Big Ben Bishop Becomes Blue, Baby!

by Tomorrows Blues on Mar 11, 2008 7:18 PM CDT

By Brian Weidler, "Game Time" Prospect Department

One of St. Louis' favorite sons has come home.

Ben Bishop, the towering (6'7", 210 pounds) goaltender drafted 85th overall in 2005, signed with the Blues today, and will be assigned to Peoria for the balance of the season.

Bishop joins the Blues after completing three seasons at the University of Maine, where he ranks in the top five all-time in several major categories: third in games played (99), second in saves (2,399), fifth in wins (55) and fourth with a 2.29 goals against average. He accumulated five career shutouts with the Black Bears, and his all-time win percentage (117 of 198 points) is 59.1%.

Season. Club (Lea). GP Mins GA. Svs. Save% GAA. Record.. ======= =========== == ==== === ==== ===== ==== ======== 2005-06 Maine (HEA) 31 1788 .68 .665 90.7% 2.28 21-08-02 2006-07 Maine (HEA) 34 1907 .68 .819 92.3% 2.14 21-09-02 2007-08 Maine (HEA) 34 1972 .80 .915 92.0% 2.43 13-18-03 ------- ----------- -- ---- --- ---- ----- ---- -------- Bishop Totals ..... 99 5667 216 2399 91.7% 2.29 55-35-07

Bishop was not listed on Peoria's "Clear Day" roster, so it is unknown at this point if he can be made eligible to play for the Rivermen in the upcoming Calder Cup playoffs. There are, however, numerous loopholes in the eligibility rules, so if there is a way, rest assured the Blues will find it.

Read the official announcement at STLBlues.com.

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"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

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Awesome! Maybe he can just skip the minor leagues and come to the NHL… just kidding.

by Christine on Mar 11, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

That’s a big five hole.

Watching him at the Frozen Four last year, he was HUGE even on his knees.

Good luck to the kid.

by Brad Lee on Mar 11, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions

It’s too bad the Bears had a down year this year, but maybe seeing the extra rubber will have done Bishop some good.

I’m not sure what our draft standing looks like, but I get the feeling we will be selecting a goalie in this years draft as well (4th round at the latest.)

Jesus….wasn’t it only 12 months ago we seemed stacked with real prospects at that position? Maybe I should not be writing off Marek yet, but it is hard to be encouraged by his struggles and lack of development.

by Rich Horton on Mar 11, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply actions

Big Blue Ben Bishop, huh? BBBB.

Granted, I’ve never seen him play. But man, that size, good stats. This kid could really be something.

by Marcus Pettersson on Mar 12, 2008 2:33 AM CDT reply actions

He will be eligible. The clear day roster makes exceptions for late additions on ATO contracts. Backes played in the PO’s for the Rives two years ago in the exact same situation.

by forgetyerskatesdream on Mar 12, 2008 9:02 AM CDT reply actions

Man I’m going to miss that kid.
You guys are really lucky to have him on your team.
I wish he would have stayed in Maine for his senior year though.
But oh well, he’s on to bigger and better things.
And he’s going to great.

by Abby Delaware on Mar 20, 2008 4:39 PM CDT reply actions