Minnesota State junior defenseman Akito Hirose has signed with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.
In signing the NHL deal, Hirose foregoes his senior year in Mankato, Minn.
This past season, Hirose finished the season with four goals and 23 assists for 27 points. Additionally, he was a second team all-CCHA member.
Hirose, who appeared in 104 games with the Mavericks, finishes his career with seven goals and 61 assists for 68 career points to go with a plus-53 rating.
During his time as Maverick, Hirose was a part of teams that went 85-24-2, played on three MacNaughton Cup championship teams, two Mason Cup championship teams, qualified for three NCAA tournaments, two Frozen Fours, and earned one trip to the national championship game.
