The race by National Hockey League teams to sign college free agents is on, and a pair of BCHL graduates at Ohio State University have reaped the rewards soon after the conclusion of their NCAA hockey seasons.
Zac Dalpe (Penticton Vees) signs with the Carolina Hurricanes
Two seasons after hoisting the Fred Page Cup in Penticton, 20-year old forward Zac Dalpe has inked a three-year, entry-level contract contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dalpe recently completed his sophomore season at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes in goals (21), points (45), and power-play goals (8), and ranked second in assists (24), while playing in all 39 of the team's games. At the completion of Ohio State's season, the Paris, Ont., native's 21 goals ranked first among Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) skaters, and his 45 points ranked second in the conference.
On March 10, it was announced that Dalpe (6'1″, 195 lbs.) had been named to the 2009-10 All-CCHA First Team, as voted by the conference's coaches. He was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team and was a Top-3 finalist for CCHA Rookie of the Year following the 2008-09 season. The Hurricanes drafted Dalpe in the second round, 45th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
At the NHL level, Dalpe will be paid $550,000 in 2010/11, $600,000 in 2011/12 and $700,000 in 2012/13, and at the American Hockey League (AHL) level, he will be paid $65,000 per year. He also receives a signing bonus of $262,500. Dalpe will join the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate Albany River Rats on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of this season.
Hunter Bishop (Vernon Vipers) signs with the Montreal Canadiens
Former Vernon Vipers sniper Hunter Bishop has agreed to a two-year contract (2010-11 and 2011-12) with the Montreal Canadiens following a successful sophomore season at Ohio State. He will report to the SHL's Hamilton Bulldogs.
Bishop, 22, a 6', 196 lbs forward native of Fairbanks, Alaska ranked fourth in scoring in his second season with the NCAA Buckeyes this season. He registered 27 points in 33 games (15 goals, 12 assists). He ranked third in goals and had 22 penalty minutes. In his sophomore season with Ohio State in 2008-09, Bishop ranked third in scoring with 31 points in 42 games (14 goals, 17 assists).
From 2005 to 2008, Bishop registered a total of 177 points (93 goals, 84 assists) in 140 regular season games with the Vipers, including a 97-point season (57-40-97) in 2007-08. Bishop participated in the Canadiens' development camp in 2009.
