New Jersey Devils Press Release
SCHENECTADY, NY – The New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL) have announced the signing of Union College student-athlete
Keith Kinkaid to an entry-level NHL contract.
The announcement was made by Devils' President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.
“It was a tough decision to make but a great opportunity presented itself and I decided to take advantage of it,” said Kinkaid, a sophomore from Farmingville, NY. “Although my time at Union was not as long as planned, these past two years have been two of the best of my life and I owe it to my coaches and teammates for all the success we have had. There's not a better group of guys and coaches that I could say I've been a part of. I wish everyone at Union all the best.”
“I would like to congratulate Keith on signing an NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils,” said Union head coach Nate Leaman. “In his two years at Union, Keith developed into one of the top goaltenders in the nation, leading the team to our first Cleary Cup and NCAA Tournament appearance. We wish him the best in his future as he will always be part of the Union College hockey family.”
Kinkaid, who forgoes his final two years of collegiate eligibility, was named a 2010-11 AHCA First Team All-American and was also the recipient of the Ken Dryden Award as the league's top goaltender, becoming the first Union goaltender to earn both honors since Trevor Koenig in 1997.
He finished the year with a record of 25-10-3, compiling a save percentage of .920 and a school-record goals-against average of 1.99, which was fourth best in the nation.
The sophomore was even more impressive in 22 league contests, putting up a record of 17-3-2 with a .926 save percentage and a conference-leading 1.90 goals against average. He allowed two goals or less in 15 league contests and 24 contests overall, with three shutouts.
Kinkaid completes his career at Union with a 37-18-6 mark, with four shutouts, and 2.18 goals-against average in 63 appearances. In 2009-10, he was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team, while earning Third Team All-ECAC honors.
