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