University of Minnesota Athletics
Keith Ballard Signs Contract with the Phoenix Coyotes
6/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
"Although we will miss him, we are extremely happy for Keith," Golden Gopher Head Coach Don Lucia said. "I know it is a dream come true for him to have an opportunity to play in the NHL. He's been a great hockey player during his three years here, but is an even better person off the ice. Keith was only going to leave if he received the maximum allowable offer under the salary cap and that's what he received. It was just too good of an opportunity for him to pass up. He will be a great representative of the University of Minnesota and we thank him for his contributions to this program."
Ballard was a 2003-04 All-American, a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist and an All-WCHA First Team selection after finishing the season with 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 37 games. He finishes his Minnesota career alone in seventh place on UM's all-time list for goals by a defenseman with 33. Ballard is one of only 11 defensemen in school history to tally 100 points in a career. He had 33-67--100 for 11th place on Minnesota's points by a defenseman list. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Ballard helped lead the Golden Gophers to consecutive NCAA titles in 2002 and 2003.
In April, Ballard represented Team USA at the IIHF World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, helping the United States win a bronze medal. He was the only NCAA player selected to the roster.
The Coyotes acquired Ballard on March 9, 2004, along with defenseman Derek Morris from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Chris Gratton, defenseman Ossi Vaananen and the Coyotes second-round draft choice in the 2005 Entry Draft. Ballard was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres (1st round, 11th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
For more information on Ballard's signing, visit the official website of the Phoenix Coyotes at www.phoenixcoyotes.com.
