UVM's Hoffman signs pro deal with NHL's Minnesota Wild

University of Vermont men's hockey junior Brody Hoffman is leaving school early — the goaltender has signed an entry-level contact with the Minnesota Wild for the 2015-16 season.

UVM made the announcement Monday morning.

Hoffman is the fourth Catamount to sign a professional deal this month, joining seniors Nick Luukko, Mike Paliotta and Colin Markison. He is the 12th player to sign an NHL deal in the nine seasons under head coach Kevin Sneddon.

"On behalf of the entire Vermont Hockey family, I want to thank Brody for three great years and congratulate him on his contract with the Minnesota Wild," Sneddon said in a news release. "Hoff has a bright future ahead of him and we wish him the best of luck as he begins his professional career."

The Wilkie, Saskatchewan native, who posted a 13-6-2 record with a 2.06 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season, was at his best during the Hockey East quarterfinals, where he stopped 87 of 88 shots and guided the Catamounts past Boston College.

Hoffman also ranked 11th in the nation in winning percentage (.667) and his goals-against average was the fourth-best single-season mark in school history. He finishes his UVM career with a 34-33-9 mark and three shutouts in 78 appearances. His career marks of 2.45 GAA and .914 save percentage rank second in program history behind Joe Fallon (2008).

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