GRAND FORKS, N.D. ? University of North Dakota senior defenseman Joe Finley has signed a contract with the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals and will report to the organization's American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey, Penn., on Monday.
Finley was drafted by Washington in the first round, 27th overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
A native of Edina, Minn., Finley served as an assistant captain this season and recorded two goals and 10 assists in 27 games with a +5 plus/minus rating. He was also named to his third consecutive All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Academic team.
In 154 career games with the Fighting Sioux, Finley amassed seven goals and 28 assists for 35 points. He led UND in plus/minus as a junior (+24) and sophomore (+19) and was a team-leading +66 during his four years. Finley ranks sixth all-time at UND with 303 career penalty minutes.
Finley is the second UND senior to sign a professional contract since the end of the 2008-09 season. Forward Andrew Kozek signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL's Chicago Wolves on Tuesday.
