Joey Daccord becomes first ASU player to sign in NHL, joins Sens

The Ottawa Senators have signed Arizona State Sun Devils goaltender Joey Daccord to a two-year entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.

He is the first player in ASU hockey history to sign an NHL contract.

“It’s an incredible honor and something I’ve worked towards my whole life and I couldn’t have done it without Arizona State University, coach [Greg] Powers and the entire staff at Sun Devil Hockey,” Daccord said in a statement. “I’m incredibly thankful for everyone that’s been a part of this, including the Ottawa Senators organization.”

Daccord was ASU’s starting goaltender as the Sun Devils advanced to the NCAA Tournament but lost to Quinnipiac on Saturday. This season, the North Andover, Mass., native started all 35 games for ASU and finished 21-13-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and a .926 save percentage. He also had seven shutouts.

He was also named one of five finalists for the 2019 Mike Richter Award, given to the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey.

I am incredibly excited to announce I have signed an NHL contract with the @Senators. Thank you to @SunDevilHockey and @asucoachpowers for the amazing opportunity. Thank you to my family, my teammates and everyone that’s been a part of this. I’m a Sun Devil for Life. #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/EFeUEngcMk

— Joey Daccord (@JDac35) April 1, 2019

“It’s insane to think about, especially when I committed, Arizona State hadn’t even played a Division I game yet,” Daccord said. “Now to be the first player to sign an NHL contract out of ASU is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s so special, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone here and Sun Devil Nation. It’s truly an incredible moment.”

Daccord was originally drafted by the Senators in the seventh round (199th overall) in 2015. Had he not signed, he would’ve become a free agent this offseason.

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