York bolts RPI, signs with Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute junior goaltender Allen York to a two-year NHL contract.

York will be assigned to the Springfield Falcons of the AHL for the remainder of the season.

“It is a tremendous opportunity at a life-long dream that I cannot pass up,” said York, a sixth round choice of the Blue Jackets in the 2007 NHL draft, in a statement. “The three years at RPI were the best of my life and I am very thankful to my teammates, (head) coach (Seth) Appert, the rest of the staff and the fans.

“I developed a lot in my time at RPI and am really excited with the direction of the program. I am proud of what we accomplished and wish everyone at RPI all the best.”

York was a two-time finalist for the Ken Dryden Award, finishing second in the voting as a sophomore and third this past season.

In 34 games this year, York was 18-11-4 with a 2.17 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage and two shutouts.