Tornado graduate Newton signs with NHL's Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent defenseman Jake Newton, who played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Texas Tornado during the 2006-07 season, to a three-year entry-level contract.

Newton, 21, just completed his freshman season at Northeastern University (Hockey East). He played 34 games for the Huskies this season, scoring nine goals for 22 points with 10 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound blueliner led all team defensemen in scoring. In addition, Newton co-led all collegiate freshmen defenseman in goals while ranking second in points. He was named to the Hockey East All Rookie Team today.

“We are very happy to announce Jake’s signing,” said Ducks executive vice president-general manager Bob Murray. “He has a combination of size and skill, making him one of the top offensive defensemen at the college level this season.”

A native of San Jacinto, Calif. (approximately 60 miles east of Anaheim), Newton played youth hockey in Southern California. He played for the Riverside Jets (Squirt A) from 1998-2000 and in Pee Wee Double A with the Ontario Senators in 2000-2001. In 2001-2002, he was a member of both the Ducks and Kings Pee Wee Junior Teams, competing for the Junior Ducks in the Pee Wee Carnival in Quebec. Newton also played two seasons with the San Diego Gulls (Bantam AA and Midget AAA teams from 2002-04).

See a complete list of NAHL graduates playing in the NHL this season here.