Redmond signs with Anaheim Ducks after freshman season
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Michigan Tech freshman goaltender Angus Redmond signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks the team announced Friday (March 31) evening. Redmond just completed his freshman season with the Huskies.
Redmond, a native of Langley, British Columbia, appeared in 38 games for the Huskies in 2016-17, starting the final 37. He ranked third in the country, and second in the WCHA, with a 1.85 goals against average. His .917 save percentage was fifth in the league and 20th in the nation and he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team.
“Playing professional hockey has always been a dream of mine,” Redmond said. “This was my dream and it was right in front of me. Michigan Tech gave me the opportunity and has been a great place to develop my game so that I’m ready for the next level.
“I owe a ton to the coaching staff. They gave me a chance to be ‘the guy’ this year. Mel’s been a great coach to me and helped me along with any struggles I’ve had this year. I can’t thank him enough for all that he’s done. I worked a lot with Joe (Shawhan) this year, especially at the beginning of the season when I didn’t play those first couple of weeks. It was a struggle, but he knew what I needed to do to be successful. Gary (Shuchuk) always had different competitions with me in practice to keep me motivated to keep pucks out of the net.”
Redmond had a record of 22-10-5, good for a .662 winning percentage (second in the WCHA and 13th nationally). His 22 wins were tied for ninth in the nation and set a Michigan Tech record for wins by a freshman goaltender.
Redmond had shutouts against Northern Michigan (Oct. 28) in his first career start, versus Michigan (Dec. 29) at the GLI, against Minnesota State (Jan. 21), and in his second collegiate playoff start versus Lake Superior State (March 4). He stopped 25 shots seven times this season, including a season-high 36 in the WCHA Championship Game when the Huskies secured the Broadmoor Trophy and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with a 3-2 double overtime win. He was named the Second Star of the game.
“First off, I congratulate Angus on signing with Anaheim,” Tech coach Mel Pearson said. “I know it’s a dream of his to play in the NHL, and he has decided to start that journey.
“We thank him for the outstanding year that he gave us, and we wish him success as he pursues is NHL dreams. Even though it was a short stay, Angus provided our team and fans with many memorable moments.”
Redmond was named the WCHA Rookie of the Month in November after leading Tech to a nation’s best six wins. He was also named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week on November 28 and WCHA Rookie of the Week four times.
“The two things I’ll miss the most are my teammates and the fans,” added Redmond. “I got really close with the other freshmen and it’ll be tough to leave them. The fans really rallied around me this year and the whole ‘Beef’ thing really took off.
“Any players looking for a place to get a quality education and develop their game for a chance to play pro hockey should really consider Michigan Tech. This place has been amazing and the community support is incredible.”
Redmond will report to the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. The team has eight games remaining on its regular season schedule, including tonight’s game against the Tucson Roadrunners. Four of the remaining games are against Matt Roy’s Ontario Reign.
“I want to go to San Diego and prove to them that I belong—for however long this season lasts,” said Redmond. “Then I want to have a good summer of training and go into camp and show that I can make the next step and compete for a job.”
Before coming to Tech, Redmond played three and a half seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL.
Redmond joins a list of many recent players who have signed NHL contracts. Tanner Kero (Chicago Blackhawks) and Jujhar Khaira (Edmonton Oilers) are currently on NHL rosters. Blake Pietila (New Jersey Devils) played 10 NHL games this season and Pheonix Copley played for a couple of games for the St. Louis Blues over the last two seasons before being traded back to the Washington Capitals organization. Chris Conner is in the Philadelphia Flyers organization, Jamie Phillips is in the Winnipeg Jets organization, and Matt Roy signed with the LA Kings earlier this week.
(INFORMATION COURTESY OF MICHIGAN TECH ATHLETICS)