MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin All-American goaltender Brian Elliott (Newmarket, Ontario) agreed to terms on a contract with the NHL's Ottawa Senators, general manager John Muckler announced on Wednesday.
Elliott, 21, enjoyed a decorated National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) goaltending career at the University of Wisconsin. Elliott had played in 86 games over his four-year college career (85 starts), recording a 51-27-6 record, a 1.78 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and 16 shutouts.
Elliott backstopped Wisconsin to a NCAA national championship in 2005-06 while leading all Division-1 goaltenders in winning percentage (.814, 27-5-3), goals-against average (1.55) and save percentage (.938). For his accomplishments, Elliott was one of three finalists for the Hobey
Baker Memorial Award, which is awarded annually to the top player in college hockey.
"We’re pleased to have Brian under contract as he had a great college career,” said Senators general manager John Muckler. “He will join Binghamton and work with Dave (Cameron, head coach) and the B-Sens for the balance of their season."
Elliott completed his Badger playing career with school records in career shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage, as well as single-season shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage. He set the WCHA record in 2005-06 with a 269:52 shutout streak and tied the WCHA record this season with his 16th career shutout. A member of the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and the 2006 NCAA Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player
Elliott finished his career among the top statistical goaltenders in NCAA history, ranking tied for fourth in NCAA career save percentage and sixth in NCAA goals-against average. The NCAA doesn't currently keep career shutout records.
Drafted by the Senators in the ninth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 291st overall, Elliott completed his college career last weekend, backstopping Wisconsin to a third-place finish in the WCHA Final Five. Elliott was named WCHA goaltending champion for the second consecutive season and the All-WCHA second-team goaltender at the WCHA awards banquet on March 15.
Elliott is the first Badger to officially sign following the UW's recently completed season. A handful more players are expected to sign professional contracts in the coming days.