June 1, 2010

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Junior captain Tommy Wingels became the latest Miami Hockey player to join the professional ranks Tuesday when he signed with the San Jose Sharks, Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wingels, 22, spent the last three seasons with the RedHawks, amassing 99 points (43-56=99) in 127 games played. He helped Miami to consecutive Frozen Four appearances in the last two seasons, including the championship game in 2008-09.

This season, Wingels served as team captain and finished second on the club in goals (17), fourth in points (17-26=43) and second in game-winning goals (5). His 43 points were tied for 33rd among all NCAA scorers and tied for ninth in the CCHA. Following the season, he was named the league's "Best Defensive Forward", while being selected second-team all-conference.

As a sophomore, Wingels tallied 28 points on 11 goals and 17 assists with two goals and an assist in the national semifinal win over Bemidji State. He scored 15 goals and dished out 14 assists for 29 points during his freshman campaign. Prior to Miami, Wingels played with Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League (USHL), helping the 2006-07 RoughRiders to a 37-18-5 regular-season record and second-place finish in the USHL's East Division.

"Tommy's mix of hockey sense and skill allow him to make an impact in all phases of the game," said Wilson. "Miami head coach Enrico Blasi has built an extremely strong program at Miami and Tommy was a leader for them during his three years there. We're excited for him to begin his development at the professional level."

The 6-foot, 195-pound native of Wilmette, Ill., was selected by San Jose in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The son of Robert and Karen Wingels, Tommy is an finance major.