Alaska junior defenseman Joe Sova has signed an entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils and will not be back in Fairbanks for his senior year.
“This opportunity is something Joe has worked hard for and we want to wish him all the best as he pursues his goal of playing in the National Hockey League,” said Alaska head coach Dallas Ferguson in a statement. “Joe has improved and developed his game over the last three seasons and the Alaska hockey program is extremely happy for Joe and his family.”
“It’s been a lifelong dream to play professional hockey,” said Sova in the same statement. “It’s exciting and Alaska has played a major role in my development. I’ve learned and experienced a lot and obviously, I couldn’t go where I’m going without having been here.”
Sova was the Nanooks’ top offensive defenseman this season and second on the team in scoring with four goals and 20 assists in 37 games. In his three seasons with Alaska, he amassed 13 goals and 45 assists in 115 career games.
