Coyotes Sign Shaun Heshka

[HordiBrusk29]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA -- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Shaun Heshka to a one-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Heshka, 24, was acquired by the Coyotes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for their seventh round draft choice (187th overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft on June 27. He registered 3-23-26 with 25 penalty minutes (PIM) and a +17 rating in 77 games with Manitoba of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season. He ranked 2nd on the team in points among defensemen (26) and T-3rd on the team in plus/minus (+17). Heshka also collected five assists in 22 playoff games last season, helping Manitoba advance to the Calder Cup Finals.

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Heshka has appeared in 211 career AHL games over three seasons with Manitoba, collecting 14-48-62 with 98 PIM and a +36 rating. Prior to his professional career, the native of Melville, Saskatchewan spent three seasons (2003-2006) with Everett of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he recorded 25-82-107 and 137 PIM in 204 games, along with 5-12-17 in 46 career playoff games. Heshka originally signed with Vancouver as a free agent on July 24, 2006.

[dumby]

So who's better; Shaun Heshka, or Steven Anthony