Kinkaid Returns to Devils

SCHENECTADY, NY - Former Union College goaltender Keith Kinkaid was called up to the New Jersey Devils for the second time in less than a week, marking the first time since Union moved to Division I before the 1991-92 season that a former student-athlete has dressed for an NHL game.

Kinkaid is the second Union men's ice hockey player to dress for an NHL, joining Steve Baker, who played in parts of four seasons with the New York Rangers from 1979-1983. He joins the Devils this week as they prepare for a home contest against the San Jose Sharks on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

"It's a little strange to be the first Union player in the Division I era to dress for an NHL game, considering that there has been many great players go through the program," Kinkaid said. "It's all thanks to the coaching staff at Union. They were really helpful in every way possible both on and off the ice. I give them the credit for my success because without them, I would not be where I am today."

After picking up his first professional victory with the Albany Devils on Friday night, Kinkaid joined the New Jersey Devils on Saturday for their road contest against the Nashville Predators. Kinkaid served as the backup goaltender in New Jersey's 3-2 shootout win over the Predators. Kinkaid then returned to Albany on Sunday in time to start in net against the Binghamton Senators on Sunday afternoon.

"When I got the call up, I was a little flustered already because everything was happening all at once," Kinkaid said. "I had just won my first professional game and then to be sent up to New Jersey just topped my night off. It was really exciting to hear the news and be at the game in Nashville. It was fun to get to experience the atmosphere with the guys and feel what it's like to be in the NHL."

Last season with Union, Kinkaid was named a 2010-11 AHCA First Team All-American and was also the recipient of the Ken Dryden Award as the league's top goaltender, becoming the first Union goaltender to earn both honors since Trevor Koenig in 1997.

He finished the year with a record of 25-10-3, compiling a save percentage of .920 and a school-record goals-against average of 1.99, which was fourth best in the nation.

Kinkaid was even more impressive in 22 league contests, putting up a record of 17-3-2 with a .926 save percentage and a conference-leading 1.90 goals against average. He allowed two goals or less in 15 league contests and 24 contests overall, with three shutouts.

Kinkaid completed his career at Union with a 37-18-6 mark, with four shutouts, and 2.18 goals-against average in 63 appearances.  In 2009-10, he was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team, while earning Third Team All-ECAC honors.