Quinnipiac's Reid Cashman Signed By NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs

All-Time Program Assists Leader Inks One-Year, Entry-Level Agreement

HAMDEN, Conn. - Following a senior season in which he led the Quinnipiac University men's ice hockey team to the finals of the ECAC Hockey League tournament, All-American defenseman Reid Cashman (Red Wing, Minn.) has signed a one-year, entry-level agreement with the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs. Cashman will report to the Maple Leafs' American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, and is expected to see action in their next game on Friday night at Syracuse.

"I'm extremely excited for Reid as he embarks on the start of his professional career," Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold said. "Reid has made a tremendous commitment to evolve as a player over the course of the past four years. He has left an indelible mark on our program at Quinnipiac and I wish him all the best as he moves forward."

Cashman becomes the third Bobcat to ink a professional contract directly with an NHL franchise. Justin Eddy signed with the Washington Capitals following the 2003-04 season, and Jamie Holden did so with the San Jose Sharks after the 2004-05 campaign.

The team captain led the Bobcats to a 21-14-5 record this season and the championship game of the ECACHL tournament in just their second year in the conference. Quinnipiac was defeated by No. 5 nationally ranked Clarkson University in the finals.

On the individual front, he was named First-Team All-ECACHL for the second year in a row and has positioned himself potentially to repeat on All-New England and All-American honors. Cashman currently leads all ECACHL players in assists (38) and points by a defenseman (41). He also leads all NCAA Division I blueliners in points and is third among all players in assists.

Earlier this season, Cashman was selected to participate in the 2007 Pontiac Frozen Four Skills Challenge in St. Louis on April 6. He was also named a semifinalist - for the second straight year - for the Walter Brown Award, given annually to the top American-born player in New England.

Cashman completed his career as Quinnipiac's all-time leader in games played (151) and assists (125). He ranks seventh all-time with 148 points. He also registered 40 or more points in each of his final three seasons, becoming just the 16th defenseman in Division I history to accomplish the feat.

Cashman finished his Quinnipiac career earning All-League accolades in each of his four collegiate campaigns. As a freshman, he was selected as Second-Team All-Atlantic Hockey after scoring 21 points (two goals, 19 assists). Cashman was also named to the league's All-Rookie team.

As a sophomore he led all Atlantic Hockey players in scoring with 45 points (13 goals, 32 assists). For his efforts, he was named a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist, Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year and First-Team All-Atlantic Hockey. Cashman also became the first defenseman to lead a Division I conference in scoring in 18 years. Following the season, he was also named the program's first Division I All-American.

Cashman made a successful transition to the ECACHL in 2005-06. He led the league in assists (36) and points by a defenseman (41) en route to All-America, All-New England and All-ECACHL accolades.

The Quinnipiac University men's ice hockey team claimed its 11th consecutive winning season in 2006-07, a feat matched only by Maine, Michigan, Michigan State and New Hampshire. The Bobcats also reached the 20-win plateau for the eighth time in the past nine years.