SAN JOSE, Calif.–Union college junior defenseman Nick DeSimone has signed an two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. DeSimone also signed an AHL ATO for the remainder of the 2016-17 season and will report to the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League. DeSimone joins former Dutchman Troy Grosenick on the Barracuda roster. The announcement was made Thursday evening by General Manager Doug Wilson.
The East Amherst, N.Y. native had a career year for the Dutchmen in 2016-17, producing career-highs in games played (38), goals (9), points (19) and plus/minus ( 13). His nine goals tied a program single-season record for goals by a defenseman and ranked tied for seventh among Division I blueliners. He tallied seven goals in ECAC Hockey play, placing him tied for second among the league’s defensemen.
DeSimone made 109 career appearances for the Dutchmen, totaling 15 goals and 33 assists for 48 points.
“I am thankful for all that Union College has done for me, from the professors to the coaching staff, trainers and obviously the guys on the team. I can’t thank them enough,” DeSimone said. “Union College has made me who I am on and off the ice and has prepared me for this opportunity. It was a hard decision to make, but ultimately I am excited to go to the San Jose Sharks and start the next chapter of my life.”
“Our staff would like to congratulate Nick DeSimone and his family on signing an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks,” head coach Rick Bennett said. “We appreciated his contributions to the program during his three years here. Nick continued to develop each season and became one of the better defensemen in the ECAC and nationally. A credit to Nick’s progression goes to Associate Head Coach Jason Tapp and their hard work together. We wish him all the best as he begins his professional hockey career.”
