Coyotes Sign 2008 Hobey Baker Winner Porter to Contract

[VodkaFish]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed forward Kevin Porter, winner of the 2008 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player, to an entry level contract.

Porter, 22, recently completed his senior year at the University of Michigan and finished the season ranked 2nd in Division I scoring with 33-30-63 in 43 games. The Wolverines captain finished his collegiate career with 85-98-183 and 115 penalty minutes (PIM) in 162 games.

Porter, who was selected by the Coyotes in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft, will join the Coyotes’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, as they begin their first round Calder Cup Playoff series against the Toronto Marlies.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Player of the Year and was a finalist for the league's Best Defensive Forward award. The Northville, Michigan native was also a member of the RBK West All-American First Team and All-CCHA First Team and was named the Hockey Commissioners January National Player of the Month.

During the East Regional of this year’s NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, Porter scored an NCAA-record four goals in the Wolverines' 5-1 win against Niagara in the semifinal. He then added a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Clarkson as Michigan advanced to the Frozen Four for the 23rd time in school history.

Porter was named to the 2007 CCHA Second Team following his junior season. He also captained Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Championships and represented the United States at the 2005 World Junior Championships. In addition, Porter played for Team USA at the 2003 and 2004 Under-18 World Championships.