Oct. 28, 2009

AMHERST, Mass - Former UMass defenseman standout John Wessbecker has been signed by the Trenton Devils of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) as announced by team. During his time at UMass, the 23 year old Minnesota defenseman recorded 12 points on two goals and ten assists in 123 games. He finished his college career with a plus-1 rating including a career high plus-8 in his senior season and recorded 80 penalty minutes.

He was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team earning Distinguished Scholar honors for having a 3.0 or higher GPA for all four years. Wessbecker was originally a 2005 NHL draft pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Trenton Devils are the East Coast affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

Prior to signing with the Devils, Wessbecker participated in training camps with the Houston Aeros of the AHL and the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

In Trenton, Wessbecker will join a former teammate in fellow blueliner David Leaderer. Leaderer is in his second season with the Devils and has recorded 38 points on 14 goals and 24 assists in 83 games so far.

The Devils will be back in action tonight and Friday night when they host the Wheeling Nailers and the Johnstown Chiefs. Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.