FERRIS' MATT STEFANISHION INKS WITH WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Sophomore Forward Signs Two-Year, Entry-Level Pact With Organization

Forward Matt Stefanishion (Daysland, Alberta) of the Ferris State University hockey team, who recently completed his sophomore season in 2005-06, has signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals.

The deal was announced Saturday (April 1) by Washington vice president and general manager George McPhee.

In addition to Stefanishion, 22, the Capitals also signed defenseman Jamie Hunt, who recently completed his collegiate junior campaign at Mercyhurst in Erie, Pa. Both were signed as free agents. Per club policy, no financial terms of the deals were disclosed.

The 6'3", 210-pound Stefanishion was limited to 23 games as a sophomore during the 2005-06 campaign and posted nine goals along with four assists for 13 total points. He ranked seventh among the squad's goal-scoring leaders and tied for 10th on the team in total points. Six of his goals this season were on the power play. The native of Daysland, Alberta, compiled 21 goals and 13 assists in his two-year collegiate career.

Stefanishion led all Ferris' freshmen in scoring during the 2004-05 season with 21 points on 12 goals and nine assists in 34 contests. He also compiled two multi-point games to go with four power-play lamplighters and a game-winning goal in his initial FSU campaign while attaining Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Honorable Mention All-Rookie Team accolades.

Prior to Ferris State, Stefanishion spent three seasons (2001-04) with the Melville (Saskatchewan) Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

Ferris State concluded the 2005-06 season with a 17-15-8 overall record, which included a sixth-place tying 10-11-7 CCHA mark.

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