New York, with the Syracuse Crunch.
“I wouldn’t trade my college experience here at the University of Minnesota for anything, and I am incredibly honored to have been a part of this program,” Wilcox said in a statement, via GopherSports.com. “Growing up in Minnesota, I always wanted to be a Gopher, and wearing the `M’ has been one of the best experiences in my life.”
Earlier on Wednesday Gophers defenseman Brady Skjei chose to forgo his senior season and signed a contract with the New York Rangers. Seniors Kyle Rau, Seth Ambroz and Travis Boyd also signed pro contracts this week.
Breaking: Adam Wilcox will forego his senior season with the #Gophers after signing with the @TBLightning. pic.twitter.com/AfkFA0IZHp
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2015
Wilcox was drafted by Tampa Bay in the sixth round, 178th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
The former South St. Paul High School star departs the Gophers as the school’s all-time leader in career save percentage (.922) and goals-against average (2.09).
The Gophers went 73-26-14 with Wilcox in net the past three years.
