DENVER - University of Denver sophomore defenseman Scott Mayfield (St. Louis, Mo.) has decided to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders it was announced Friday. The deal begins with the 2013-14 season and runs through the 2015-16 campaign. Mayfield will join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League on an Amateur Tryout Contract.
Mayfield, who was drafted in the second round (34th overall) by the Islanders in 2011, finished his two-year DU career with 29 points (7g, 22a) in 81 games. Mayfield tallied 17 points on four goals and 13 assists in 2012-13. The 6-4, 205-pound defenseman posted 12 points (3g, 9a) in 42 games in 2011-12.
"The Pioneer program is proud and happy for Scott and his family. He is realizing his life-long dream to become a professional hockey player," DU associate head coach Steve Miller said. "Scott is a very talented and rugged player whose game and style will translate well at the pro level. We wish him continued success and look forward to seeing him in the NHL soon."
Mayfield is the first DU underclassman to turn pro following the 2012-13 season and the fourth over the last two campaigns, joining Beau Bennett (Pittsburgh) Drew Shore (Florida) and Jason Zucker (Minnesota), each who left in 2011-12.
He is also the 18thunderclassman to sign a professional contract over the last 19 seasons. Mayfield joins Bennett, Zucker, Shore (2012), Matt Donovan (2011), Marc Cheverie (2010), Joe Colborne (2010), Patrick Wiercioch (2010), Tyler Bozak (2009), Chris Butler (2008), Brock Trotter (2008), Geoff Paukovich (2007), Ryan Dingle (2007), Paul Stastny (2006), Matt Carle (2006), Brett Skinner (2005), Mark Rycroft (2000) and Matt Pettinger (1999) as Pioneers who left school early to turn pro since 1999. Bozak, Butler, Carle, Stastny and Zucker are currently are playing in the NHL.
Prior to his collegiate career, Mayfield played two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. In 111 career USHL games, Mayfield totaled 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) and 304 penalty minutes.
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