Columbus Release

TROY, N.Y. – The Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL) have announced the signing of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Allen York to a two-year NHL contract. York, who foregoes his final year of collegiate eligibility, will be assigned to the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the remainder of the 2010-11 season.

“It is a tremendous opportunity at a life-long dream that I cannot pass up,” said York, a junior from Wetaskiwin, Alb., who was a sixth round choice, 168th overall, of the Blue Jackets in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. “The three years at RPI were the best of my life and I am very thankful to my teammates, Coach Appert, the rest of the staff and the fans.

“I developed a lot in my time at RPI and am really excited with the direction of the program. I am proud of what we accomplished and wish everyone at RPI all the best.”

“I would like to congratulate Allen on signing an NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets,” said Rensselaer head coach Seth Appert. “He has been a driving force in our program for the last three years, pushing us to back to back winning seasons and an NCAA Tournament appearance. We wish him the best in his future as he will always be part of the RPI Hockey Family.”

York was a two-time finalist for the ECAC Hockey Ken Dryden Award, presented annually to the league's top goaltender. He finished second in the voting as a sophomore and third this past season.

In 34 games this year, York was 18-11-4 record with a 2.17 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. He played 87.1% of the team's games, posting two shutouts during 2050:46 minutes.

In three seasons, York had a career record of 37-34-8 with a 2.47 average and a .914 save percentage in 83 games, including 81 starts. He ranks in the top 10 in school history in every goaltending category, including first in goals against average. He is third in ties and save percentage; fifth in games, starts, minutes (4898:46) and losses; sixth in saves (2143) and shutouts (4); and seventh in wins.

York earned All-ECAC Hockey Second Team recognition as a sophomore by playing in 33 games, including 32 as a starter. He had a 14-13-4 record with a 2.54 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. The former Camrose Kodiaks standout was second in the league in goals against average and save percentage and fifth in winning percentage.

This season Rensselaer had a 20-13-5 record, including 11-9-2 in ECAC Hockey. The Engineers were nationally ranked throughout the season and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.