Anaheim Ducks Ink Gopher Defenseman Stu Bickel

The Anaheim Ducks have reportedly signed 21 year old free agent Stu Bickel, a dependable blue liner from the University of Minnesota. The freshman defenseman will be leaving the team after signing the contract which is said to be for three years.

At 6′3″ 210-pounds Bickel is a big defenseman, said to be physical and an intelligent puck mover. In 45 games with the Gophers Bickel recorded one goal and six assists.

Bickel, an undrafted free agent said the Ducks came after him with an offer that “was hard to turn down” according to Twincities.com

“He had a great year for us,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said. “We’re going to miss him.”

It is not likely Bickel will be making the Ducks team this year, but he may find a home in Iowa and find himself a big part of the Ducks blueline in the coming years.

Original Article and Image: Pioneer Press @ Twincities.com