Two ex-Bulldogs get NHL contracts

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Two former Ferris State standouts recently signed free-agent contracts with a pair of National Hockey League teams.

Goaltender Mitch O'Keefe inked a one-year, entry-level contact with the Ottawa Senators on July 11, while forward Derek Nesbitt signed with the Phoenix Coyotes in early July. Terms of Nesbitt's deal weren't disclosed per the club's policy.

O'Keefe, FSU's Most Valuable Player for the 2007-08 season, turned in a 10-8-5 record in net for the Bulldogs with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 24 appearances. Following the completion of his collegiate eligibility, O'Keefe signed an amateur tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Iowa Stars through the end of the 2007-08 season. He posted a 0-1-0 mark with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage in two appearances for the Stars. He also inked an amateur tryout contract with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins before being released and joining the Stars.

Nesbitt, who played for the Bulldogs from 2001-05, registered 35 points on 17 goals and 18 assists in 46 regular-season games with the Rockford IceDogs of the AHL for the 2007-08 season. He compiled six points with three goals and three assists for Rockford in 12 playoff outings. Rockford would conclude the 2007-08 campaign with a 44-26-4 overall record and notched a 7-5 mark in the 2008 Calder Cup playoffs. Nesbitt joined Rockford on loan from the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL on Dec. 25, 2007. He started the 2007-08 season with Gwinnett and tallied 39 points on 11 goals with 28 assists in in 26 contests.