University of Minnesota Athletics
Bischoff Signs with Islanders
3/28/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) - Gopher Hockey senior defenseman Jake Bischoff has signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. Bischoff was the organization's seventh round selection (185th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
"I wouldn't trade the last four years for anything, and I want to thank everyone for supporting us. This will always be a special place for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for everything the University of Minnesota has given me," Bischoff said. "At the same time, I'm excited take the next step in my career by joining the New York Islanders organization."
A native of Grand Rapids, Minn., Bischoff closed out his college career as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Big Ten selection. The alternate captain had his best statistical season as a senior with career highs in points (32), assists (27) and blocks (88). The defenseman ranked eighth among NCAA defensemen in scoring (first among Big Ten defensemen) and ranked tied for eighth nationally in blocks.
Bischoff totaled 68 points (17 goals, 51 assists) in 139 career games with the Gophers. As a senior, he was honored with Minnesota's John Mayasich Outstanding Student-Athlete Award and the Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero Award while sharing the Elwin "Doc" Romnes Leadership & Sportsmanship Award with fellow senior Justin Kloos.
"I've known Jake's family since before he was born, and it's been a privilege to have him in our locker room for the last four years," Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. "Like all of our seniors this year, he has been a great leader for us, and there is no question how much effort and dedication he brought to our program. We are excited for him to take the next step in his career, and we wish him luck with the Islanders."
As a member of the 2016-17 Gopher Hockey senior class, Bischoff helped the Maroon & Gold win the first four Big Ten regular-season conference championships in league history and set a new NCAA record with the program's sixth-straight overall regular-season conference title. The class made three trips to the NCAA tournament including a national championship game appearance in 2014 while their final NCAA tournament berth stands as Minnesota's 37th - also an NCAA record.
Bischoff joins Gophers alum Nick Leddy in the Islanders organization.
-Pride On Ice-
