Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Shields signs entry-level deal with St. Louis

Press Release

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League are proud to announce that defenseman David Shields has signed an entry-level contract with the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues.

Shields is in his fourth season with the Otters. The native of Buffalo, N.Y. has been a steady and durable presence on the Erie blue line, missing just 22 games out of a possible 272 games in four seasons.

Shortly before the end of the season, Shields was voted by Ontario Hockey League coaches as the best defensive defenseman in the Western Conference. A sixth-round pick of the Blues in 2009, Shields has gathered a +63 rating over the last three seasons.

Shields joins defenseman Tyler Hostetter as the two Otters signed to professional contracts. Hostetter signed with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers before the start of the 2009-10 regular season. Phil Varone (San Jose), Greg McKegg (Toronto) and Andrew Yogan (New York Rangers) all have rights owned by NHL teams. Shields will remain with the Otters for the remainder of the postseason run.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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