(Photo: Kylee Meter/WCSN)
Arizona State junior goaltender Joey Daccord officially signed a two-year NHL entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators on Monday, becoming the first Sun Devil in program history to sign an entry-level deal.
“It’s an incredible honor and something I’ve worked towards my whole life and I couldn’t’ have done it without Arizona State University, coach Powers, and the entire staff at Sun Devil Hockey,” Daccord said to Sun Devil Athletics. “I’m incredibly thankful for everyone that’s been a part of this, including the Ottawa Senators organization.”
It’s insane to think about, especially when I committed, Arizona State hadn’t even played a Division I game yet. Now to be the first player to sign an NHL contract out of ASU is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s so special, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone here and Sun Devil Nation. It’s truly an incredible moment.”
Daccord will immediately join the Senators tomorrow and stay on the NHL club for the remainder of the season.
In the 2015 NHL Draft, Daccord was picked as the No. 199 overall selection in the seventh round by the Senators.
In his stellar junior campaign, the 6-3, 205-pound native of North Andover, Mass., posted a 21-13-1 record with a 2.35 goals against average and a .926 save percentage while earning an NCAA-leading seven shutout victories.
The 2019 Mike Richter Award finalist was a cornerstone to Arizona State’s surprising success story as Daccord led the team in goal to their first-ever NCAA Tournament bid.
Daccord never missed a beat, starting all 35 games during the 2018-2019 campaign for ASU coach Greg Powers.
“I think the things I’ve learned the most being here is first off how to be a good person off the ice and how to conduct yourself like a professional. It’s something coach Powers has always harped on is being a good person first and being a good student before being a good athlete. That’s something I really took to heart,” Daccord said. “In regards to hockey, it’s always being prepared for whatever is going to come at you next, always being prepared to compete at the highest level, and be at your best no matter what the situation is. That’s something I’m definitely going to take with me for the rest of my life.”
During his third-year breakout season, Daccord set career highs in games (34), wins (21), goals-against average (2.35), save percentage (.926), and shutouts (seven).
In his entire Sun Devil career, Daccord dawned a 32-40-7 record in 82 games played and gradually improved his game in goal throughout his time at Oceanside Ice Arena.
No matter where his professional career takes him, Daccord will always be remembered as a key piece to the legacy of Sun Devil Hockey.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Joey,” Powers said to Sun Devil Athletics. “Joey came here to set a standard and he did that and more. Joey is a Sun Devil for life and we cannot wait to support him on his journey in the National Hockey League with the Ottawa Senators.”
It’s onward and upward from here for Daccord as he will ride out the rest of the year with the Ottawa Senators.
“I’m really excited and looking forward to the opportunity, and can’t wait to get started.”
